Differentiating between proof and mint state coins is not easy. This is because people mistaken these terms for a grading system. They however refer to the process followed in production. There are various factors used to determine the difference between proof and mint state coins also known as non-circulating coins.
The first factor is appearance. Proofs have shiny appearance with a mirror like finish on the uniform surface and on the raised surface have a matte finishings. These are among finest coin kinds produced by the mint in relation to quality, detail or care. Mint states however have a frosty finish that is also luster-like. The difference between mints and those which are in circulation are the presence of enhancements such as the fact that they get cleaned after stamping. The circulating coins lack such enhancements.
Another difference occurs in the process of manufacture. In manufacture of proofs, they are struck by use of a production process that is unique. Special dies which are polished are used to mark the blanks on the front and the back. They then get checked for blemishes and then struck several times and mostly slowly using the striking machine to achieve high level of detail. Handling is usually careful, mostly by use of gloved hands. They are then packaged in a special container to protect them from dirt and moisture. On the other hand, non-circulating are ordinary and no special processes are carried out during manufacture.
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.
The packaging for both types is also different. Protective plastic cases house most modern proofs. The non-circulating before 2007 however were packaged in cellophane. There is also a difference in how much money they fetch. Proofs are more expensive since they take much more time, cost and attention to produce.
The reason for purchase is also used to tell them apart. Proofs are purchased as an investment, for historical purposes or as a hobby. The lower the numbers, the rare the coin is and hence the more lucrative it is to a collector. They get also used as gifts, presents and keepsakes. They are also used to commemorate events like the World War or the era of a certain ruler or president.
The non-circulating may have flaws caused during production process. The proofs however are perfect. Their grading system also varies from that of non-circulating. They are graded using a PR or PF sign. Most have a PR of between 60 and 70 with PR 70 being rare almost non-existent. The non-circulating are graded by the sign MS.
Coins remind us of our heritage and history. Whatever your purpose for purchasing, the most current coin sets can be found at a mint while the older sets are available from a dealer or collector.
The first factor is appearance. Proofs have shiny appearance with a mirror like finish on the uniform surface and on the raised surface have a matte finishings. These are among finest coin kinds produced by the mint in relation to quality, detail or care. Mint states however have a frosty finish that is also luster-like. The difference between mints and those which are in circulation are the presence of enhancements such as the fact that they get cleaned after stamping. The circulating coins lack such enhancements.
Another difference occurs in the process of manufacture. In manufacture of proofs, they are struck by use of a production process that is unique. Special dies which are polished are used to mark the blanks on the front and the back. They then get checked for blemishes and then struck several times and mostly slowly using the striking machine to achieve high level of detail. Handling is usually careful, mostly by use of gloved hands. They are then packaged in a special container to protect them from dirt and moisture. On the other hand, non-circulating are ordinary and no special processes are carried out during manufacture.
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.
The packaging for both types is also different. Protective plastic cases house most modern proofs. The non-circulating before 2007 however were packaged in cellophane. There is also a difference in how much money they fetch. Proofs are more expensive since they take much more time, cost and attention to produce.
The reason for purchase is also used to tell them apart. Proofs are purchased as an investment, for historical purposes or as a hobby. The lower the numbers, the rare the coin is and hence the more lucrative it is to a collector. They get also used as gifts, presents and keepsakes. They are also used to commemorate events like the World War or the era of a certain ruler or president.
The non-circulating may have flaws caused during production process. The proofs however are perfect. Their grading system also varies from that of non-circulating. They are graded using a PR or PF sign. Most have a PR of between 60 and 70 with PR 70 being rare almost non-existent. The non-circulating are graded by the sign MS.
Coins remind us of our heritage and history. Whatever your purpose for purchasing, the most current coin sets can be found at a mint while the older sets are available from a dealer or collector.
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