2017-02-02 Thu

Proof? UNC? Reverse Proof? Do you get lost in all these technical numismatic terms?
Worry not...We are here to help you with that.

Examine the change (coins) in your pockets. Most of the coins will appear to be grey, dull and scratched. Such is the condition of many circulated coins. Exchanged countless hands, shoved into wallets and purses!

Such coins lose their lustre and also lose appeal to the collectors. As a collector, it is important to understand all of the different strikes a coin can have. It's also important to know the grade of a coin because, in general, the higher the grade of a coin, the higher its price. Here are a few standards at which the coins are struck:

Uncirculated Coins (UNC):
Every coin starts its life as an uncirculated coin when it is struck at the mint. However uncirculated "specimen" coins are issued specially for collectors. These coins are more carefully produced and handled. They are or may be better than ordinary coins (produced for circulation), but may still have some small imperfections.

Proof Coins:
Proof coins are the finest quality of coin produced by any mint. The term "proof" refers to the coin's finish. Proof blanks are specially treated, polished, and cleaned to ensure high-quality strikes. Such coins are perfect for collectors looking to own coins with the highest levels of craftsmanship and design detail. These coins are struck at least twice at lower striking speeds, to give a higher and sharper definition and come with an official Certificate of Authenticity and are generally encased in a protective capsule.
The most common understanding of “proof” coin is that the flat background parts of the coin or the flan have a highly polished mirror finish, and the raised parts of the design has a matt finish or frost finish, giving a higher level of contrast between the two also known as the Cameo effect.

Reverse Proof Coins:
A reverse proof coin is struck exactly like a proof coin, but the field of the coin i.e. the flan of the coin is frosty and the raised devices are mirror like. As these coins have an exactly opposite effect than that of the proof coins, they are called as “Reverse” proof coins.

Bullion Coins:
Bullion coins are generally bought for their intrinsic qualities and are kept as a store of value. Generally struck from precious metal like gold and silver these coins are kept as an investment. They have a similar standard of finish to circulating coins and their value depends on the current value of the metal they are struck in.

Now that you know the basic difference between the standard of strikes it will be easier for you to collect coins. Hope this article helps you in widening your numismatic knowledge and collection.
Also do read a very exciting blog written on similar Numismatic Facts .

Keep Collecting!