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Proof Sets

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Proof coins differ from standard coins in that they are made using special minting methods and are used for show rather than circulation. A proof set usually contains each of the circulation coins made by the mint during a specific year. A 1995 proof set, for example, contains just five coins while a 2005 proof set contains eleven coins because it includes five state quarters and a Sacajawea dollar.

In order to mint a proof coin, the mint uses polished blanks and slow heavy pressure and blows to bring up sharp details. The coins are polished and handled individually and with gloves to ensure a scratch-free surface. Current American proof sets contain coins with a brilliant appearance, but older sets may have a matte finish.

Proof sets are usually sold in display cases and are popular with both coin enthusiasts and the casual collector. As you might expect, older proof sets are far more valuable than are recent proof sets. A 1950 proof set, for example, costs nearly one thousand dollars while a 2005 proof set costs fifty dollars or less. In addition, however, you can purchase specialized proof sets that contain, for example, all fifty state quarters. In any case, however, you will pay significantly more for a proof set than you would pay for standard coins, so don’t plan on using proof coins for every day use.

Sources:

http://about.com
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.coinresource.com
http://www.proofsets.net
http://www.coinsite.com

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