I have found myself wondering which way to go for issues in which I can choose a proof coin or a coin meant for circulation. Sometimes I have bought a proof, sometimes a circulating issue, sometimes both. So, I’m interested in your opinions: 1. Proof or circulating: which is your go-to and why? 2. Have you ever begun with one or the other and then switched? If so, why? Steve
The nice thing about type sets is that there are no rules. Get what pleases you. In my case I used the NGC Registry Type Set (1793-1964) as a guide. And I only fill it with business strikes, no proofs. In fact the only proof coins I have are in my birth year set.
I didn't do many proofs with my first type set. The cost were too great for many of the early classic coins. Many years later, I started working on a proof type set. There is not a wrong way to collect type coins.
I like business strikes a lot better than proofs so I would do all that. I also dislike mixed sets so if I was going to do proofs I would do an all proof set
Because proofs and business strikes generaly look so different, I don't care for mixing proofs and business strikes in the same set . . . just one person's opinion. As for choosing one versus the other, very deep pockets are required to complete a proof type set of US coins. Business strikes, on the other hand, may more readily be acquired in any grade desired, and are therefore much friendlier to the completion of a type set on a realistic budget.
I prefer moderately circulated coins. Coins with some character. Coins that look like they worked in the time period that they came from. That's just me.
@Inspector43, just out of curiosity, except for perhaps the earliest issues, do you have a minimum grade you aim for? Steve
Since proofs are considered a form of manufacture I prefer circulation issues. It's much more difficult to find a nice coin but when you do you really appreciate it. With proofs you can buy a proof set and your done for that year. Circulation strikes require a search and that is much more enjoyable. Since coin collecting is a hobby, well.... But like I say and you've heard it before, it's your collection so collect what you like.
No, just nice looking, damage free coins. But, I think a set should contain coins of about the same condition or grade. I have some MS high grade coins in my different year and mint sets. I will come back and post a picture of what I think is a nice looking coin from the early days.
@Stevearino Here are a couple that look nice to me. If all my old coins were this nice I would be happy.
I like late-die-state proofs in PF-63 or better. They offer a better quality-to-price ratio for post-1857 classic US coins than MS coins of the same type (except gold and Morgans).
Proofs can get very expensive very fast depending on what you are going for. There is also series that never really had proofs made.
