Which is better to collect... MS70 or Proof coins?

[Divmad]

MS70 (and 69) have that aura of authenticity and independent validation of grade, but come at a price. Proof coins, from reliable sources, should be of equal grade but presumably at a lower sales price. I suppose some discount might be expected for the likelihood of some handling by previous owners, leading to surface markings, however minute. What to focus on?

[ChrisSilver]

You aren’t confusing MS and PF are you?

PF are graded proofs. MS is mint state, so bullion coins would be graded as MS. 

Is your question; if members believe it is better to collect raw proof coins vs PF?
 

On 01/08/2020 at 09:49, Divmad said:

Proof coins, from reliable sources, should be of equal grade but presumably at a lower sales price.

It is possible to buy raw proof coins and they will have small imperfections. A PF 70 is supposed to have no post production imperfections at 5x magnification.

[Divmad]

Sorry, Chris. Yes, I meant do members think it is better to collect raw proof coins, with or without original boxes and COA, or PF graded ones, from a capital growth point of view from their respective buying start price levels?

[ChrisSilver]

47 minutes ago, Divmad said:

Sorry, Chris. Yes, I meant do members think it is better to collect raw proof coins, with or without original boxes and COA, or PF graded ones, from a capital growth point of view from their respective buying start price levels?

My personal opinion is that in general bullion is the easiest to sell and the best for investment, only because it is more liquid when coming to sell. Followed then by proof coins (but not all proofs). And then graded coins.

Sure you could buy a coin and get it graded and add a lot of value (sometimes) or even buy an already graded coin and it then increases in value, but it’s also possible to loose money on the wrong coins. A lot of collectors coins may also be hard to find the right buyers and take a long time to sell.

I would say that if looking to buy for investment rather than collection that it would be better to buy raw ungraded, and possibly preference to bullion opposed to proofs.

Of course this is very subject as it really depends on the exact coin and the demand for that coin in its different forms. I would say that the raw market is bigger as you can sell to someone who prefers raw or someone who wants to then grade it, a graded coin you can only really sell to someone who wants that coin graded  

These are just my opinions as a collector. I like graded coins personally (as part of a collection) And as a collected rather than investor I would say buy what you like  

It will be interesting to hear other members thoughts and their investment strategies. I am sure some members may have graded coins in their investment strategy.