The Difference Between Proof and Un-Circulated Coins

Many people outside of the coin collecting world do not understand the difference between rroof and un-circulated coins. For numismatics however, there is a whole world of difference. The history of the two types of coins varies dramatically. For example, the proof coin was originally never meant for release. It was a test run to check for quality and errors. Un-circulated coins however, were minted for use but never put into circulation.

The history of un-circulated coins has changed very little over the years, whereas the process of producing proof coins has changed dramatically. So what actually is the difference between proof and un-circulated coins? Two basic items first. Humans have never touched proof coins. Un-circulated coins have never been in the public stream. The minting process for the two is also vastly different. Un-circulated coins are produced along with normal release coins, whereas proof coins use different dies and stamping processes. Un-circulated coins can have what’s called bag marks, they can also fall victim to tarnish. Proof coins are highly polished, have a mirrored finish, and a frosted appearance. Un-circulated coins can be released in very large numbers, proof coins are very limited in the quantity of the mint run.

Now the most important difference between the two, value. Un-circulated coins are a part of almost every collectors library, proofs are more limited by the average collector. Because of the mint process, and the limitation of the mint run, proofs are much more valuable. A nice example of this is the 2007 American Eagle Platinum, this type of coin is for extreme collectors and is very limited.

Both coins have a very devoted following in the world of coin collecting. It simply depends on your budget as to which you decide to collect.