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 these factors. Proofs have a shiny surface which is mirror like on the flat surface. The raised parts have a matte finishing. Based on detail, attention and quality, these are the finest coin types produced by a mint. The non-circulating have a finishing that is frosty and has a luster like appearance. The difference between non-circulating and those in circulation is the enhancements found in the mint states. These enhancements include after-stamp cleaning.
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 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.
Coins are part of a people history and culture. Whichever the reason you may have for buying them, ensure that you get the most recent sets from a mint. The older sets can be purchased from a dealer or a collector.
Appearance is one of these factors. Proofs have a shiny surface which is mirror like on the flat surface. The raised parts have a matte finishing. Based on detail, attention and quality, these are the finest coin types produced by a mint. The non-circulating have a finishing that is frosty and has a luster like appearance. The difference between non-circulating and those in circulation is the enhancements found in the mint states. These enhancements include after-stamp cleaning.
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 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.
Coins are part of a people history and culture. Whichever the reason you may have for buying them, ensure that you get the most recent sets from a mint. The older sets can be purchased from a dealer or a collector.
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Thank You for your interest !