Circulated Or Uncirculated Series

I collect both, depending on the series. Being new to collecting, the modern or fairly new series I collect BU and proofs - like the ASE and Kennedy. I have also started sets of Mercurys, Roosevelts, and Jefferson nickels. These I look for in circulated condition, mostly in pocket change, except the Mercs and older Roosevelts. Love finding new additions in my change or by searching rolls.

I like uncirculated coins, but I also think circulated coins have value as well. Like you say it tells a story of everyday life. I always imagine a Morgan dollar being plopped down on the counter at an old saloon for some whiskey. Plus its a lot cheaper, and more rewarding searching through pocket change and rolls for the coins you need instead of just buying them outright. One could start a circulated set of lets say quarters and maybe could buy the key coins in MS later.

I stick to collecting circulated. My daughter has received a few new coins that are uncirculated. When I win the lotto, then I'll think about buying uncirculated.lol
LeAnn

I can't find the thread I started on here on this topic, but look at this thread: http://boards.collectors-society.co...mber=1208283

For the record, I prefer collecting circulated 19th century coinage; especially odd type stuff.

like other said it all depend on what it is, I collect both I have a circulated set of 1959-2006 cents, 1938-2006 nickels, 1916-2005 dimes except the 16-D that are all complete circulated sets and almost complete circulated Kennedy half set. I have done all of these set from rolls and help from some of the members here. I did cirulated with these so I could roll search and contunie getting coins. I know with my budget I could not afford to do these set in uncirculated. but my bullion dollar are all uncirulated. so I don't know if it really what I prefer or just what is fun and I can afford. and since I am newly back into the hobbie I have that get as much as I can and addicted to coins so I alway want but I am on a small budget with 3 kids and a wife who collects clothes.

quote hunter20ga: ".. They tell a story and are part of the every day fabric of life, changing hands for many reasons and bearing the effects of wear and tear proudly.."

Very well said Hunter. I love proofs and uncirculated coins, but there's something special about circulated pieces, like a well worn Standing Liberty half from the 30s. The wear gives it a personality.

I also collect both. I've always enjoyed collecting circulated coins, I find it to be more challenging when completing a series.

I prefer uncirculated coins most of the time. Yes, I do buy uncirculated sets from the Mint every year and also brand-new Sacs and Kennedys from my local dealer because they are not circulating and I need them to continue my sets.

But for other coins, I would always prefer a raw AU to an uncirculated MS-** just because it has had a life outside a plastic holder. It is fascinating to think about where coins have been and what they have seen. I like to think that my 1886-S half eagle was carried by a cow-poke into a saloon in Tombstone where he slapped it down on the bar and said, "Set 'em up, Barkeep -- the drinks are on me!"

When I think about the Mint making coins "especially for collectors," it seems kind of cheating somehow. Pulling a coin out of circulation, or obtaining one that somebody else pulled out of circulation decades or centuries ago, seems more like the real deal to me.

Jan