It is difficult to tell apart proof from state mint coins commonly referred to as non-circulating. This occurs due to a misconception that the terms refer to a system employed in grading. They however infer to certain methods used in manufacturing process. There are certain factors used to to know the difference between proof and mint state coins.
Appearance is one of the factors. A proof has a shiny mirror-like finishing on its flat surface and a matte finishing on the raised parts. These are the finest type of coinages produced by the mint in terms of quality, detail and care. The non-circulating on the other hand have a frosty finish. The difference between these non-circulating and those that are in circulation is that they have enhancements such as cleaning after stamping unlike the circulating coins.
Another difference is in the production process. Proofs are made by striking the surface using a special minting process. Special polished dies are purposed to engrave the back and the front sides. They are then inspected for flaws and then struck more than once and usually slowly by the striking machine. They get carefully handled, usually by a gloved hand and then packaged in a container to keep them safe from dirt, dust and moisture. The non-circulating are ordinary and their manufacture does not involve any such special procedures.
The numbers at which the production occurs is a way used to tell them apart. The un-circulating are manufactured in very large numbers and then heaped, arranged and then shipped to various banks. They are usually manufactured by one or more mints. Proofs however are made by one or select few mints and are not made in large numbers.
Another difference is in how they are packaged. Most modern proof coinage are in sets that are contained in protective plastic cases whereas for most mints coins they are mostly packaged in cellophane i. E. Before 2007. The non-circulating and proofs are also different in the prices they fetch. Proofs fetch higher prices compared to the mints because the time, detail and production costs are also not as much.
There are various reasons to purchase them. Proofs are bought as a way of investment or to preserve history or sometimes as a hobby. When the coins are produced in small numbers, they are rare and hence become more attractive to a probable collector. They can also serve as presents or in remembrance of a major event such as World War or the reign of a king or president.
Lastly, the level of perfection is another factor used to tell them apart. Proofs exhibit perfection. On the other hand, non-circulating may have blemishes from the manufacturing process. Coins are graded based on the level of perfection. The system used for proofs is designated PR or PF. Most of these range from PR 60 to PR 70 with the former being rare almost non-existent. Mint states are graded using MS.
Coinages provide a history and heritage. Whether buying for investment or collecting, the most recent sets are available from the U. S Mints. The older ones can be purchased from dealers or collectors.
Appearance is one of the factors. A proof has a shiny mirror-like finishing on its flat surface and a matte finishing on the raised parts. These are the finest type of coinages produced by the mint in terms of quality, detail and care. The non-circulating on the other hand have a frosty finish. The difference between these non-circulating and those that are in circulation is that they have enhancements such as cleaning after stamping unlike the circulating coins.
Another difference is in the production process. Proofs are made by striking the surface using a special minting process. Special polished dies are purposed to engrave the back and the front sides. They are then inspected for flaws and then struck more than once and usually slowly by the striking machine. They get carefully handled, usually by a gloved hand and then packaged in a container to keep them safe from dirt, dust and moisture. The non-circulating are ordinary and their manufacture does not involve any such special procedures.
The numbers at which the production occurs is a way used to tell them apart. The un-circulating are manufactured in very large numbers and then heaped, arranged and then shipped to various banks. They are usually manufactured by one or more mints. Proofs however are made by one or select few mints and are not made in large numbers.
Another difference is in how they are packaged. Most modern proof coinage are in sets that are contained in protective plastic cases whereas for most mints coins they are mostly packaged in cellophane i. E. Before 2007. The non-circulating and proofs are also different in the prices they fetch. Proofs fetch higher prices compared to the mints because the time, detail and production costs are also not as much.
There are various reasons to purchase them. Proofs are bought as a way of investment or to preserve history or sometimes as a hobby. When the coins are produced in small numbers, they are rare and hence become more attractive to a probable collector. They can also serve as presents or in remembrance of a major event such as World War or the reign of a king or president.
Lastly, the level of perfection is another factor used to tell them apart. Proofs exhibit perfection. On the other hand, non-circulating may have blemishes from the manufacturing process. Coins are graded based on the level of perfection. The system used for proofs is designated PR or PF. Most of these range from PR 60 to PR 70 with the former being rare almost non-existent. Mint states are graded using MS.
Coinages provide a history and heritage. Whether buying for investment or collecting, the most recent sets are available from the U. S Mints. The older ones can be purchased from dealers or collectors.
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