Why Should/Shouldnt You Collect Proof Coins?

Proof coins are made for collectors, so why not collect them? Proof coins have been made for hundreds of years. Proof coins from the 1800s are really impressive to see. Some proofs, from then, have really low mintages, and can be bought for at great prices. And seeing a proof Buffalo nickel, Mercury dime, or WL half are impressive to see.

My first purchase of coins was a silver proof set. From there I slowly expanded my collection to getting more years, my initial plan was to get the most recent years and moving backwards. But since I started getting interested in other coins I have not bought another set in awhile. Still interested in proof sets though as I feel its more of a collector's item and I will get more in the future.

I collected circulated coins as a kid...still have most, enjoyed them and still collect them. Dad had more $ and purchased some proof sets because they were specially made for collectors...more of a quality of coin thing. I still have those sets.

Some years back I started slowly accumulating some bullion and got back into collecting. As a kid with no $ proofs were the unattainable coin. Today I have more $ and put it to buying the best coin I can afford...mainly assembling entire proof series of each denomination i.e. Lincoln Cents, Jeff. nickels etc. It also brings back a sense of nostalgia from when I was a kid, and continuing the tradition and standards of Dad...Dad would definitely approve :) Looking at coin mintage in the millions/billions of pieces per date, these actually do little for me vs special proof strikes in the lower mintage of thousands/perhaps a million of so. This will extend to purchasing key dates of said series, and in the best grades I can afford, and all with an eye to smaller than average mintage. I would rather have fewer coins, but of higher quality than lots of coins at lower grades. Who knows, one day I may fill in those non-proof years with BU pieces...they look awesome as well. Everyone collects for differing reasons and what they like...there is no wrong answer, just different ones. The main thing is to have fun, learn and strive to become a better numismatist.


BTW, I think this is my first post on this Forum. Glad to be here; love all the opinions, sharing and perspectives. I learn a LOT.

Most of all I appreciate coin collecting for the history (and geography) of it. It's mind boggling to imagine rubbing hands (via coins) with people across the world, or a few centuries ago. Well circulated coins could send shivers down your spine if you stop to think what their story could be.

On the other hand I could appreciate untouched beauty of an artistically crafted coin.

Good thing we don't have to choose one or the other, we can collect them all!

And welcome, rower, tzarmarko, and other new members, it's nice to have you around!

"Most of all I appreciate coin collecting for the history (and geography) of it. It's mind boggling to imagine rubbing hands (via coins) with people across the world, or a few centuries ago. Well circulated coins could send shivers down your spine if you stop to think what their story could be.

On the other hand I could appreciate untouched beauty of an artistically crafted coin.

Good thing we don't have to choose one or the other, we can collect them all!"

Paydays like today has become ritual to visit the coin shop and its become a family endevor. The bullion thing got me, as an Asianophile, into Chinese Pandas and related foreign coins...and Chinese history and culture. I've picked up a few proofs but most are BU; I've stared reading up on world coins whereas years past this area was ....Pffft, who cares.

Re history takes me to our Type Set Book I'm slooowwwly assembling with my daughter. Prize is a 1794 Large Cent in VG/F condition; well worn but affordable, readable and who knows what Colonials handled that piece. My daughter was amazed that we own something this old dating back to around the start of the nation. That sentiment lead me to start a large cent album...I'm amazed by the old American coppers...first currency of the nation. Which brings me back full circle because today, while perusing some early Lincoln wheat proofs (ridiculously affordable)I mentioned to the shop owner that eventually I'd like to research/move toward Indian Head penny proof series.

Tonight I reviewed my old Dansco Albums, nearly filled, with circulated Jefferson nickels and Lincoln cents and Roosevelt dimes, collected when I was a kid. Some of my old albums cut off in the 70's! I have some proofs in them and they were very difficult to afford at the time.

We can collect it all; absolutely and it's a blast. From the near worn-out colonial pieces dripping with American History to the latest artistic U.S. strikes to obscure/contemporary cultures on the other side of the globe...not unlike my numismatic interests I've also come full circle in a personal sense and perspective. Maybe that's what happens when you turn 50 years old...:)