subject: The Beauty Of Silver Proof Coins [print this page] In terms of beauty and clarity of design, silver proof coins often trump those coins that are not proof, even if both sets bear the same year and contain the same amount of metal. The proof in coins is easily distinguished with the distinctive and reflective shine, and the frosted texture of the protrusions on the coin. On the 1999 proof Quarter Dollar for instance, you can see the profile of George Washington and all the texts on the obverse side in frosted surface while the background glistens like a mirror. If you compare this with the non-proof silver coin, regardless of both being uncirculated, you will notice that there is also a difference in how clean-cut the minting of the proof coin is, making the details and grooves of its design sharper.
Different Price Tags
These differences in collectible coins also raise the value of the coins. Usually, proof coins are priced higher than those non-proof ones. This is because of the added steps in the minting process. Proof coins are also handled with extra care. Since the minting type needs a higher premium and proof coins are produced in limited quantity, investing on it will get you more at a later time. However, there are more silver coins out there which lessen their selling price, given that both coins' condition are the same.
Proof Coins Protection
The price of silver coins may be higher than proof coins when it comes to the coins preservation. Fingerprint smudges and dents easily get on proof coins. If your set has these imperfections, its grade will easily drop off. Proof coins are also susceptible to spots, tarnishing and discoloration so collectors have to make sure to store them well. The value of the coin will also be lowered if you remove tarnishes and other flaws. The best thing to do is keep the coins in their encapsulated plastic packaging so the surface can't be touched directly. The face value of the coin, however, remains constant regardless of tarnishes. So these proof coins are still legal tender like the ordinary silver ones.
Silver Proof Coin Procedure
The magic feature of the proof coin includes additional procedures. Both the front and back dies of the coin are polished (background) and treated with a chemical (design). These procedures create the polished background and the protrusions' signature frost. Coins are struck twice to get a cleaner design. This makes the rims, depressions and other details more noticeable. This also produces a comparable surface between the background and the design. These extra procedures translate a higher cost in production; therefore, the prices of these coins are also higher.
When you look at a silver coin, concentrate more on the sharpness of the design. You know you have a proof coin if, the surface of the coin is very shiny that you can see your reflection or if you can see the smallest details of the eagle's feather at the flipside of the American Eagle. It may look like magic but you know that is only the result of extra care and methods done to it when it was minted.
by: Eowyn Obando
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