Do you like Proofs or Business Strikes?

I don't know why but I've never really been a big fan of proofs. I'm currently working on a complete set of toned Business Strike Franklin Halves and realized that I only have one Proof. Likewise this is my favorite series. What are your thoughts?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I like business strike because high grades are tough to find. With proofs, almost all of them are 65, 66, 67, 68, and 69 with the once in a while 70. There isn't much of a hunt for high grade proofs. That's my take on it anyway.

 

Jason, be sure to check Shane's listings on eBay. He will often have toned Frankies.

Also, if you're not a member of the NGC forums, you might not be aware that Jason, aka Physics-fan3.14, has just returned from an extended hiatus. His first love is Frankies and he has a great eye for them.

Chris

 

I like them both but my preference is for business strikes because they were actually released for circulation and that carries some numismatic provenance and historical value for me. However, I have been stacking proof silver coins lately and you can get some really nice pieces right at spot. I guess it really depends on propose as well as preference. TC

 

Honestly depends on the series for me.
I don't walker proofs. I like merc dime proofs, but not as much as the business strikes. I like both Morgans.
Just some examples of my weirdness...

 

i like cameo proofs from 1950-1970, but i collect more business strike coins than proofs.

 

"Most" proofs are 65+? Moderns, sure... but you might want to rethink this as a general statement.

 

I'm a fan of proofs I cannot have. Mercury dimes and Walkers are my absolute favorite proofs. Toned proofs are another one of my fancies

 

As good as proofs look, I have to say a business strike in MS67 or higher takes the cake in a beauty contest, especially when it come to Morgan dollars.

 

My ideal coin is a business strike EF-45.

 

I love them both. If you go back farther into our nation's history of coinage, you may find that proof pieces can give you a level of detail and surface preservation that you may not be able to find or afford with business strike coinage. In that way, proof coinage can reveal the minter's art.

 

I really can't say I like one more than the other, but early proof coins are quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Whenever I go to lot viewing for Heritage or Goldberg, I make it a point to view all of the Early Proofs and Patterns so that I can enjoy a part of history that I can't currently afford.

 

I like both!

 

Personally, (and its always a personal preference), I prefer coins that were "coins". By that I mean items that were struck for, and used in, commerce when they were minted. I prefer this because I can always imagine who may have used the coin, what they bought with it, what was the circumstances they were in when this item was their method of purchasing goods, etc.

I simply do not feel the same way with proof coins, or even MS coins. The feeling I get from them is being struck and then immediately hidden away in some dark, confined space for decades, centuries, or even millenia. I know it sounds stupid, but makes me feel sad for the coin that it never got to serve its function.

 

I like the proof seated half dollars and the proof seated quarters. My wife collects proof three cent nickels. Mint state coins are great but nothing beats a proof bust or seated half dollars. Jim

 

My main collection is Large cents, I would love to be able to own a proof but the cost makes it near impossible.
The only other proofs I own are the couple I found in circulation.

 

It depends on my mood. I typically will go for proofs, but sometimes there is something about a business strike that will catch my eye. Lincoln Cents and Roosevelt dimes come to mind. Sometimes I am more in the mood to go for an older coin and like camlov2 said, proofs of older coins can just be way too expensive.

 

good point. I guess I wasn't thinking about older proofs when I wrote this. Probably because I don't have any older than 1970

 

Maybe not.

guy

 

I recently re entered the hobby @ age 50, after a 35 year hiatus, and am concentrating primarily on proofs in addition to business strikes of key dates. I collected business strikes as a kid and couldn't afford proofs (Dad accumulated a few) so now I'm concentrating on the "coiner's cavier" that was previously out of reach. I like the extremely limited mintage of early ones (in the ~100's/1000's vs millions of circ pieces), it's easier to assemble collections as I don't have a lifetime to work on it. Dad always said go for the best you can afford so I shoot for quality vs quantity, and have assembled a LOT of books re proofs and they do have a significant history. I'm just completing proof release collections of ALL contemporary denominations (Lincoln cents through Pres. Dollars) and then work back in time for each denomination. Last payday acquisition was a PF64 1936 Liberty Walking Half and have the remaining Walkers on the want-list at the LCS (in stock). I'm eying a superb Morgan Dollar proof as well as Shield Nickels at the LCS too...if someone doesn't purchase them first.