Many folks ask us about Proof coins vs. Uncirculated coins.  Maybe I can shed some light on the difference.

Proof coins are made as "speciemen" coins.  They've been made for a long time at the mint, some early years you can find proof Seated Half Dollars, Trade Dollars, and Morgans (which are rare and can cost a bunch).  The modern Proof coins started in 1936, and have been made MOST but not all years.  In 1965, 1966, and 1967 the mint made a Special Mint set, and these coins fall somewhere in between proof and unciculated.  Proof coins are made with special polished dies that are cleaned often between strikes.  The coin blanks (planchets) are also highly polished.  Pressed with extra pressure and at slow speeds, the result is a beautiful product.

Uncirculated coins are just that.... not circulated.  These coins are made just like the coins in your pocket, usually called "Business Strikes".  But instead of coming off the production line and into mint bags, and then shipped to depository banks to be rollled and sent to your local bank.  They are taken off the production line and sent to machines that heat seal them in a plastic/cello.  Then sold as a Mint Set (usually with one of each denomination).

A word about value... not all Proof coins are worth more than Unc. coins.  The mintage (number of coins made) plays an important role in the value.... as does demand.

Hope this helps..... Happy Collecting!

coiNuts