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 is in the production process. Proofs are made by striking the surface using a special minting process. Special polished dies are purposed to engrave the back and the front sides. They are then inspected for flaws and then struck more than once and usually slowly by the striking machine. They get carefully handled, usually by a gloved hand and then packaged in a container to keep them safe from dirt, dust and moisture. The non-circulating are ordinary and their manufacture does not involve any such special procedures.
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.
Another difference is in how they are packaged. Most modern proof coinage are in sets that are contained in protective plastic cases whereas for most mints coins they are mostly packaged in cellophane i. E. Before 2007. The non-circulating and proofs are also different in the prices they fetch. Proofs fetch higher prices compared to the mints because the time, detail and production costs are also not as much.
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.
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.
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 is in the production process. Proofs are made by striking the surface using a special minting process. Special polished dies are purposed to engrave the back and the front sides. They are then inspected for flaws and then struck more than once and usually slowly by the striking machine. They get carefully handled, usually by a gloved hand and then packaged in a container to keep them safe from dirt, dust and moisture. The non-circulating are ordinary and their manufacture does not involve any such special procedures.
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.
Another difference is in how they are packaged. Most modern proof coinage are in sets that are contained in protective plastic cases whereas for most mints coins they are mostly packaged in cellophane i. E. Before 2007. The non-circulating and proofs are also different in the prices they fetch. Proofs fetch higher prices compared to the mints because the time, detail and production costs are also not as much.
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.
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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