Is a used proof coin with scratches better than a perfect condition uncirculated coin?

Replace "coin" with something more specific and there may be an answer.

 

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I understand that. However, I do not have enough info on the coin to expand my question further.

 

and that is exactly why you're not getting a direct answer

 

To expand, most proof coins can be found in a high grade because they are purpose built. Most CLASSIC MS coins have a limit to their grades because the nature of their production. You will not find an MS70 classic coin. You will find modern MS70 coins in abundance because of the advances in minting technology. You will also find an abundance of PF70 modern coins because of advances in minting technology. So a PF60 modern coin would not be worth as much as a MS70 modern coin UNLESS IT HAS A LOW MINTAGE, which is another variable. A PF60 classic coin can be worth far more than an MS70 modern coin BECAUSE OF THE SCARCITY. This can be expanded ad infinitum because EACH COIN has many variables that will make it valuable or worthless. Your question cannot be answered because there is not enough information in it to make an answer.

 

If you ask a question like, "if I have a proof 1909 Indian Head Cent in PF-55, is it a more valuable coin than an MS-65 1909 Indian Head cent?" we could answer.

Without specifics, there is no answer.

 

So you know the answer and you're not telling me?

check your PM

 

I rarely engage in conversations other than to learn things, so I guess it's mutual. I took that year of graduate-level logical theory for the same reason, although it was kind of a different experience. (Meditating on the difference between "possibly necessarily true" and "necessarily possibly true"...)

Do you understand, then, how your question is meaningless?

You asked about the truth of this statement (and another using the same terms):

You didn't define "low grade".

You didn't define "high end".

You didn't define "cases", although I guess we can infer "coins that were minted in both proof and business strikes".

So, here's just one question-busting example. Very few silver dollars were minted in 1895 in Philadelphia. 880 proofs were made; they're quite valuable, even if impaired. Mint records indicate that 12000 business-strike coins were made; none of these "uncirculated" coins are known today, although there are tales from dealers who claim to have seen them. If a business-strike 1895-P dollar came onto the market today, and was verified as genuine, it would most likely sell for many times the value of a proof example -- even if it wasn't in "high end" condition, however you define that.

1896-P? An MS65 example lists for under $200. A PR-60 lists for over $1600.

 

Would still depend on which series and which coin in the series. Shield nickels, A MS 65 1866 is probably worth less than a Proof 60 1866, but a MS-60 1880 would be worth way more than a proof 67 1880.

 

Right, I was trying to meet him half way

 

Definitely

 

Now that is a true statement!

 

If you ever show me a perfect Business Strike coin - since NIFC coins are prepared with almost as much care as Proofs - I'll make the decision then. It might be important for you to know that no MS70 Business Strikes exist.

 

What is the coin you have in mind? That might help narrow the chase considerably.

 

welcome to CT. It's a great place to learn and you need to learn. Not even close. Proof is a type of coin and that has nothing to do with it's condition. Depending on the grade, date, mintmark, supply and demand, I can buy a proof Kennedy Half Dollar for less than $15.00. A circulation strike can be worth a lot more than a proof.

Most coins are circulation strikes. Proof coins go through an entirely different minting process. Time to use Google and discover the difference.

 

The question you are asking has no answer.

What coins are you trying to collect? With that information someone might be able to give you a little help on the relative values of proof vs MS.

 

I talked to him in PM. The coins he is looking at are not coins, they are private mint collectibles.

I advised him to treat them accordingly.

 

Ok. That makes sense. That changes everything.

 

This thread reads like an Abbott and Costello skit.

 

Yeah, it just kinda took a hard right turn into Who Cares County.