Proof coins are special coins produced by government mints, primarily for collectors and showcasing the minting artistry.
Here’s how to tell if you might have a proof coin:
- Mirror-like fields: The background areas (fields) of a proof coin are typically highly polished, creating a reflective, mirror-like surface.
- Frosted design (devices): The raised elements of the design (devices), such as the portrait or imagery, often have a contrasting, frosted, or matte finish.
- Sharp, intricate details: Proof coins are struck multiple times, which brings out exceptional detail and crisp edges in the design.
- Cameo contrast: The contrast between the mirror-like fields and the frosted design elements is a hallmark of proof coins, sometimes referred to as a “cameo effect”.
- Proof coins, particularly from the U.S. Mint since 1968, often have an “S” mint mark, indicating they were struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- However, not all coins with an “S” mint mark are proofs, as the San Francisco Mint has also produced business strike coins.
- Protective Packaging: Proof coins are typically sold by the mint in special protective packaging to preserve their condition.
- Certificate of Authenticity: Many proof coins are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) issued by the mint.
- Rarity: Proof coins usually have lower mintage figures compared to their regular circulating counterparts.
- Circulation can impair proofs: While proof coins are not intended for circulation, they sometimes mistakenly enter it, which can cause wear and tear that impacts their appearance and value.
- Proof vs. Prooflike: Some business-strike coins, particularly early strikes from newly prepared dies, can exhibit a prooflike appearance, but they typically lack the true mirror finish and frosted design elements of a genuine proof coin.
- Matte Proofs: Some older proof coins have a matte finish all over, rather than the mirrored fields and frosted devices.
If you have a coin you suspect might be a proof, carefully examine its appearance, paying attention to the fields, design elements, and strike quality. If possible, compare it to images of known proof and business-strike coins of the same denomination and year.
For valuable coins, consider seeking the opinion of a professional coin grading service to definitively determine if it’s a proof coin and its condition.
Do all proof coins have an S on them?
Proof sets were once again produced also, with production of proof coins being taken over by the San Francisco Mint. Therefore, most post-1968 proof coins feature the S mint mark (error coins that lack the mint mark exist, and some special edition proof coins were produced by the Philadelphia and West Point Mints).
Are proof coins shiny?
Good point! Today, proof coins are created solely for the purpose of collecting. They are created using the same minting process, so they have their signature shiny finish. They’re also hand polished, and then packaged in special protective packaging to preserve their near perfect appearance.
How do you get a coin proof?
Proofs are produced using specially buffed and polished dies and coin blanks. Each blank is hand fed into a specially adapted coin press, then struck at least twice at slow speed and with extra pressure.