Proof Coins are early samples of a coin issue. A Proof is made for checking the dies and for archival purposes. However, because proof coins are proving to be desired by collectors, mints make more of them.
Proof blanks are specially treated, hand-polished, and cleaned to ensure high-quality strikes.
The striking process for these coins required hand-finished dies or molds. Expert craftsmen design the mirror image of the coin onto a large stamp, which a machine then strikes the blank coin disc with. This process is slow, and only 50 coins can be made in an hour.
Proof coins have no imperfections due to the handcrafting of the die, and they are struck six times at a slower, less pressured rate compared to other coins.
The striking machine is also meticulously cleaned to ensure the perfect stamp every time.
This results in a frosted, sculpted foreground for a glamorous shine, defined, intricate design, and mirror-like background.
Here is a 1 oz. Silver American eagle proof.
Just to tell you a little bit about this beautiful coin…
The American Eagle proof coin was first minted in 1986 after it was authorized in 1985. The 1 troy ounce proof silver coin is made of the purest silver with a purity level of .999.
The artistic design of this coin is one of its selling points. The obverse features an image of Lady Liberty walking. This design was created by Adolph A. Weinman in 1916. On this design, Lady Liberty walks toward the setting sun with her right hand outstretched and an inscription reading ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ behind her.
This ‘Walking Liberty’ was first used on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar coin. This Walking Liberty Half Dollar coin is no longer minted. The design on the reverse of the coin was created by John Mercanti in 1986.
It is an image of the Great Seal of the United States – an eagle holding some arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right. On top of the eagle are 13 stars that are symbolic of the original 13 United States colonies. Still, on the reverse, inscriptions reading ‘The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ and ‘1OZ. FINE SILVER-ONE DOLLAR’ is found on the edge of the coin.
San Francisco Mint, Philadelphia Mint and West Point Mint are the three mints that handle the production of this proof coin. As a result, every coin bears the mark of the mint which produced it.
The Philadelphia Mint has a “P” mark, the San Francisco Mint has an “S” mark and the West Point Mint has a “W” mark. Finally, the market value of the American Eagle Proof Coin is bolstered by the fact that it is only produced in limited quantities annually.
If you are ever interested in investing in silver, this is certainly one of the coins you should think of buying.
But, there are other options and you can download our free gold and silver guide to know more about it.
