Thread: MS vs PF
View Single Post
  #6  
Old January 17th 05, 05:28 AM
Steven Preston
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

So, if I can paraphrase, Proof does imply a
different appearance but does not directly imply
condition.


No. Proof refers to the way in which it was made; that is its condition.
Even i it is mishandled or even circulated, a proof is still a proof.
There are coins out there that are graded Proof-12. That is a heavily
worn proof, but still a proof. Proof coins will usually look different
from "normally" struck coins but the differences can be very subtle.
Think of it like this- there are photographs and paintings.
Generally, you can tell when an image is painted or a photograph. There
are paintings so good they look like a photograph but the "method of
manufacture" is still painting. Similarly, a photograph can be creased
so that fine lines appear and it looks like a painting but it's still a
photograph. Perhaps a better analogy is whether a sculpture is hand
carved or formed in a mold. You might not be able to tell them apart,
but they are two different methods of manufacture. I suggest not using
"condition" as it can confuse the issue. Instead, use "method of
manufacture" to distiguish between proof and so-called business strike
(or "normal") coins, and then use a numerical grade like 20, 50, 65,
etc. Since you can have a coin that grades a 65 be either proof (the way
it was made) as in Proof-65 or mint state (a business strike or "normal"
coin) as in Mint State-65 or worn coins be Proof-20 or Very Fine-20. The
term "uncirculated" applies to "normal" coins that rate a numerical
grade of between 60 and 70 (70 is the highest). Proof coins are referred
to as Proof-X (where X is the number grade whether it's 20, 30, 65, 69,
etc). I really hope this helps and doesn't confuse you more.

When the mint is done running proofs, do they
destroy the proof dies or do they get retasked
as dies for "normal" coins?


Generally it is not worth the trouble to take a used proof die and
refurbish it for use in striking "normal" coins but it does
occaisionally happen.

Most of the coins I have are from the US. I am
most interested in silver bullion.


The difference between a Proof Silver Eagle and an Uncirculated (or
"Mint State" as used for "normal" coins) one is going to be immediately
obvious and a good visual lesson in the differences between the two. It
might be worth the investment of a dollar or so to buy a common modern
Proof Lincoln cent (it will have an "S" mintmark) and let it jumble
around in your pocket for a month or two. Then, knowing it's a Proof,
examine it and try to see how you can tell it was manufactured as a
Proof even though it's now worn- the sharpness of the rim, etc. I hope
this helps you.

-Steve

Ads