Coin Collecting/Buying

[shilala]

Uncirculated just means they haven't reached people's pockets yet.
The mint throws a bunch of coins in big bags and they go to the banks.
They get thrown around, jostled, etc.
Even if a guy is buying from the mint, they get no special handling that I'm aware of.
So they can get little scratches, marring, and so forth.

On the other hand, a proof is perfect.

In the scheme of things, the difference means absolutely nothing.
So far as appreciation goes, a 2008 coin is worth the same as a 2015 coin (uncircluated).
Point being, it's not a money-making venture of any sort.
It's just plain fun, like collection state quarters and stuff.

You can get really swank velvet lined cases to display the coins, which is also cool.
You'll have lots of fun doing it, Jack. That's where the value is.

Moses, proofs aren't polished, at least not that I'm aware of.
I'm talking from years ago when I used to have books and collect all kinds of change.
Proofs are double struck. Meaning They hit them twice in the press. Regular coinage just gets mashed once.
That double striking is what makes them so fine and perfect.
Then they are handled very carefully and cased up as proofs, or proof sets.
Proof sets have a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and 50 cent piece in them.
Old proof sets sell for big money. So do new ones. It's kind of nuts.
But some people will spend all kinds of money on goofy hobbies.

[themoneycollector]

Originally Posted by shilala

On the other hand, a proof is perfect.

Proofs are also graded on the 0-70 scale just like uncirculated coins. And a perfect proof graded PF-70 is still quite rare.

Proofs will usually be better in terms of collectability, but unless that particular date ends up being a rarity, it's unlikely to ever recoup the markup for being a proof. Which is why those 1965+ yearly proof sets are not very desirable/valuable.

Even better yet for collecting and future value would be buying graded and slabbed coins. And graded proofs would be even better.

About buying current coins:

You are better off buying from ebay. There are some rare dates (like the 1986 & 1996), but in general, silver eagles are just bullion and their price/value will be based off the 1oz price of silver. So you know you got a good deal if you paid close to spot price and you're getting ripped off if you are paying much more than spot. There will always be a premium over spot, which is ~$14 right now, so that $18.95 price is pretty fair. The mint is not really in the business of making profit

I actually don't even know how dealers are able to order bulk from the mint and they must get them at spot prices, because otherwise, I'd be placing bulk orders myself.