Business strike or Proof...

DAM

Which do you prefer, and why. Or maybe you don't have a reason, it's just a collecting preference. This isn't a right or wrong question.

Although I collect both, I prefer business strikes. There's something about holding a coin that's been in circulation, wondering who's held it and where it's been. The same can be said for proof coins, except they don't get to see the sites like the business strikes do.

Also a business strike in high grade, regardless of color, say MS67 and 100 years old or more, had to have been taken care of to keep it in it's current condition. The same can be said for proof coins. But their purpose was for collectors. Therefore "most of them" were intentionally taken care of. At least a good many of them were.

coinrookie

I like proofs the best. I just love the look. That being said, I also collect circ strikes. As far as circs go, to me when you get them in higher grades,you are right, somebody had to take really good care of them. So to me that gives them a somewhat less than really interesting history as opposed to a circ in say xf or f which can let your imagination run a little wild with who might have possessed these coins.

Steve

CarlWohlforth

I really love the look of cameo proof coins. They are well struck and really show off the designs.

There is a lot to be said of lustrous Mint State coins. I really appreciate an untouched MS coin with thick skin. So my tastes are pretty broad.

tradedollarnut

I like business strikes much more than proofs. Something about the cartwheel luster and the tremendous odds against survival in high grade.

But I do like original tissue toned cameo proofs, too!

fcloud

Both have there attributes, but if backed into a corner, I guess I would go with the business strick coins.

If you seen one proof you pretty much have seen them all. With the bussiness strikes there is the whole gambit. Everything from P-O1 to MS70 is possible. It is nice to see what happens to coins as they go through there cycle of use.

SMS coins are neat, too. You can find an occational cameo on the 1965 to 1967. And, the new SMS coins have a look all their own.

Tony

coolkarma

For pure beauty of appearance, I like deep cameo proofs the best. However, for coins one or two hundred years old, the truly circulated coins, whether Good or Very Fine, allow you to dream. My children like the stories I tell about them the best. And so do I.

CoolKarma

cladking

I like all coins but my first love is always coins which circulate. Their beauty is much
more an acquired taste than proofs but can be stunning if one learns to appreciate
it. Somehow an uncirculated piece gains credence just because it could or should
have circulated, and the fact that most of its brethren actually did circulate. In fact,
the higher the improbability that it remained pristine the better its appearance.

Proofs are great to see what the coin is supposed to look like and business strikes
are great to see what actually circulated and was used in commerce.

trozau

Proof because I like the contrast of the frosty devices against the mirror background.

bigbadchad777

UNCIRCULATED COMEMORATIVES!

Dennis88

Dcam proof coins. I just love that luck!!

dennis88

egsantos

Proofs.
I love the Deep Cameo contrast.


Edson

mdwoods

I like business strikes much more than proofs. Something about the cartwheel luster and the tremendous odds against survival in high grade.

But I do like original tissue toned cameo proofs, too!

I think tradedollarnut says it very well.

fantasiize

My preference is business/circulation strike coins