KOTCT Members Forum

A Proof is a specimen striking of coinage for presentation, souvenir, exhibition, or numismatic process. Pre-1968 Proofs were made only at the Philadelphia Mint, except in a few rare instances in which presentation pieces were struck at branch mints. Current Proofs are made at San Francisco and West Point.

The term Proof refers to the method of manufacture not the condition of the coin. Regular production coins in Mint state have coruscating, frosty luster, soft details, and minor imperfections. A Proof coin can usually be distinguished by it sharpness of detail, high wire edge, and extremely brilliant, mirror like surface. All proofs are originally sold by the mint at a premium.

Very few Proof coins were made prior to 1856. Frosted Proofs were issued prior to 1936 and starting again in the late 1970s. These have a brilliant, mirror like field with contrasting dull or frosted design.

Matte Proofs have a granular "sandblasted" surface instead of the mirror finish. Matte Proof cents, nickels and gold coins were issued from 1936 to date. These have a uniformly brilliant, mirror like surface and sharp, high relief details.

"Proof-like" coins are occasionally seen. These are examples from dies that have been slightly polished, often inadvertently during the removal of lines, contact marks, or other marks in the fields. In other instances, such as with certain New Orleans gold coins of the 1850s, the dies were polished in the machine shop of the mint. They are not true Proofs, but may have most of the characteristics of a Proof coin and generally command a premium. Collectors should beware of coins that have been buffed to look like Proofs; magnification will reveal polishing lines and lack of detail.

Please share with your
 
Favorite and high grades coins
And whatever you have on this series


Thanks

Bicentennial 1976S Half Dollar  :)

Reverse  :)

Bicentennial 1976S Quarter Dollar  :)

Reverse  :)

Nice coins Amr.
I really like the design of the 1976 half.

1985 Canada Silver One Dollar
(http://www.coincommunity.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10048/1985_Canada_Silver_One_Dollar.jpg)

2007 Australia One Dollar
(http://www.coincommunity.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10048/2007_Australian__1_%28Proof%29.JPG)

2006 Australia TV One Dollar (currently on it's way to Marek)
(http://www.coincommunity.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10048/2006_Aussie_TV_Silver__1.JPG)


 

Proof and "Proof" coins have become an art for getting added value out of the coin
that is for the mint to get more money
The 1987 one year 50 ecu coin by the Belgian mint was so called made by
Single polished dies in 1.500.000 quantity half ounce of gold
These coins are often sold as proofs which they are not in appearance

The mint then proceeded to make true proofs which they said had double polished dies
and marked these coins with the letters qp

They did not mention the pressure of the strike which should be higher and they did not mention whether there were multiple strikes on one coin which there should be

On top of that the planchettes ( the blanks ) can be polished too ; given what the coffinmakers call and ultradeep cameo

Several South American nations did very sloppy polishing jobs to extend the life of the dies . These jobs only resulted in polishing scratches on all coins which can be seen as they only run over the highest parts of the negative dies and not the lowest parts .

I consider this the most beautifull proof I got
The Unicorn

Very nice coins Steve, i like the 2007 lifesaver dollar, thanks for sharing :)

PYW, the Unicorn is a beauty... :)

But lets not forget my favorite  ;)

Tuvalu Silver One Dollar (1 oz. .999 silver)  :)

with GREAT WHITE  ;D

Reverse  :)

Australian Silver 5 Dollar 2000  :)


with TWO GREAT WHITES  ;D

Reverse  :)

These are the pics that Scottishmoney took to the coin, the coin is still on the way

Thanks Dave for your Help  :)

Can you believe these coins are sought to be mounted in jewelry  ?

The Unicorn and the roses are very beautiful and Unique... this coin is a piece of Jewelry in it self....mounting it will be a disaster

but stil i bet many women would love to have this beauty in a necklace  :(

Well they can have three mounted sovereigns for the price of this coin unmounted  ???

Women... :D

2002 North Korea One Won (I like the sound of this denomination :) )

Subject: Peasent War

If anyone could tell me the KM# of this coin, i will be grateful :)

Reverse  :)

Sorry for the blurred pic, photographing a Proof coin is a very difficult job  :-[

Thanks John  :)

Kennedy 2003S  :)

Reverse  :)

2003S Jefferson Nickel  :)

Reverse  :)

I have posted a similar one, but this i got from OldDan as a gift with several other beautiful coins.

Hope you will start posting again Gene  ;)


1976S Quarter Dollar :)

Reverse  :)