My First Post: Choosing To Collect MS Vs. Ps To Start

Personally I do like the looks of both versions of most coins, but if I had to pick one I would pick the MS for most series. The one thing I dont like about modern proofs is that the mirror image on them is so good the slightest little thing stands out like a sore thumb on it while MS coins can hide that much better. But a lot of the MS coins look amazing too.

The one thing I would caution about the graded coins is not all slabs are created equal. Even with the same company you can have some of the same grade look amazing and others not so much. But I love graded slabbed myself and the vast majority of coins will be exactly what they say. Just stay away from SGS coins. I would suggest sticking with PCGS/NGC and Anacs in that order and stay away from the basement slabbers

I suggest you purchase a copy of the Red Book, sit down with your Second grader and both decide what to collect. You two can scan through many different types of coins. Possibly one or many will make the decision for you.

get a coin magazine and look at pictures and see what piques your interest and collect what you like

Something else. If you mean MS coins from mint sets, those are NOT true business strikes, and never meant for circulation. And I can say with a high level of certainty that most high grade MS coins came from mint sets, not from rolls or bags.

Regardless, IMO it is worthwhile to collect both, which is why my modern Danscos are the proof included versions.

I was going to give my own opinion but I couldn't say it any better than trout1105 has. I agree with them 100%. I will say coin collecting is for enjoyment and if by chance they increase in value...thats just icing on the already tasty cake.

I used to believe this as well, but it is not true.

From the US Mint website...


According to Conder101, this has been the case since the late 1980's.

Thanks to each of you for your comments. Here is what I was feeling before posting and your comments have made me feel ver comfortable in my "direction."

To me a PCGS graded MS66 that's a business strike and not a special "silver" version when clads were the norm, or from an SMS are preferable to me that PR graded coins or other variations that are directed at collectors. I have a PR69 Washington quarter from 1964. It is a truly beautiful object. It is stunning to look at and to show my friends. But here's my issue, it seems to have more in common with my wife's 1984 Olympic proof set that it does with typical 1964 quarters.

I totally understand the attraction, but I think I'm earing some validation in the fun and accomplishment of working hard to find the best possible currency intended business strike -- even if they may not be as perfect as a coin from an SMS or proof set.

I really can't wait to go to a coin show were I can see them in person. Shopping on websites or ebay is just not the same as in person.

On an additional note, I do find it tougher to get excited about the clad coins, so I think I'll be pulled toward pre-65 coins. Also, as a child of the 70's the Mercury dime and Buffalo nickel have a special place in my childhood worship! (Like those red Porsche 911s.)

My son is almost finished with his State Quarters. He's got all the folders for Lincoln cents, Roosevelt dimes, Jefferson nickels, and Washington quarters. Except for key dates he's methodically found virtually everything possible in the last several months. (A little OCD like his dad.) Now he does yardwork with me to earn an ebay circulated Lincoln Cent each week. No one said bribery couldn't work well too!

Thanks for your comments and I appreciate the welcome.

Jack

jacksonking, Welcome to the forum...


I see this topic is a very interesting one at that, I believe the Mint Strikes coins called Business strikes, which are intended for circulation, I also believe the Mint strikes coins for the Mint sets, which are NOT intended for circulation, then there are Proof coins struck at the mint, also NOT intended for circulation.

The TPG'S , when they slab a coin make some defining labels for most every coin struck, on a Proof coin, they use the term Pr or PF to describe the coin in the slab along with a grade PR-68 or PF-68.
They also use a label for the SMS sets, ( special mint sets ) for coins produced in the years 1965, 1966, 1967, these coins they use the label stating SMS-68.

I have noticed that for business struck coins there are no different labels for the circulating or non circulating struck coins other than MS-68.

Just thought I would point this out for I have not seen any label stating NIFC-68, meaning (Not Intended For Circulation)

So in closing with my final comments, I believe that while certain coins are business strike, or Mint set struck coins, there are no differences in the graded coins from either!!!!! Just my opinion.