Buying Proof Vs. Non-Proof

Its either do you like shiny or really really shiny? Lol which ever one tickles your fancy more. That is the one I would purchase.

Regardless of which version you prefer they are the best of the best and don't compare to the business strike coins.

Proof coins which have the cameo effect are usually always a better choice. Take for example the brilliant proof flag dollar vs the proof frosted dollar. The latter is much more pleasing to the eye though often in higher mintages.

Buy them both!

I agree, I'd go with the business strike coins, otherwise referred to as RCM Uncirculated Sets for about $25 each. Often in the same year, there's also Uncirculated Special Edition sets issued for the same price, which contain other varieties of the same year.

Rather than more expensive proof sets if your budget allows, if you haven't done so, I'd suggest consider the Uncirculated set but also seek out the "real" coin, say100 years back (1915). Because simply buying one set of anything per year soon becomes absolutely dis-interesting in terms of collecting.