| Gold proof coins are early samples of a particular | | | | in the early 20th century, through a process of |
| issue of a specific coin. These are generally | | | | sandblasting the dies that the coins were made |
| minted to test the dies and also for copies to | | | | from. This design was very popular in Europe, and |
| keep in the archives. Since the popularity of these | | | | was used by the Philadelphia Mint for various coin |
| coins has grown, many more are often struck for | | | | series made of other metals. Finding these coins |
| each type of coin especially for coin collectors. | | | | today proves to be challenging for any collector, |
| Many different countries issue gold proof coins to | | | | as they are still some of the most rare gold coins |
| collectors around the world. When it comes time | | | | in existence and very valuable. The Lincoln cent |
| to make proofs, there is a special process that | | | | was struck this way from 1909 to 1916, creating |
| occurs. First, the dies will be polished, which gives | | | | more than 15,000 proof coins. Today, they are |
| the proof coins a sharper rim and more | | | | very rare and have tarnished into a variety of |
| distinguished design that circulated coins. Then, the | | | | colors through the years. Buffalo Nickels and |
| proof dies are occasionally treated with chemicals | | | | Peace Silver Dollars were also produced in the U.S. |
| to give a frosted look to a certain part of the | | | | with a matte finish, but are much rarer than the |
| coin. | | | | Lincoln cents. |
| This frosted treatment is new, and is done | | | | Although gold proof coins are struck in most |
| merely for the sake of collecting, as the coins will | | | | occasions today for collectors, they were used |
| appear to be more aesthetically pleasing to | | | | historically for records purposes in most cases. |
| collectors. There have been many other | | | | There are many different proof coins available for |
| processes used over the years to achieve this | | | | collectors, including a variety of designs from |
| effect, as well as the mirrored effect of the | | | | countries around the world. Today, these coins |
| polished areas, including sand blasting the dies and | | | | are generally minted to mark special occasions |
| creating matte proofs. Some coins from the | | | | and to commemorate historic events. The value |
| 1800s even looked scratched as a result of this | | | | of these coins varies greatly, depending on what |
| process. Proof coins are usually double, and even | | | | you are looking for. Generally speaking, older coins |
| triple, struck to ensure that the image is fully | | | | and ones that have fewer copies are going to be |
| embedded into the coin. | | | | worth more because of their rare and historic |
| Matte gold proof coins were developed in France | | | | nature. |