The uncovered surfaces are then polished to a high sheen while the textured finish on the incused areas is left intact. The person preparing the die then removes the cellophane tape from around the incused areas in the die in effect, the fields are uncovered and the cellophane protects the incused areas. After the sandblasting is completed, cellophane tape is placed over the entire surface. This imparts a rough, textured finish to the entire die. To prepare a Frosted Proof die, the die is first sandblasted with an aluminum oxide and glass bead compound. Points incused on the coin are in relief on the die. Points that are raised on the coin are incused on the die. A die features a mirror image, incused version of the finished coins design. Both the frosted and mirror finishes are the results of the special techniques used in preparing the dies.Īll dies are produced at the Philadelphia Mint and Denver Mint die shops, although the surfaces of Proof dies used at the San Francisco Mint are prepared in San Francisco. The frosting refers to the white, textured, non-reflective finish found on the raised devices, lettering and other points in relief. The flat fields are mirror-like, reflective and shiny. Most of the Proof coins sold by the United States Mint today are Frosted Proofs. Special presses and striking techniques are also used in the production of Proof coins. However, Mint employees use special techniques in preparing the surfaces of the dies and planchets intended for Proof coins. Proof coins result from the same basic processes used in producing the dies and planchets used in producing coins for circulation for use in commerce. "Proof" is not a grade, as many beginning collectors think, although grading services, dealers and collectors may assign Proof coins numerical grades such as Proof 63 or Proof 65. "Proof" in numismatics refers to a special manufacturing process designed to result in coins of the highest quality produced especially for collectors. Others believe Proof coins are particularly shiny coins destined for collectors rather than circulation - they are only partly correct. Some believe Proof is the top level of preservation, or grade - it is not. The term "Proof" means different things to many collectors, dealers and other hobbyists. A Proof coin is struck on specially prepared planchets, using special minting techniques, generally on a specialized coining press. While coins in Uncirculated Mint sets are little or no different from those struck for circulation, Proof coins are a special breed. They have been sold separately in the past, and since 1950, have been offered only in sets although Proof versions of recent commemorative coins, the American Eagle bullion coins, and the 1999 Anthony dollars have been offered individually. Proof coins are produced using special minting and processing techniques, resulting in coins with special finishes.
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