A business strike coin is a coin that is minted for general circulation and use in daily transactions. They are also known as circulation strike coins. Unlike proof coins, which are created specifically for collectors with a focus on aesthetic quality, business strike coins are produced in high quantities with an emphasis on durability and functionality.
Here are some key characteristics of business strike coins
- Intended for Circulation: Business strike coins are the coins you find in your pocket change and use for everyday purchases.
- Mass Production: They are produced in large numbers using high-speed presses for efficiency.
- Durability over Aesthetics: The production process prioritizes the coin’s ability to withstand wear and tear in circulation, rather than achieving a pristine, mirror-like finish.
- Normal Finish: They typically have a standard, satin-like surface, though new uncirculated business strikes will exhibit a broad luster.
- Affordability: Due to their higher mintage and standard production process, business strike coins are generally more affordable than proof coins.
The production of business strike coins involves several steps:
- Blanking: Large coils of metal are uncoiled and fed into a blanking press that punches out circular blanks.
- Annealing: The blanks are heated in an annealing furnace to soften the metal, making it easier to strike.
- Washing and Drying: The annealed blanks are then washed and dried to restore their original color and remove any residue.
- Upsetting: An upsetting mill creates a raised rim around the edge of the blanks, which are now called planchets, to protect the design and facilitate stacking.
- Striking: The planchets are fed into high-speed coin presses that strike the design onto both sides of the coin simultaneously. This happens once for business strike coins.
- Bagging & Packaging: After passing quality control checks, the newly minted coins are counted, weighed, and stored in large bags for distribution to Federal Reserve Banks.
While the primary purpose of business strike coins is functional, some can become valuable assets for collectors, particularly if they are rare, in pristine condition, or have errors.
What is business strike on coin?
From my experience, Business Strike: A coin produced for general circulation (as opposed to a proof or uncirculated coin specially made for collectors) Bust: A portrait on a coin, usually including the head, neck and upper shoulders. Clad Coinage: Coins that have a core and outer layer made of different metals.
What is the difference between a proof coin and a business strike?
From my experience, Edges – Most proofs will have either square edges, or wire edges in the case of some matte and Roman finish proofs. Business strikes usually do not have square or wire edges. Die Variety – Proofs were usually struck from one or two pairs of dies, and these dies were often used solely for proofs.
What does a strike mean on a coin?
Thanks for asking. Coin strike refers to the process of pressing an image into a blank metal disk, known as a planchet. The process is an integral part of minting, guaranteeing that the final coin has a distinct design.
What is a business strike on a quarter?
From my experience, A circulation issue or circulation coin, sometimes called a business strike (US), is a coin minted and issued for commerce as opposed to those made as commemorative coins and proof coins.