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.
The process of manufacture is also different. In the production of proofs, they are struck using a unique engraving process. Polished special dies are employed to engrave the back and front sides of the blanks. They are then inspected for blemishes and struck severally and slowly by a machine to ensure that the detail is of high quality. They are handled with utmost care, mostly using hands that are gloved. They are then packaged in a unique container to keep away dirt and dust. The non-circulating however are not manufactured using any special process.
The quantity of production is also purposed to differentiate them. Mints states are produced in masses by a machine and heaped, sorted then transported to banks. They can be made by more than one mint. Proofs on the other hand are produced by one or just a few mints and are not mass produced.
Packaging is also varied. Proofs are housed in protective plastic cases while the non-circulating were until 2007 packaged in cellophane. The price they fetch is another factor used to differentiate them. Proofs require more time to manufacture and the cost of production is high. This makes them more expensive.
There are varied reasons for purchase. Investing, historical archiving and as a hobby are some of the reasons to buy the proofs. Lower coin population result to its rarity and hence increased desirability to a collector. They can also serve as gifts or presents and are also used to remember certain events like World War or a hero.
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.
The process of manufacture is also different. In the production of proofs, they are struck using a unique engraving process. Polished special dies are employed to engrave the back and front sides of the blanks. They are then inspected for blemishes and struck severally and slowly by a machine to ensure that the detail is of high quality. They are handled with utmost care, mostly using hands that are gloved. They are then packaged in a unique container to keep away dirt and dust. The non-circulating however are not manufactured using any special process.
The quantity of production is also purposed to differentiate them. Mints states are produced in masses by a machine and heaped, sorted then transported to banks. They can be made by more than one mint. Proofs on the other hand are produced by one or just a few mints and are not mass produced.
Packaging is also varied. Proofs are housed in protective plastic cases while the non-circulating were until 2007 packaged in cellophane. The price they fetch is another factor used to differentiate them. Proofs require more time to manufacture and the cost of production is high. This makes them more expensive.
There are varied reasons for purchase. Investing, historical archiving and as a hobby are some of the reasons to buy the proofs. Lower coin population result to its rarity and hence increased desirability to a collector. They can also serve as gifts or presents and are also used to remember certain events like World War or a hero.
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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