Do You Prefer Circulated Coins?

I also like both; I appreciate the amazing mirror look of proofs, and also think about the possible histories of my older circulated coins. So, I collect anything that appeals to my eye...

I'm rather on both sides of the fence on this. I too like circulated coins but I sometimes wonder if people that say that do so do to the availability compared to MS graded coins. I would think many people like to collect coins from change and that is why they are usually circulted, a bit toned, dirty, etc.
Yet almost everyone I know strives to continuously improve the quality of their collections by acquiring higher and higher grades of each coin. Even those from change constantly brag about finding a high graded coin.
One thing about circulted coins I was made aware of was the contaminations possible on them. Once you've gone through Chemotherapy you find out not to shake hands, not to pet animals, no digging in your yard, try not to touch shopping cart handles and avoid currency and coins if possible. One reason I began using a credit card for almost everything.
Yes the history of where our money has been is interesting but there is that chance in a disease invested invironment also.
Just a scarry thought.

I like circulated and uncirculated. I collect circulated coins clad coins. At this point in my life I can't bring myself to pay a premium over face for a clad coin.

I collect uncirculated proof silver coins. When I can buy US Mint silver proof sets for very close to silver spot prices I can't see paying the same for an very worn 90% circulated coin.

I don't have any interest in error coins. Maybe it is the engineer in me buy I see them as scrap. Collecting error coins makes as much sense to me as seeking out a car with a dent in the hood or a TV with bad pixels.

MS70 coins are great, but who can afford them? I buy some nicer coins, but mostly a comb through circulated coins. This way, whatever I spend on my hobby, well, I still have!

Be real carefull with thoughts like that. That is a seriously contagious problem. I got that illness a long time ago and now can not stop. By this I mean I now take a high grade coin, put it in an Album. The present one goes to a 2x2 until enough are there to start another Album. Then there are 2 Albums that must be upgraded. Now a new coin that goes into #1 pushes a coin into #2 and that replaced one goes into a 2x2 until enough there to start another Album.
Now thinking about starting Albums #13 and #14 of Mercury dimes as an example. 10 Lincoln Cent Albums and on and on and on with Albums. Once this system is started, it can not be stopped. So be carefull of what you do with duplicates.

I would have to say no. Even on early wheat's. you say its nice to see that they have wear and what not but to me the fact that someone took the time to hold on to the coin to keep it pristine is more impressive to me. also looks amazing when you look at it. so uncirculated is for me.

I collect both, but I prefer the BU and proof ones. I like to collect what looks in a better condition than worn. Nothing like having a nice and new coin from the 1800s to see what they looked like, as if someone went to the bank back then and got a new coin.