петък, 8 август 2014 г.

The Difference Between Proof And Mint State Coins In Summary

By Jessica Drury


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.

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 amount engaged in the manufacture is another factor used in differentiating them. The non-circulating are manufactured in large amounts and then heaped to be transported and moved to banks. More than one mint makes the non-circulating. The proofs however are produced by just one or few select mints and are produced in small amounts.

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.

Mint state coins are allowed to have blemishes arising probably due to the process of production. However proofs are perfect. The grading for the proof and non-circulating is also different. PR or PF is purposed to grade proofs with most of them having a grade value between PR 60 and PR 70. PR 70 is rare and almost nonexistent. MS is used to grade the non-circulating.

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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