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.
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 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.
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 various reasons to purchase them. Proofs are bought as a way of investment or to preserve history or sometimes as a hobby. When the coins are produced in small numbers, they are rare and hence become more attractive to a probable collector. They can also serve as presents or in remembrance of a major event such as World War or the reign of a king or president.
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 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.
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 various reasons to purchase them. Proofs are bought as a way of investment or to preserve history or sometimes as a hobby. When the coins are produced in small numbers, they are rare and hence become more attractive to a probable collector. They can also serve as presents or in remembrance of a major event such as World War or the reign of a king or president.
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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