| There is a difference between proof grade coins, | | | | most hobby collectors are interested in proof |
| and bullion coins. Just like there is a difference | | | | minted collectible coins for speculation purposes. |
| between collectors that are hobby numismatists | | | | However, because they are sold at more than |
| and those that are investors in collectible coins for | | | | face value, and often for much more than the |
| profit. As a coin collector, this can affect silver | | | | investment value of the precious metal content |
| coin value because bullion coins are minted from | | | | itself, the silver coin value or gold coin value can |
| the precious metal for the investment quality | | | | be vary widely. |
| value of the metal, where proof grade coins | | | | When you are entering the field of numismatics |
| derive their value from their state of near | | | | or coin collecting, you need to understand the |
| perfection and from the rarity that results from | | | | difference in buying and selling of collectible coins. |
| being a near perfect coin. Since the value of proof | | | | There is a difference between collectors that |
| coins rest on rarity and artistic value, they are | | | | invest in bullion collectible coins, and collectors |
| more popular with hobby coin collectors. | | | | interested in proof minted specimens that are so |
| When it comes to proof coins, "proof" refers to a | | | | popular with hobby collectors because they can |
| special minting process that is made especially for | | | | demand much higher prices. The recent state |
| coin collectors, and because they are collectible | | | | quarter proofing is a prime example of the |
| coins you won't see in circulation, they are sold by | | | | difference, where the quarters are presented as |
| the mint for more than face value, when they | | | | collectible coins, even though there are many |
| are first "proofed". While modern proof quality | | | | almost uncirculated, state quarter specimens |
| collectible coins have become more defined with | | | | available, and they have no silver coin value |
| mirror-like fields and frosted reliefs, there were | | | | attached. That doesn't mean that there were not |
| some proof quality coins that were minted for | | | | hobby collectors that didn't belong to clubs where |
| collectors prior to the mid-twentieth century that | | | | they bought proof quality state quarters for close |
| featured high quality surfaces using the standard | | | | to $50 each. |
| minting process. | | | | On the other hand, proof minted coins have an |
| As you compare bullion silver coin value, you have | | | | investment quality that is far greater than bullion |
| to realize that the value is determined by the | | | | coins based on the precious metals market behind |
| market prices of the ounce of silver, and in the | | | | them. It is a matter of what segment of coin |
| case of gold bullion coin value, it is the investment | | | | collecting you are interested in and how long you |
| value of the gold that is used in the coin. They | | | | plan to hold onto the collectible coins that can |
| are not collectible coins based on their high quality | | | | determine your success at coin collecting for |
| and definition, but rather the collection of these | | | | investment purposes or to make a profit. It is |
| coins is based on the investment value of the | | | | important that you understand the grading |
| precious metals it contains. When you are | | | | process and the differences in proof collecting |
| comparing bullion coins to collectible proof coins, | | | | versus bullion collecting for investment, whether |
| the value of a particular issue, for example, a | | | | for hobby or making large profits. Both can be |
| 2010 American silver Eagle can vary dramatically | | | | quite interesting, but graded proof minted coins |
| different based upon it's grade. This is because | | | | are worth the most. |