Comments for Silver Coin Proof

Comment on American Eagle Coin? by zman492

zman492 — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:41:45 +0000

Uncirculated
The word “uncirculated” means exactly what it says, the coin has not been in circulation, however “ordinary” uncirculated coins often have bagmarks, edge knocks and other small scuffs and imperfections. Uncirculated “specimen” coins issued specially for collectors are often more carefully produced and handled, so they may be better than ordinary coins mass produced for circulation, but may still have some small imperfections.

Proof
Proof coins are specially produced to a much higher standard of finish. Originally, proofs were intended as pre-production samples. As a printer would produce a small number of “proof” copies for checking and approval, so a mint would produce proofs for approval by the mintmaster, the monarch, and for other purposes. When coin collecting began to become popular about two centuries ago, a larger number of proofs were sometimes made for sale to collectors. This has developed enormously in the past few decades, and most countries, but not all, produce proof coin and sets every year or on special occasions.

Comment on American Eagle Coins? by silverpet

silverpet — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:32:36 +0000

The above answerers have covered the characteristics, the method of manufacture and even the values of the Silver Eagles. So I’ll just complement the answers by providing additional info, some images and their mintage figures.

The Proof Silver Eagle comes in an original US Mint dark blue velvet presentation box with the original Certificate of Authenticity => http://www.belairestamp.com/eagleproof04.jpg while the Brilliant Unicirculated version comes in the original government tube of 20 coins.=> http://lynncoins.com/01SEROLL.JPG

The 2004-W American Eagle Silver Proof Coins have deep mirrorred fields with frosted devices=> http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/Z76_popup.jpg and have a limited mintage of 850,000. The Brilliant Uncirculated version has a mintage of 8,882,754 and has a matte surface.=> http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/ConsumerDirect/images/catalog/en_US/Z7F_popup.jpg

Comment on American Eagle Coins? by Taiping

Taiping — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:33:23 +0000

Yes the proofs are made with a special blank and the dies are special also. The coin is also struck more than once. Proof coins are made for collectors, so the mint sells them for more money and in the case of the American Eagle coin, mint far fewer than the uncirculated type, which are made just like regular coins are. For an example the 1994 proof 69 silver eagle trends for $250, while the uncirculated one trends for $50 is MS-69 or only $20 if in grade Mint State 64. I have been lucky over the years and have seen some proof coins from the 1800’s that were just out of this world.

Comment on American Eagle Coins? by BD in NM

BD in NM — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:25:37 +0000

The only thing to add to bbooptoon 1959 is that proofs are usually struck by the press multiple times to bring up the details of the design whereas the uncirculated issues are only struck once.

Comment on American Eagle Coins? by bbooptoon1959

bbooptoon1959 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:36:03 +0000

the method of manufactor. Proof coins have the blanks and the dies highly polished before striking. When struck, this creates a highly reflective piece. The coin is then sandblasted on the high points creating a contrast with a frosted finish. The uncirculated is simply struck without polishing, and the burnished has some kind of matte-like finish. Proofs are generally more expensive

Comment on How many regular strike 2006 W Silver Eagles were minted? by Ty H

Ty H — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:13:39 +0000

No that was all they made.

Comment on When buying US Mint proof coins, what is the most common grading? by Taiping

Taiping — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:00:59 +0000

There is always the chance of a coin from the mint being in a PR-65. These days that is highly unlikely, but a possibility. Also it is possible to get a PR-65 first strike coin. I would say that the first strike coins may have a better strike, for the die has not worn down, but that does not mean other things can not happen, such as marks on the coin. I do not collect very much modern coins, but do have some nice commemorative coins from the mint as well as a run of proof sets. I have noticed the quality rise over the years from 1950 to 2007. I myself would never pay more for a first strike coin. I think it is a gimmick. One thing to remember, it will take quite a while to get your money back buying bullion coins. Another is, a grade given by a grading service is their opinion and they can be wrong. Sorry I could not answer your question with a yes they will be PR-69,70. In most likely hood they should be.

Comment on 2007 American Eagle Silver Coin? by harryb

harryb — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:51:47 +0000

I`d have to think buying directly from the Mint is best and cheapest. The proofs are the best condition possible.

Comment on 2007 American Eagle Silver Coin? by Taiping

Taiping — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:53:15 +0000

It used to be uncirculated silver eagles had to be bought from a dealer for the mint did not sell the uncirculated variety. This year they are, but it is different for it has the W mint mark on it and I believe it has a different finish. The one from the mint is different.. This is the first year I think, so no one knows how they will sell or how many they will make. Now proofs are made for collectors and are a special made coin with mirror finish and frosted designs. They are struck more than once and are on a special planchet. That is why they are more money. They are also made on slower moving presses. I would go with the proof for sure but if I had a few extra dollars I would also get the uncirculated version from the mint. As an example they minted 7,408,640,1999 uncirculated eagles but minted only 549,769, proofs. they are far few proofs around.

Comment on 2007 American Eagle Silver Coin? by MusicMan5537

MusicMan5537 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:18:03 +0000

Proof sets are always better.