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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,601 |
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New Member
Canada
41 Posts |
Hi,
I am about to start collecting the half-dollar coins, and I would like to know what would be the best to take, specimen or proof like ?
I understood that the specimen coins have a better finish (am I right about that ?)
So if proof like and specimen coins are about the same price, are specimen coins a better choice ?
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
Here are this years coins, it's your choice. Personally I just get them all  business strike  Specimen strike  Silver proof coin  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2366 Posts |
I always start with circulation. Then PL. Then proof. Then specimen. That's just me. Take note that many sellers do not use UNC/BU/PL/Specimen correctly so make sure you know what you're buying and don't just take their word for it. A copy of Charlton comes in quite handy.
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Valued Member
Canada
133 Posts |
Quote:
Personally I just get them all I also collect all strikes. My favourites are the Proof and Specimen but my collection does contain one coin of every type of strike produced. |
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Valued Member
Canada
319 Posts |
Quote:
I always start with circulation. Then PL. Then proof. Then specimen. That's just me. Take note that many sellers do not use UNC/BU/PL/Specimen correctly so make sure you know what you're buying and don't just take their word for it. A copy of Charlton comes in quite handy. Is UNC the same as PL? Say for example the 2013 Uncirculated set is it also PL. The 5 packs of Circulation 1812 Quarters are they considered uncirculated, PL, or just circulated? To my understanding since 2010 the Uncirculated sets have all been from the fast processing machines in Winnipeg and don't have the Proof-Like qualities of previous years. Are they still uncirculated or PL? RCM Mint Rolls of coins are they BU or uncirculated? Can anyone give the proper terms for any of these items, because ebay is all over the place with terms...  |
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
9864 Posts |
For the coins you mention since 2010 the proper term is "change" .
They are all struck as coins intended for general circulation.
Despite the hype there is no difference.
"Dipping" is not considered cleaning...
-from PCGS website
Edited by DBM
04/27/2013 2:15 pm
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Valued Member
Canada
189 Posts |
my favourite are the specimen coins. They are also the most valuable.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2366 Posts |
@coin_games: I use Charlton as my 'bible' for this. Vol 2 includes a section with all the sets. Which I lent to a guy heading down to the Brampton show this weekend so I can't refer to it right now :-). If my failing memory is correct, modern sets are UNC (or specimen or whatever). PL sets are no longer produced. PL is not the same as UNC. The 2010 sets are UNC, not PL. You'll see coins from these sets sometimes graded as MSxx NBU instead of PL as previously. The five packs would be UNC. I can't speak authoritatively to the difference between UNC and BU. I'm not sure there even is a difference; other than maybe BU is supposed to be shinier than UNC :-). As you say, ebay sellers are all over the place with these terms using whatever they think will sell better so best just to ignore them and look it up yourself. At least the modern specimens are distinctive! |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2366 Posts |
p.s. Just found a paragraph in Vol 1 on pg 70 (one cent section) that says BU is actually a specific type of finish last produced in sets in 2010. Also referred to as MS6x NC.
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Valued Member
Canada
319 Posts |
Thanks kuh_85 I need to upgrade my Charlton, my most recent is Winter 1983 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2366 Posts |
Yes you do! :-) The 2014s should be out in 3-4 months.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,601 |
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Posted 04/26/2013 5:59 pm
