Proof Standard

Struck to impeccable Proof quality

A "Proof" coin is one that is struck on specially prepared and highly polished dies.
After the coin is struck, it is hand polished to give a mirror like finish.

Proof coins are made from the same metal as general circulation coins.

Proof coins are worth a good deal more than their face value

and are intended as a souvenir or investment.

Preparation of a proof striking usually involved polishing of the dies.

They can usually be distinguished from normal circulation coins by their
sharper rims and design, as well as much smoother "fields" (the blank areas not part of the coin's design.)

The dies for making modern proof coins are often treated with chemicals to make certain
parts of the design take on a frosted appearance, with the polished fields taking on a mirror finish.

Several other methods have been used in the past to achieve this effect,
including sand blasting the dies, and matte proofs.

Proof coins of the early 1800s even appear to be scratched, but it was part of the production process.

Most proof coins are double struck.
This does not normally result in doubling that is readily observable, but does result in the coins being struck fully.