Shiny New Coins Vs. Old Dirty Ones

My collecting focus is "pretty round stuff," which isn't much of a focus when you look at it. Although I'm kind of concentrating on certain things just because I know I can't afford it all, both of my current two favorite coins don't relate to anything else I own. One is shiny, the other, not:

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The two examples listed are indeed two very different coins with two very different attractions to very diffrent collection types.

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I think you hit the nail on the head there. Pretty coins appeal to my sense of holding something physically attractive or something that approaches "the flawless coin". Whereas the old, worn coins appeal to my sense of history. "This coin really means something."

If I collect both, does that make me bipolar? Is it wrong to go after the pretty ones AND still have a place in your heart for the ones that aren't so pretty but have alot to say? Just talking about coins, of course!

I think it's a matter of finding what pieces speak to you. I would say I'm definatly in the boat of liking old coins regardless of grade over new ones. I love a lot of the new coins designs, they can have simply amazing artwork on them when you're dealing with the commemoratives too. But you take a newly minted coin that say sells for $40 add in a grading/slabbing fee, pile it up with 100-1000 other coins that are exactly the same that are now selling for $150 or who knows how much for a miniscule difference in grade and it just doesn't have the same feel for me.

For the same price I could get a whole handfull of coins that are more than 100 years old all with different little aspects that make them a little unique, a little ding here, some interesting tones and colors they've changed after being used for who knows how many years. This is just one example and happens to be the way I look at it. You could come up with a whole list of pros and cons depending on who ya ask. I'd say sit down with a few coins or pictures of coins even,new and old and just figure out which ones you just can't stop looking at. And when in doubt, just get them all hehe.

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Side question for SuperDave - what caused the flaw under the chin of the Barber?

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It's a die clash - it's the most heavily-clashed Barber dime I've ever seen, and that's why I bought the coin. Here's the reverse. You can see Liberty's profile clashed on it.

I'd choose old dirty coins over shiny new ones any day. The rich history of older coins plus the faster rate of appreciation (versus newer coins) pretty much decides it.

Have to agree that old is better. While I do buy them both, I too buy Silver Eagles only when my dealer doesn't have any interesting bars. I'd much rather have something "fun" to look at and show the kids in silver bullion. Even though I love the original Walking Liberty design, I'm not that fond of the updated silver eagle version.

Last week I spent just over $30 total for two bust dimes, an 1827 and an 1830. Granted they're only AG/G and G/AG but I still wouldn't trade them for a Silver Eagle.

Cast my vote for type coins.

ok, this all depend on what it is, for my silver bullion dollar must be shiny, but for some of the older coin I am putting in my type set they are alittle dirty but still nice condtion. most of my set beside silver sets. have been circulated but still nice looking so I like both.

This is what makes the hobby of coin-collecting so great! All of the different options available for collectors. I too am in the "old Walker" camp on this one. I really am mostly a fan of coins that were made for circulation, so that makes my decision pretty easy. I would not fault anyone for spending the money on the new shiny proof though!
Exactly my opinions.