Proof Vs. MS

I am working on Franklins. The 57 proof is cheaper than the ms65 as is the 56, 58, 59. There are big differences in the 61, 62 and 63. I started out buying proofs, but have moved to ms65+ on some of the proof dates. I only have about 6 years left where proofs are available. Can't wait to finish this one so I can move onto my 7070.

Joe, I believe you have hit the bulls-eye with your reasoning, I too believe that it is harder to find Mint state examples in higher grades, than Proof state coins, another reason, Proof state coins are very, very rarely circulated, and would be easier to locate them in nice condition, where as a Mint state coin,some or most have been circulated and hence, the reason for the higher price for that coin, "supply and demand", Market and management 101, just my opinion....Mike

Historically, people collected mint state or uncirculated coins, proof coins were not nearly as available in the past as they are today. It really boils down to different strokes for different folks, but if you are trying to collect something other than modern coins, you may want to stick with the MS. One of the things I collect is Modern U.S. comparatives. I only buy PCGS MS70, and I only buy when a new issue comes out and ebay is flooded with them. If you subscribe to PCGS population reports,you can calculate to percentage of each grade, if you want to really get carried away.

With business strike (for circulation) coins no special consideration is given for quality or safety of the coin. Coins are produced in extremely high numbers on a fast machine that has it's dies wear out losing details along the way. Then coins are thrown in bags and get scratches and rubs. The proof coins start out with highly polished planchets fed into the machine by hand one at a time with a double strike that uses more pressure and is then carefully removed and inspected for quality. As the others have said common stuff in mint state 69 and 70 items are rare whereas proof coins in this condition are much more "common".

As you play with more and more coins certain things will begin to stand out. You will begin to notice how one coin can be beautiful with wonderful details and another can be missing the details even though they are both in uncirculated condition. A good coin always stands apart and finding a good business strike is not as easy as it should be based on the quantities of coins produced therefore when you truly find a "gem" it really is special and is priced accordingly. Sincerely, John Leckrone

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Proof coins are almost always shinier than Uncs and better struck but Uncs are an acquired taste. Besides Uncs can be very PL and almost identical to proofs.

Jprine, it's a market thing, just as all dollar-and-cents questions in this, um, "hobby" are. In this case, the business strikes are more carelessly-minted and released to commercial circulation, while the proofs are carefully-minted and aren't expected to end up in the cash registers.