Proofs are in, business strikes are out

Pushkin

After 8 years of actively collecting followed by 40 years away from the hobby, and then back for the last 7 years I've decided to focus almost exclusively on proofs. There are a number of reasons but the bottom line is eye appeal. I like coins that look great, and in copper, coins that have exceptional color. My focus has been on Flying Eagle and Indian Head cents including varieties (with an excursion into 2¢ pieces). I put together and disposed of three complete IHC sets (F-VF, XF-AU and MS64-65) and a high end 2¢ set.

All things considered proofs are the nicest looking coins by far IMO. I'm never unhappy or disappointed when looking at my proofs. If the rare stunning and colorful MS comes along, maybe I'll purchase it, but proofs are in for me and business strikes are out (except maybe for those really nice true AU-58 cents) - just one crazy old fool's preference. Proofs and cats!

Anyone else feel the same way?

coinkat

In terms of Copper, I see and understand your point. I kinda like business strikes more for the coins that I collect. In terms of a market trend, I think you are about 90% right

fivecents

<< <i>Proofs and cats! >>

You mean proofs and really, really BIG cats.

BECOKA

I would agree 100%. Unfortunately proofs on the series I like take moon money to get.

tradedollarnut

I've gone almost completely in the other direction .... give me that ol' cartwheel luster!

Except for my Gobrechts ... a man's just gotta have those!

coinlieutenant

I have gone away from proofs...way away.

J

kalch23

Gold proofs look so silly to me. They look really plasticy, even fake.

If you saw one raw at your local coin show, you'd probably say, "Chinese made fake" and not think twice.