Another prospecting question...
 

Please explain to me how you identify "proofs" in the following coins:

Dollars
Halves
Quarters,
Dimes

Why do people say when prospecting halves: "I found a 1984 proof"? Is there more silver in it, or is it just "collector value"? If so, what is that value for each denomination of coin I have listed. Also, what is a "proof"? Is it double-struck for clarity? Just curious, as I keep hearing about "proofs", and that they are desireable. I just want to know why, how to identify them, and what they're worth.

Edited to add: I found this definition in another thread:

Proof : a special process for producing coins of exceptional quality and brilliance. Proof coins will exhibit a full strike, mirrored surfaces, and sometimes a cameo effect.

A proof coin is made with a specially polished and treated die!
By treating the die in a special way, the coins it produces have a different appearance. Modern technology allows the high points on the coin design to be acid treated (on the die). The background (field) design of the coin die is polished, resulting in a mirror-like look on the coin it strikes. This gives the finished coin a frosted look (frosting) on the raise parts of the design, with a mirror like finish on the background. This contrasting finish is often called "cameo". (See picture above.) On some older coins a cameo appearance is quite rare. The attribute "CAM", when added to a coin's description, means cameo appearance. "DCAM" means deep cameo, and indicates the cameo appearance is strong and easy to observe.

Proof coins are struck twice, or more!

Not only are proofs made using specially treated dies, each coin is struck two or more times by the coin die. By striking it more than once the metal is forced into all the crevices of the die, thereby giving a very fine detail to the image on the coin. This fine detail does not appear on some non-proof coins.

Still doesn't answer my question on value though...

Thanks for your answers,
Jeff

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Hey Dude!,
Did you see the info on the Nickels?

Anyway PROOFS-

Proof : a special process for producing coins of exceptional quality and brilliance. Proof coins will exhibit a full strike, mirrored surfaces, and sometimes a cameo effect.

A proof coin is made with a specially polished and treated die!
By treating the die in a special way, the coins it produces have a different appearance. Modern technology allows the high points on the coin design to be acid treated (on the die). The background (field) design of the coin die is polished, resulting in a mirror-like look on the coin it strikes. This gives the finished coin a frosted look (frosting) on the raise parts of the design, with a mirror like finish on the background. This contrasting finish is often called "cameo". (See picture above.) On some older coins a cameo appearance is quite rare. The attribute "CAM", when added to a coin's description, means cameo appearance. "DCAM" means deep cameo, and indicates the cameo appearance is strong and easy to observe.

Proof coins are struck twice, or more!

Not only are proofs made using specially treated dies, each coin is struck two or more times by the coin die. By striking it more than once the metal is forced into all the crevices of the die, thereby giving a very fine detail to the image on the coin. This fine detail does not appear on some non-proof coins.

Note that all kennedy proofs are not silver. Proofs are also super thick compared to the normal coins. "Proof" is NOT a grade.

http://lynncoins.com/proofcoin_article.htm

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showt...27#post1723027

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

For the most part, probably not worth too much, even in really good shape. For halves, maybe $5-6 or so at the most unless it's rare or there's an error. A lot of proof coins that are prospected are fingerprinted or damaged in some way or form, and therefore worth a lot less.

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

HAHAHA!!!
Silvers I got this from your post originally!

Barrettone-

Also - Yes proofs are more desirable,
When you see the coins that look like they are black on APMEX they are usually proofs,
and highly reflective.

For US Coins - the mint usually issues certain coins in proof sets struck in silver for collectors. looking for some pics....
or bullion proofs like these
first one is the proof
http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/C...1200_small.jpg
http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/C...1250_small.jpg

more silver proofs
http://catalog.usmint.gov/wcsstore/C.../V80_large.jpg

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Value will depend on the mintage figures, if the coin is graded, the year. \
Like that 2005 Proof Silvers posted, would definitely be worth more than a non -proof of the same coin and year, even if circulated, due to AG content.

I could be wrong but I think some proofs actually are made using more metal than reg issues due to the striking process, in turn increasing value.

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Yes I did...Thanks AGRO!!!

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Anyone claiming to find a proof coin in a roll of coins, simply doesn't understand the meaning of "proof". Proofs are handled completely different from run of the mill minted coins. The scratches caused by coins coming into contact with other coins, would instantly degrade a coin into what is called "mint state" (MS), at best.

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Since they're a different type of strike, proof coins themselves have a separate grading scale. MS is used for the uncirculated business strikes. PR or PF is used instead for proofs. If proofs are damaged, scratched mishandled, the grades can extend below PF-60.

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

..........

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

See, this is what I don't understand about grading! So could a high MS grade, say a MS-65 or MS-67, be worth more than a sub PF-60 coin?

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Generally, I'd say yes because most proof coins are PF-63 or higher. A sub PF-60 coin is sub-par and considered damaged. It may be rarer to have a high MS grade coin, which would negate the extra cost associated with the sub-par proof coin. But it all depends, and I'm not the guy to ask as I try to stay away from numismatic side of things. Too much subjectivity. Bullion value is more tangible for me.

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

Same here. I learned my lesson with numis, bullion only for me, from here on out!

Re: Another prospecting question...
 

You can use the Redbook for value of various coin types by years & conditions.

Alternatively, you can use completed ebay auctions as a guide.


I've also used this as a guide, although IMO the prices listed tend to be more than what you could actually sell them for.

http://www.numismedia.com/fmv/fmv.shtml