In numismatics, what is "proof"?

zbeckabee

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. http://www.coinfacts.com/Administrative/glossary.htm Nov 30 07, 4:17 PM

CellarDoor

In numismatics (coin collecting), a proof is a set of coins that are struck at the beginning of an issue. Originally, these were made in order to test the dies (avoid errors) and serve as archival copies of coinage, but nowadays proof coins are more numerous due to demand from collectors. These are different from mint coins, which are uncirculated but not otherwise special. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proof_coin Nov 30 07, 4:18 PM

MonkeyOnALeash

Proof is also a set of coins that are uncirculated and incased so to preserve the state of the specimens. http://www.proofsets.net/catalog_c260314.html?gclid=CLT_9OTthZACFSG8GgodOU9jtg Nov 30 07, 6:45 PM

crazybingo

Proof coin sets can be graded, the best coins you can buy are proof 70, followed by proof 69, 68, 67, 66, 65, and there is proof DC (deep cameo), there are many grades to a proof coin. You can learn more at: http://www.usmint.gov/ Nov 30 07, 9:40 PM

Baloo55th

Originally, the same as in printing. A set produced to play Spot the Mistake with. These were seen to have increased value when people started collecting coins (as opposed to hoarding money - not the same thing), so they started to produce sets for collectors. And the collectors wanted the best quality for their money, so the mints produced the things now known as proofs. Some coins have only been produced as proofs. The whole business is ridiculous to my mind, on a par with the carefully mass-produced first day covers beloved of some stamp collectors (there are none in the Baloo collection - I count a first day cover as being an ordinary envelope sent on the first day with a letter in it). Dec 01 07, 2:21 PM