Reverse Proof and the silver mint proof sets aside, I seem to gravitate towards unc's more than proofs, especially in silver or gold. Maybe, I've seen too many spotted proofs or light haze, but there is something about the business strike that gets me I guess. It's making it hard for me to decide on what to buy when it come to some moderns coins, because the proofs are often in demand more.
Nothing wrong with business strikes, but I like proofs better. Now we we get to bust coinage I actually like lower grades like f to VF.
no, you are not. unc is always better than proof. it is a real coin intended for general circulation. proof is only a good image. and usually not always for coin collectors . instead the general public will like it.
mailed an order to the US Mint I prefer business strikes in general. The fine luster can tone nicely. Also, many proof manufactured coins have been carefully preserved but nice business strikes can be quite elusive. Two days ago I mailed an order to the US Mint. It was for an uncirculated mint set. My wife knows that I need a 2008 silver proof set & Christmas is coming. collect89
MS coins looks like, well, coins! In the modern commem series I always buy the MS coins. They are usually much lower in mintage as well. On older coins, give me a satiny MS walker over a shiny proof any day as well! But if my budget allowed, I really like the nineteenth century proofs.
It's all personal preference. I tend to like proofs better when it comes to commemorative and bullion type issues. But, that's just me. I tend to have the fishing lure mentality when it comes to shiny stuff.