| In coin collecting, the "proof coin" is a type of coin | | | | on "PR" or "PF". This is not too different from the |
| that is often sought out by collectors. They are | | | | grading of other non-circulated coins. The grade |
| specially created coins with higher standards and | | | | could be anywhere from PR60 to PR70, where |
| finish. The qualities are quite different than the | | | | PR70 would be perfect. If the grade is lower than |
| typical circulated coin because of their reflective | | | | PR70, the grade is less perfect as it gets lower. |
| characteristics and construction. | | | | Sometimes the grade may fall below PR60 if the |
| So what makes a proof coin so different? A | | | | coin was mishandled during the manufacturing |
| newly minted coin may not be circulated to the | | | | process. |
| public, but that doesn't necessarily make the coin | | | | There is a variant of the proof coin called |
| a proof coin. To really understand the difference, | | | | "reverse proof". Reverse proof coins are very |
| you'd want understand how the coin is made. | | | | similar to the proof coin. However the big |
| Proof coin construction is unlike circulated coins. | | | | difference is that the field (the empty space) has |
| The coin is forged when two dies strike and | | | | a frosty-like characteristic, almost like tarnished |
| collide with the metal. The two dies have the | | | | metal. The raised devices (raised images) have a |
| front and back sides of the coin engraved with | | | | mirror-like quality. It's commonly thought that only |
| the coin design. Moreover, the coin is struck twice | | | | one side of the coin has the reverse proof |
| giving the design a finer detail than other coins. By | | | | characteristics--because the word "reverse" is |
| striking twice, the metal is embedded more into | | | | often associated with the reserve side of the |
| the template of the die and allows finer lines and | | | | coin. But both sides have the reserve-proof |
| shapes. | | | | characteristics. |
| The proof coin is also unique by the polish and | | | | Another variant of the proof are the prestige |
| treated die, which gives it a different appearance | | | | proof coins. These coins were the |
| compared to circulated coins. The dies are applied | | | | commemorative pieces during the 1990s, like the |
| with acid and the background of the die is | | | | popular state quarter sets. |
| polished. This gives the coin a mirror-like feel for | | | | The coins do not come cheap. Depending on the |
| the background and a frosted look for the other | | | | year or collection, proof coins can set you back |
| parts of the coin design. | | | | from a few bucks to thousands of dollars. It's |
| Proof coins also have a notable distinction. The | | | | important to assess the coin's value by consulting |
| coins will typically have a letter, a mintmark, near | | | | a professional coin collector or appraiser. |
| the year embedded on the coin. The letter | | | | For coin collecting, proof coins should be valuable |
| provides the location of where the coin was | | | | pieces in any collection. Proof coins are |
| minted. Common places include P for Philadelphia | | | | constructed with more precision, better materials |
| or D for Denver. | | | | and finer instruments. All of these provide coin |
| In coin collecting, the grading of proofs is based | | | | collecting a trophy piece for any collector. |