20th c. type set - Proofs of Business strikes?
mharris
Posts: 20 ✭✭
I have a Capital Plastics "20TH Century Type Set" that I started filling a number of years ago. I apparently was using either proofs or SMS coins to fill a number of slots. I think my rational was that a proof is the most ideal representation of the coin. In truth, I don't care a whole lot for modern proofs and I rarely collect them. I am sure many first thoughts on this will be "collect what you like", but I am wondering if there is an argument for proofs as the pinnacle of a year/series type?
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I like Proofs as a type collector because they represent the design in the best looking format to my eye. A lot of collectors do not agree with me. They want coins that could have been used in commerce, not a bunch of "shined up medals."
I don't know how far or extensive you type set will be, but advised that you can't get everything in Proof if is goes from 1900 to 2000 with all of the types. Some types, like the Standing Liberty Quarter were not made as Proofs, or they are so rare that you chances of getting one are slim to none. The Peace Dollar also falls into this category.
The 1909-VDB Cent in tough in Matte Proof too. First not that many were made. Second, many of them are impaired because they were mishandled or spent, and third one guy owns something like 75 of them and has control of the market. I've given up on that one. That situation probably won't change in my lifetime.
A proof with wear can be a business strike (circulated in commerce) yet a bussiness strike can never be a proof. That's the logic I'd use when deciding which avenue to travel.
Most brilliant proofs from 1936 to the mid-1950 are inferior in detail to high quality circulation strikes. The cause was polishing which removed fine details from the dies.
This is true, but picky buyers can find Proof coins from that era that are sharp, if you keep digging.
For the 19th century I like mint state as those were often saved in smaller numbers than proofs. I find it easier to assess swirling mint luster and contact marks than foggy mirrors under toning with well hidden hairlines that only show up a certain angle. You can strip the surfaces of a proof coin and then cover it with toning....it can actually look ok. Once you strip off or degrade original mint luster, no amount of toning and other trickery can make it "appear" intact.
Yes. Some of the 1936 and 1937 brilliant proof Buffs could almost be called 3 1/2 legged varieties
I don't believe that I have any Proofs except a set from my birth year.
Proofs are beautiful examples of coins.... I used to buy the proof sets - stopped many years ago. It does not take much to impair a proof, even the slightest scratch or rub stands out immediately. Proof coins need protection at all times. @BillJones ... that is a very nice '42 Merc.... Cheers, RickO