Do you prefer circulated coins, uncirculated coins or proof coins?

llafoe

Which do you prefer to collect and why?

llafoe

We used to collect uncirculated coins and proof coins, but the proof coins looked too perfect so we decided to only collect coins that were minted for circulation in uncirculated condition.

We didn't want to collect coins that were minted specifically for collectors: proof coins, satin finish coins, medals, commemoratives, bullion, etc.

Regretfully, for my son to be competitve with his sister in the Registry, we had to purchase two collector coins (Millennium and Goodacre SACs); hopefully BJ will create a 2000 Mint Set that only requires circulating coins soon and we can dump these two collector coins.

Shamika

I don't care for proofs. The idea of collecting something that was specifically made to be collected has never been for me.

TomB

Yes.

pakasmom

Took me a while to know what I really liked. I prefer circulated coins in the VF to XF range.

ChrisRx

I collect circulated, uncirculated and proof coins.

Bayard1908

I only collect proofs. I like the rarity, reflectivity, and greater striking detail. Also, counter-intuitively, many 19th Century coins are less expensive as proofs than as business strikes.

LindeDad

In the classic era I collect circulated coins.
In the modern era my preference is uncirculated circulation coins, with some proofs and the collectors mint set coins.

PinkFloyd

Rarity is more important to me. Though I guess I'm partial to a nice uncirculated strike. There's something about proofs thats almost fake to me.

rld14

<< <i>I don't care for proofs. The idea of collecting something that was specifically made to be collected has never been for me. >>



Yep! I also greatly prefer dirty, circulated stuff.... "Mint" coins are a bit sterile to me.

melikecoins

I collect uncirculated modern coins

Proofs I sell

Glen

ProofArtworkonCircs

I would prefer to collect coins used as a medium of exchange only. This means the coins were originally available for face value. However in getting involved with proof artwork on business strikes, I have added a few proof pieces for comparasion purposes. Then we also have the case of circulation artwork on a proof coin.

ricko

I collect them all.... I am a coin collector. Cheers, RickO

RYK

It depends. For my more collection of No Motto gold, I prefer circulated.

BillJones

I collect coins in the highest grades that I can afford. Therefore I answered circulated, uncirculated and Proof. When they are available I prefer Proof coins to Uncirculated pieces. I think that Proof coins show the artwork better in most cases, and when it comes to modern coins, they are much cheaper than Mint State pieces in high grade.

sbeverly

I collect them all.

jsf

I prefer uncirculated, mint state coins.

However, I learned early-on that I can live quite well with dirty, circulated examples of a lot of things.

Twobitcollector

I collect circulated, uncirculated and proof coins.

ChrisRx

To not collect all is like just drinking red wine. Ala "frame lag."

coinkat

mostly Business strikes and grade will range depending upon counrty, series and my overall interest

Not to dismiss Proofs- I have a few- nothing great

crypto79

<< <i>I don't care for proofs. The idea of collecting something that was specifically made to be collected has never been for me. >>

This is about how I feel but would add that I like a few proofs here and there for affect. Also I love well used coins as it shows that they slipped through some hands as they were intended to on their way to me.

QuarterCollector

Circulated coins. Alot have stories to tell.

Tom

speety

I collect all three, but prefer uncirculated. Full, untempered with uncirculated luster is my favorite though!

ProofCents

Mostly proof coins

sumnom

As a general rule I collect business strikes in the XF-AU range but I do occasionally go for mint state pieces. I will go into lower grades if the ideal grades are too expensive. I am generally not interested in proofs/NCLT. They just don't seem like real coins to me. Yes, I know, it's just my opinion but there it is!

kurtdog

You know, that's a good question, as I actually like circulated coins, now, but was kind of ashamed, on a big board like this, to mention it. I do have a certain kinship, though, I guess. That is to say, I'm kind of circulated, now, myself.

fiveNdime

all 3, i like AU/XF for albums.

i like them in AU as someone likely thought to save it when they came across it.




<< <i>Circulated coins. Alot have stories to tell. >>

OKbustchaser

<< <i>As a general rule I collect business strikes in the XF-AU range but I do occasionally go for mint state pieces. I will go into lower grades if the ideal grades are too expensive. I am generally not interested in proofs/NCLT. They just don't seem like real coins to me. Yes, I know, it's just my opinion but there it is! >>



Not just your opinion; it's mine also.

BillyKingsley

All three for me, but mostly circulated.

ziggy29

No hard and fast rule, but I find VF-30 to AU to be my sweet spot. It also depends on the type; I prefer the look of nice, original VF Barber Halves more than the choice AUs. They "age" gracefully.

mozin

I would love to collect proof coins, but proof Bust Half Dollars do not fit into my budget.

Bayard1908

<< <i>I would love to collect proof coins, but proof Bust Half Dollars do not fit into my budget. >>



I was the underbidder on a proof bust half at Heritage recently and sometimes wish that I had purchased it.

Shamika

<< <i>You know, that's a good question, as I actually like circulated coins, now, but was kind of ashamed, on a big board like this, to mention it. >>



NEVER BE ASHAMED!!! Although I collect mint state coins, I believe there's something honorable about collecting circulated pieces. Imagining who may have held a coin that has obvious wear has a romance unto itself.

sumnom

It is good to see that I am not alone in actually preferring circulated coins. Coins that are too perfect just seem denatured to me.

eggbone

I have no preference in which type. However, I really like older(mid 19th century and older) circulated coins so I can speculate that someone special may have handled them.

johnny9434

it dont really matter to me as long as theres no issues with it.

Type2

Uncirculated/ Business Strike coins.

sparky64

I don't discriminate on what I collect but I like the look of a good AU.

TennesseeDave

Mostly XF-AU in my 2 main series(see sigline) Unc. only in the more common stuff like Morgans and Peace $(not currently active in these series).I don't care for modern proofs but love 1800's proof coins.