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 Replies: 25 / Views: 2,761 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
528 Posts |
So what are people's thoughts on proof coins? Is it a must, not a must? Honestly, I generally like to just not bother with them mostly. If using a Dansco album, I like to put them at the end of the album in blank pages. I did this with my Jefferson nickel set and I much prefer it. It also gives you room to add whatever order of proofs that you want. For example, I have proofs going back to 1957. The Dansco album only starts at 1971. I am able to put them altogether and whatever order I decide. That said, I don't usually dive into proofs too much. I may end up collecting some within my Lincoln cents album at some point. But if I do, I will probably do this same method. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5212 Posts |
I wouldn't mix them into a circulation album, but I think an album of proofs is cool. The exception would be a special proof-only section at the end of the circulation album to show all the design variations in perfect detail.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18070 Posts |
I'm okay with proofs--it's a personal choice. I don't go out of my way to acquire them, but will hold onto high grade examples I might come across.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
528 Posts |
Quote:
The exception would be a special proof-only section at the end of the circulation album to show all the design variations in perfect detail. Yeah, like I said, this is what I've been doing. It's also much easier for someone who may want to only start with the business strikes, but may be interested in acquiring proofs later on down the line without having holes in their already existing album. I think it looks better also honestly. Nice to see all the proofs together. That said, I generally prefer just business strikes in albums when I am setting out to collect.
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Moderator
 United States
171009 Posts |
When I started in my collection in Whitman folders, it was no proof of course. I did like Mint issued proof sets, but I kept them separate. When I got my first Dansco albums—Ike and Kennedy—I needed proofs for them. However, it was not until I got more Dansco albums with proof holes that I decided to go "all-in" on proofs. I broke up the proof sets and filled those holes.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
528 Posts |
We know you can't resist those Ike proofs!  I had also toyed with recently starting up another State Quarter collection... But this time, doing a Dansco date set, aka album 7146. Since State Quarters are literally one of the easiest sets to complete, I had considered taking a different approach since its a one hole for each state and going with clad proof coins to fill them in. It also has spots for each of the territories/DC coins. The cost isn't too much either. Seems most coins are 3.00 dollars and under on ebay. Could be interesting. But we shall see. I am low on funds right now. Lol. If I really wanted to get brave, I'd purchase all the silver proofs instead. I don't feel like going that route though. Lol. Edited by Humanist1287
05/01/2025 11:27 am
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Moderator
United States
171009 Posts |
Clad proofs would look good in that album.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
528 Posts |
Ironically enough, at least from ebay, the silver proofs aren't too much. Still more than the clad, though. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5212 Posts |
I think if I were going to the trouble of a 50 state proof album, I would go the extra mile and get silver. They are so much more beautiful than the clad proofs.
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Moderator
United States
171009 Posts |
Sure, but it depends on one's budget. The price different between silver and clad is not a close as it once was.
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Moderator
United States
77073 Posts |
I went for proofs in all my albums most of them are now with BU or uncirculated coins in them, but my Lincoln Cent set is a mix with circulated and proofs. (you can see some of my albums in my signature below if you want any ideas.. ) |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2093 Posts |
I'm a type-coin-sorta guy and don't think too much about proofs. When I began collecting in 1971, I purchased a 1971 proof set just for the sake of having one. I have a few other sets I inherited from my dad. But outside of being nice to look at every now and then, they don't really do anything for me. Edited by jpsned
05/02/2025 11:17 am
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Moderator
United States
171009 Posts |
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I'm a type-coin-sorta guy and don't think too much about proofs. It is funny, I do have one proof in my 7070. 
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Moderator
United States
77073 Posts |
I would have to look, but, if I remember correctly, most of my modern coins in my 7070 are proofs..  |
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Moderator
United States
171009 Posts |
My one is there because I decided to put the pair of 1982 Washington commemorative half dollars in the album. I bought one of each—proof and uncirculated—from the Mint in 1982. I still have the OGPs in storage with all the proof set materials.  |
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Valued Member
United States
418 Posts |
Proof coins offer you the opportunity to see how a coin's design elements look under the best circumstances (full strike, luster, etc.). A high grade proof, especially those from the 1950's and 60's, especially with a cameo contrast are truly beautiful. For example, a Franklin half which is often considered a "so so" design, but when viewed in Proof 67 and up Cameo/Deep Cameo is quite beautiful. |
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Replies: 25 / Views: 2,761 |
Posted 05/01/2025 09:15 am
