Difference Between Circulated And Uncirculated?

If you are an investor, stick with the UNC platinum and gold eagles. The proofs are collector versions of the American Eagles, and are sold by the Mint for a much higher premium.

Buying directly from the Mint you will be buying Proofs yes (depending upon the coin). Dealers and on-line will be Business Strike uncirculated (Proofs available also). I buy BU Uncirculated as often as possible. The older Liberties, Indians, Swiss, French, Sovereigns, etc. I try to stick with EF or better, preferably AU or better. Yes, Proofs will require a higher investment up front but, not necessarily on the sale end (if that makes sense).

Canadians are a slight better investment than U.S. as they are .9999 Gold vs .999 with one exception (Buffalo). I'm speaking BU Canadians and bullion, not Numismatics. The best of both Worlds would be older U.S. and World mixed with BU Canadian, China and U.S. Double Eagles.

You can get more buying Gold than Platinum but, a Plat here and there isn't a bad idea just not necessarily the higher sale %. Silver and Gold tends to take more rapid leaps than Platinum over the long term. They also are more volatile in the reverse as well.

Thanks, folks. I was having a hard time understanding what a proof was.

I collected coins as a child and found a big bag of old silver dollars my Grandmother had left me. They are sort of scratched up, but still in OK condition. Some date back to the 1800's.

The discovery has re-fuled my interest in collecting coins. Buying gold seems to be a good way to save money, since most banks don't pay squat for interest these days.

Platinum coins are beautiful. The one ounce Liberty Head plat is amazing. I could probaly buy one or two per year,plus a few gold.

The Canadian hologram maple leaf is pretty groovy, too.

How many of you buy from online places? What if the mailman steals them?