Anyone ever spend any proof coins?

PutTogether · November 15, 2008 10:34AM

This came to me from a thread about cheap dollar sets. I got a Dansco album for the president dollars for something to do in-between other larger coin purchases. While the album is neat looking, it hasn't been much fun because the only thing I do to fill it is buy a mint set and proof set for the given year, break them open, put the dollars in, and that's it. Anyway, I end up with these extra coins from the sets I have nothing to do with usually I just go spend them. You know how someone kind of looks at you weird when you use a Kennedy Half to buy something? You should see their face when it is a proof from the current year. Priceless.

Bochiman · November 15, 2008 10:35AM

Some folks do....easier than trying to sell for a buck or two.
I still have some from doing the same thing. Put in 2x2s and haven't done anything with them yet.

For the mint sets, you can send the leftovers to me

ziggy29 · November 15, 2008 10:36AM

I haven't, but a couple years ago my wife told me she got a "funny looking" state quarter in change. It was more mirrorlike than most coins in circulation and she noticed that it didn't have the coppery look around the edge. She thought it might be a fake.

Turned out to be a silver proof, now sitting in a drawer and which I'd grade PR-55.

TennesseeDave · November 15, 2008 12:52PM

I recently spent a 1972-S Quarter that had been a pocket piece for a couple months,but it was accidental.

Meltdown · November 15, 2008 6:27PM

I received a pretty worn 1980 proof quarter in change not too long ago. It was dirty from circulation but there was no hiding the mirrors underneath.
I thought that was pretty neat.

Steve27 · November 15, 2008 7:34PM

I haven't, but I did find a 1976 proof quarter in circulation.

ttown · November 15, 2008 9:07PM

I got a 1990 proof ASE and several ASE that were in circulation. They were mined for me at a bank valut worker. The plan was going great until a $10 Liberty silver round shows up

and that was around $5 silver. I told her to let any other of those go............

ambro51 · November 15, 2008 9:15PM

Makes you realize how broad the collector base is.

Thats Millions and zillions of modern era proof coins...still in a collection somewhere.

MadMarty · November 15, 2008 9:31PM

All the time.. Sometimes when cracking open a proof set the coins fall on the carpet, into the spending bin they go! They are great to leave in the tip jars at Starbucks! Every once in a while I throw in a Panama proof coin just to confuse them!!!

ebizgobro · November 15, 2008 9:37PM

I haven't spent any proof coins. But several years ago, I received most of a proof set in change at the grocery store. Apparently someone had gotten into the coin collection and spent it. I asked the cashier if she had other coins like it but she said that she had already given them out. I still have the coins which are clearly proof with a lot of scratches.

GritsMan · November 15, 2008 11:34PM

<< <i>I haven't, but I did find a 1976 proof quarter in circulation. >>

You found it already? I only spent it about four months ago!

TorinoCobra71 · November 16, 2008 12:15AM

I pulled an 1988-S 25c proof from circulation one time, threw it into my change bag and dont know what happened to it........

SaorAlba · November 16, 2008 1:22AM

<< <i>I pulled an 1988-S 25c proof from circulation one time, threw it into my change bag and dont know what happened to it........ >>

You spent it. Because I got that same exact coin in change a few years ago. Really.

Boom · November 16, 2008 1:27AM

Every now & then.

mgoodm3 · November 16, 2008 2:04AM

I tried to spend one once, but nobody would take a half cent.

cheezhed · November 16, 2008 2:09AM

Never spent one but got this in change a couple months ago:

PutTogether · November 16, 2008 2:23AM

<< <i>I tried to spend one once, but nobody would take a half cent. >>

LOL. Yeah, I had that problem trying too! "What is a stella?" everyone just kept asking me - refused to take it. Said no such thing as a 400 cent coin.

OLC · November 16, 2008 2:29AM

I got a 1972 silver proof IKE back one night in change from Caseys. I could hear something silver coming as soon as she stuck here fingers into the cash register.

Boom · November 16, 2008 2:35AM

Heck, just try spending Ikes or Sacagawaea/ Presidential dollars.

You get the strangest looks and comments/ questions!

"Is this real"? - "What is this"?

A lot of people are totally clueless regarding some coins.

19Lyds · November 16, 2008 2:40AM

<< <i>Heck, just try spending Ikes or Sacagawaea/ Presidential dollars.

You get the strangest looks and comments/ questions!

"Is this real"? - "What is this"?

A lot of people are totally clueless regarding some coins.

>>

I've never gotten a strange look when spending these and I've never deliberately or accidentally spent a proof. It's something within my sick mind that says,

"Keep it!"

"Keep IT!"

"KEEP IT!"

Muahahahahah!

2manycoins2fewfunds · November 16, 2008 2:50AM

I haven't spent any but you commonly find them searching half dollar rolls.

Some of those proof sets grandpa gives out at Christmas get spent as change by the kids.

ormandh · November 16, 2008 3:02AM

I did in the mid 80's when I was a wild 17 year old and didn't take collecting seriously. My grandfather gave me many proof sets. I can remember cracking them out to spend.

I also sold my baseball card collection in 1984. It was a complete collection 68-84 for $200. I was happy for a couple of weeks. That was before I got my first job and realized what a dollar was worth. I wish I could go back in time and have a do-over.

-Dan

GrumpyEd · November 16, 2008 5:03AM

Got this one last year, my change was $2.05 and the cashier handed me a crisp $2 bill and this proof 5c! Looks like a PF63-64?

DBSTrader2 · November 16, 2008 10:44AM

So it's fun to put into circulation to see the clerks' looks, and easier than trying to sell for a buck or two?

If anyone has that urge again, please contact me - - I'll GLADLY give you face for the opportunity to add some proofs to my Whitman folders!!

Same goes for Mint sets - - I'd love to keep my Kennedy Halves & Sac dollars collections up-to-date!

- - Dave

Anyone ever spend any proof coins?

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