All right I'm a little bored of completing folders and am looking for a new type of collection. I'm looking to maybe invest a little too. Now I have a choice between Proof Sets and Un-circulated Sets. I love the Proof because the gloss makes all of the details stand out but I also like the un-circs because it's the original thing just better. Now about the investment. In the longer run IF! the prices did rise one one of these types, which do you think would out run the other?
I have collected Proof sets since the '60s. Some have had good increases & some not. The past 15 years I have liked the individual Proofs from the mint, commens, ASE, Gold Buffalos, etc
reg strike un circs. Proofs are meant to be collected, so all that are found should be in top condition, reg strikes are made to be spent & circulated, so when they age they gain wear, as time progresses wouldn't it be better to have a MS business struck coin than a proof that has never seen daylight?
No, the Mint Sets aren't better than the coins made for general circulation. They both go through the same production process, the same conveyors, the same dumping bins and the same transport to the shipping contractor. It's only when it gets to this point that the inventory takes different forks in the road. As for which would be the better investment.......neither.......their values have hardly moved anywhere and they would be hard pressed to keep up with inflation. Chris
Depending on your budget modern Proof and Mint sets are affordable. Most are very easily attained at the local coin shows and stores. I have put together proof sets from 1952 thru 2011. The hunt is as much fun as the collecting as far as I am concerned. Will I ever make money on them? probably not, but hey, I'm just having fun!
I have found that Mint Sets and Proof Sets are about like buying a new car. Most of the time when you drive out with it the price drops and keeps dropping until they become antiques. I sold most of my sets dating back to 1960 last year and almost all were for a loss. So I feel they are a POOR investment.
