You may have heard the terms proof coin and un-circulated coin, but what's the difference between these two? To understand the difference between a proof and un-circulated coin, let's first answer the question, "What is an un-circulated coin?" Un-circulated means a coin has not had any wear, such as the wear a coin might experience when it is used in commerce. Handling a coin, as well as improperly storing a coin, can result in wear on the surface of the coin. This wear, even if very minor, will cause a coin to no longer grade un-circulated. When coins are minted they often bump into each other and receive small nicks and abrasion marks during the production process. These marks also occur as coins are transported in large canvas bags. These marks, sometimes called "bag marks", are more noticeable on larger coins, such as half dollars and dollars. Typical "bag marks" do not keep a coin from grading un-circulated. However, they can be an indicator of how high of a grade the un-circulated coin might receive. Current accepted grading standards provide for a range of un-circulated grades, from the grade of MS-60 to MS-70. MS60 would be a lower grade (yet still) un-circulated coin with normal bag marks for that type of coin. Anything below MS-60 would not be considered un-circulated. MS70 would be the perfect "ideal" coin. Some coins are rare in grades MS65 to MS70, and even unheard of in MS70 grade. (The attribute "MS" stands for "mint state".) A newly minted proof coin is also un-circulated, however it is the way it is made that causes a difference in appearance and qualifies it as a "proof". To understand this, let's look at how coins are made. Coins are produced when two dies strike a blank piece of metal with tremendous force. One die is engraved with the front (obverse) design for the coin. The other die has the back (reverse) coin design on it. 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". 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. Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the coin collecting information you want. Visit her site today for the latest coin information.
2010 United States Mint Presidential Dollar Proof Coin Set now available
US Mint announces 2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set now available for purchase. Four coin proof set is US Mint item PD8.
Buy Presidential Dollars and Dollar collecting supplies
Where to buy Presidential Dollars and Dollar collecting supplies.
Other Presidential Dollar coin Information websites
Other Presidential Dollar coin Information websites. Links to President dollar websites and free coin collecting information.
Presidential $1 Coin Release Schedule
Do you know what Presidential Dollar coins will be released this year? See the United States Mint Presidential Dollar Coin Release Schedule.
Participate in Coin Collecting For Profits
Millions of people enjoy coin collecting People of every age enjoy this fun hobby
Knowing More About Canadian Coin Collecting Prices
It is common knowledge that people in Canada use different types of Canadian coins each and every day of their lives. These coins can be used for a variety of reasons including to buy goods and less obviously for collecting them for hobby or even to make a profit out of. What's more, you are sure to come across Canadian coins that seem to be (to you at least) to have a high value but for a true Canadian coin collector they may be of very little use and value.
Start Gold Coin Collecting Today
A quality investment strategy needs to include a way to get real returns and a sense of security. Gold coin collecting is perhaps one of the least risky investment strategies. Besides their relative financial safety, there are a number of advantages to investing in gold coins.
Coin Collecting Can Be Profitable & Rewarding
Do you wish to raise your gold or silver coin collection? You might perfectly try this now to protect ignore the, in lieu of purchasing other things or keeping the cash on your bottom line.It's not a new discipline, as you may perfectly referred to as, for centuries, hobbyists have been drawn to collecting coins as a possible educational activity as well as an art form.Silver Coin Collection
Coin Collecting: The 50 State Quarter Program
Coin collecting is one of the most popular hobbies all around the world. "Coinophiles" are everywhere. And why not? Coin collections are great educational and historical hobbies that people have treasured for centuries. One favorite type of collection that coin collectors like is National coins or coins that represent patriotism, particularly in the United States. The 50 State Quarter Collection is a series of commemorative coins between 1999 and 2008. Enacted in December or 1997, each of the 50 individual U.S. states was featured with unique designs on the reverse side of the quarter.
Save More and Buy More at New Dollar Shops
The economic slowdown that’s being experienced worldwide has definitely affected American consumers. People aren’t interested in buying expensive cars and television sets anymore. With the cost of daily commodities, education and basic needs on the rise, even the high middle class populations are flocking to dollar shops for their needs.
How to Find Your Fortune in Coin Collecting
Isn't it strange how we always seem to toss aside coins? It's like its not real money - just change. What would you say though if you found out that a coin can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars - just 1 coin?
Numismatic Coin Collection - The King of Hobbies!
Throughout history, people have always engaged in different activities that they consider as pastime It is interesting to note that the same activities that serve as serious, money-yielding professions for some persons are at the same time approached by others as a form of hobby-with equal zeal and passion
Coin Collecting Depending on Your Age and Budget-Level
Coin collecting is a fantastic hobby to have, but like many hobbies, it can be a little hard to get started. There are varying levels of coin collecting and you need to make sure you know which level you identify with. They are the same precautions you would take if you were learning to paint. You wouldn't go out and spend hundreds of dollars on professional painting tools and supplies if you're really not at that skill or interest level.
Hebei's Foreign Trade Continued to Slide and Steel Products Export Setback
Since the second half of 2008, by the international financial crisis, Shijiazhuang City's foreign trade has been severely affected, Shijiazhuang City, is still showing an overall decline in foreign trade situation According to customs statistics, 1-Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang City in October total imports and exports 4
The Manifold Benefits of Coin Collecting
No matter if you’re a starting trader in search of a safe investment solution or one of prolonged standing in search of strategies to diversify your portfolio, chances are you would like to look at investing in silver. Silver Coin Collection