Proof vs. Circulation: do you prefer one over the other?

I like proof coins – after all they were purposefully minted with special care to be as sharp and beautiful as possible, often in limited quantities especially for collectors. But for those very reasons, sometimes proof coins feel almost like cheating, in a way. They were never intended for circulation and so for the most part, were never exposed to the bumps, dings, scratches, and wear that circulation coins experienced. They didn’t do any work. Consequently, while a high grade, sharply struck proof is nothing standout or special, finding a similarly beautiful “business strike” coin is much more difficult.

For these reasons, even though as stated above, I like proof coins, and have a few, I tend to shy away from them and focus mostly on circulation coins for my collection.

What about you? Do you have a preference for either?

Proof:

BRITISH INDIA
Bombay Presidency
CU Proof 1½ Pice (29.0mm, 9.71g, 6h)
Dated 1791. Soho mint, Handsworth, England
Obverse: United East India Company bale mark, with date below
Reverse: Balanced scales, Persian legend “balanced” or “just” between
References: Numista 50421
Mintage: unknown
In PCGS encapsulation, graded PR63 BN. Only two proof specimens graded higher by PCGS, none by NGC.
A rare proof specimen with glossy brown surfaces.​

Prooflike:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AR Dollar (38.1mm, 26.73g, 6h)
Dated 1886. Philadelphia mint
Obverse: Liberty facing left, wearing Phrygian cap, wreath, and diadem inscribed LIBERTY; E·PLURIBUS·UNUM above, 13 stars around; date below
Reverse: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around eagle facing with wings outstretched, head left, holding olive branch and arrows in claws, wreath encircling; * ONE DOLLAR * below
Mintage: 19,963,000
In PCGS encapsulation, graded MS63PL.​

Gem business strike:

REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA​

AR 10 Centavos (20.5mm, 3.33g, 6h)
Dated 1945. Guatemala City mint
Obverse: REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA around coat of arms of Guatemala: quetzal perched on scroll inscribed LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTEMBRE DE 1821 in four lines; crossed rifles and sabres behind, wreath around; below arms, 0.720 1945
Reverse: -LEY DE 26 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 1924-, quetzal perched on pillar inscribed 30 DE JUNIO 10 DE 1871 in five lines; 10 in left field, CENTAVOS below
References: Numista 5128
Mintage: 1,499,000
In NGC encapsulation, graded MS66. Only one graded higher at NGC; none higher at PCGS. From the Globus Collection. A most attractive specimen, lustrous and lightly toned.​

 

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I have collected proof and high MS coins but my ardent focus is on finding coins that have survived circulation and are MS (newly added to the gen. pop.) and not worse than VF20. The vast majority average AU58.

But, as we all know, every coin is it’s own special animal. I would keep a 1914-D Lincoln no matter what condition as long as it wasn’t damaged or corroded.

Like you, I have an affinity for finding them from circulation.

 

I'd prefer a fender washer over a proof coin. I'd take a XF45 or 40 anytime.

I do have proofs that only came in that version; such as the 2017 South Africa silver Krugerrand.

Proofs remind of the BS artists at work that
never do anything except look good.

 

I do think the older the proof, the better. A proof coin from the 1800s or even earlier is actually pretty special. Ditto for very low mintage proofs (which most early ones were.) For example I'd much rather have a 1930s proof Washington quarter than one from 1964.

And hey, there are always exceptions! As I write this, I have a 1980 proof coin "out for delivery".

 

I am a historical US coin collector primarily. I spent my whole life collecting “average” circulated coins because it was all I could afford. Now that I am in a little better place I have allowed myself some better pieces and yes I do seem to have a fairly decent selection of mid-late 19th century proof pieces. I do appreciate holding a flawless 150 year old coin in my hands. Don’t much care for modern proofs though.

 

I have Proof, Uncirculated and circulated in my collection. The sets have been mostly found in the wild or traded for. Here are a few of my Near Mint found during CRH.

 

Proof coins have their place but all proof coins were originally minted specifically for collectors. Circulating coins are much more of a challenge and to find a clean, non damaged coin that’s circulated is sometimes very difficult.
Then there’s the notion that you don’t know who handled the coin but with circulation coins, well, let me just say that I have several of them handled by the founding fathers of the United States, along with other famous people.

 

I like proof coins as they are coins that are nearest to perfection....Although they don't always circulate (impaired) I enjoy them rather well.

 

Glorious!

 

I'm not perfect, so my coins don't have to be. And yes i all kinds from proof to road rash, I love them all.