pr vs. ms

bgchrs2003

why are ms condition coins more valuable than proof coins of the same coin???? i figured it would be the opposite.....

1998 MS67RD = $50
1998-D MS67RD = $50
1998-S PR67DC = $8

?????

airplanenut

Proofs are individually struck with polished dies and polished planchets, while mint state coins are put in the hoppers. A mark-free proof coin should be expected (a 67 being a pretty bad grade for a modern), while mark-free mint state examples are quite hard to find, relatively.

Jeremy

FC57Coins

It just has to do with how difficult it is to find a coin in that condition - a proof is made to be as close to perfect as possible - finding a close to perfect business strike is a whole different matter. Welcome to the boards!

bgchrs2003

o ok, so its a thing of rarity. another question - which would you rather invest??? proofs or mints????

lordmarcovan

Sometimes with modern commems there were fewer MS coins made- generally I believe proofs are more in demand. But if an MS mintage is lower, that can work to one's advantage at times.

The other example would be in the supergrade status- you'll often find that coins are often scarce or downright rare in MS68 and up, whereas modern proofs are seldom found below that range.



<< <i>which would you rather invest??? proofs or mints???? >>



I think most folks would tell you to go for high quality MS over proof coins. I personally prefer proofs, though. Why? Because I like the "flash" of 'em, and Cameo contrast is bewitching to me.

Follow your heart, not the herd.

Russ

<< <i>why are ms condition coins more valuable than proof coins of the same coin???? >>



FLASHBACK! One of the questions I had when I first got here.

Russ, NCNE

Bear

Got Here? Russ I thought you were born here.

airplanenut

<< <i>which would you rather invest??? proofs or mints???? >>

I wouldn't invest in moderns at all--they are only going to become less rare as more are graded. The classic coins are much more likely to go up in value, or, at least, not go down.

Shamika

"why are ms condition coins more valuable than proof coins of the same coin?"

Keep in mind that it depends on the series.

keets

.............and i wonder which is more rare cut from a Mint Set and Proof Set of say, 1999, a coin that grades MS68 or a coin that grades PR67CAM?? just a funny thought i had cause who would want the PR67CAM?? but i bet it's more rare!!

al h.

cladking

Investing in any coins is risky business since they can go in any direction price wise
and go very fast. The moderns seem likely poised to reap the benefits of decades of
being ignored but there is no certainty that newbies will continue to find these coins
irresistable or even that thy'll still be interested in coins at all in a few years.

Actually if you were to redefine your grades then you'll see that the high grade proofs
are much more valuable than the high grade uncs. About the top 1% of proofs will sell
for substantial premiums while to get the same amount of premium the mint state coins
will have to be in the top .1%! There are much larger numbers of people who collect
the proofs so prices are better.

Another way to look at this is the total value of all the MS and PR of a given coin; gen-
erally the proofs will be worth more. Obviously this applies particularly to moderns but
works for many of the classics as well. In either case the proofs have a dramatically
higher survival rate while the mint state coins are allowed to wear out or to be lost.

Coppernicus

Proofs are bought and held by collectors (almost always.) MS coins are made "in bulk" and get nicked easily. Also, many older dates have been cisrculated, unlike the proofs (again, almost always.)

Mike