What is a Proof Coin?
Proof and uncirculated coins are not the same and the terms are not interchangeable. During production, the two types of coins employ different striking methods. Proof coins are produced when specially prepared planchets are struck at least twice by specially polished dies. The end product is a coin with a highly mirrored field and very frosted detail. Proof coins are struck for, and generally sold to collectors. Proof coins can be found in circulation if someone has unknowingly, or sometimes purposefully, removed these coins from their holders and used the coins as legal tender.
