Is there anything wrong with my wanting to collect coins that are between F and AU and avoid anything else? I understand that MS grades are good for return value and investment, but realistically they dont appeal to me. In this particular instance, I'm referring to collecting coins like Lincoln/IH Cents and Mercury Dimes. While MS graded coins look very pleasing in terms of luster, I dont feel the need to collect them other than they're worth a ton of money in some cases. When I collect, I consider wear on a coin to be a good thing because it means the coin has history. All MS coins tell me is that someone got the coin early in circulation and stored it somewhere for a long while whereas a worn coin has seen lots of history. Is there something wrong with this mindset? Is it alright to collect this type of grade set?
There is nothing wrong with you wanting to collect coins in any grade you want, or in any way you want
The only reason I brought this up at all is because every book I read talks about solely collecting via type, mintmark/date, variety, etc and doing that in as MS as possible. I just wanted to make sure that my desire to collect examples that aren't MS coins at this time wasnt something that was wrong to do in any way
Many, many collectors seek mid-grade coins. These are "coins with a story", coins that have been used in transactions yet have a lot of detail remaining. There's nothing wrong with collecting mid-grade coins. Seek problem-free examples, however.
My sets are all low to mid-grade. My goal is to complete the sets, then upgrade as my budget allows. The only way to collect is to collect what you like, want, and can afford. There is no other way. Don't let anybody tell you any different.
Don't let anyone tell you you're wrong in what or how you collect. You're the captain of your ship......
I understand what your saying. I feel the same way about Capped Bust Halves and Barber Halves. I prefer VF-XF because of the natural grey look and the historical appeal. They were alive, in commerce, people had their hands on them and they are still in decent shape.
No problem at all I have many sets like Lib Nickel pr66 All barbers in vf35 Mercs in vf SLQ's au58s Liberty seated halves xf45-58 etc. I'm all over the board on grades what I do is pick what I think is the best looking condition for that type a coin and collect them in that grade. There are certain series that I dislike in ms grade so I wont touch them unless circulated
IMO, what ever you may decide to collect, collect what you want to, how you want to and why you want to. You are under no obligation to answer to anyone other than yourself. Good luck with your collection. May it bring you extreme pleasure.
Many of my favorite coins are circulated. I would suggest that you collect the way you like to, but to attempt to do so in an educated manner.
i prefer circulated coins also, to me they just look better, have character. just need to collect what you like.
I like worn coins myself not in MS quality, they all have stories and history behind them. Old MS quality coins tell me one thing, they sat undisturbed for a long long time, they're like old people who have no interesting stories to tell, who really never left their nest.
Thanks all. I just was unsure based on every piece of evidence I've looked at saying that MS coins are what need to be collected to be considered a real collector lol. Also, I prefer circulated coins because they are easier to learn how to grade with. MS coins vary so slightly that I cant tell from pictures...
