Mint State vs. Proof Coins | U.S. Gold Bureau (2024)

FAQs

Are proof coins worth more than mint state? ›

Proof coins are produced in lower mintages and are not intended for circulation or use in commerce. Will be priced higher than Mint State or circulating coins.

The value of Proof coins is almost always going to be more significant than that of a similar uncirculated, non-proof coin (when discounting other numismatic coins, such as key dates, errors, etc.). The relative mark-up is larger in silver Proof coins than it is in gold Proof coins.

Proof coins are struck twice instead of just once like regular coins, but this one extra strike gives the coins a much shinier, clean-looking finish and makes the intricate details of the design pop. Most proofs can be identified by their mirror-like background.

Long-Term Potential. While bullion and proof coins can appreciate over time, proof coins have the potential for greater price appreciation due to their collectability and limited mintage.

If you compare proof coins to their regular strike counterparts, you'll always find them listed for higher prices. For instance, an American Eagle Proof gold coin will carry a premium around 9% higher than non-proof versions of the same item. You'll also get a certificate of authenticity and display case.

By definition, an uncirculated coin is a coin that was never circulated in the economy's money supply, showing no wear on the surface. The only way to get an uncirculated coin is to purchase it directly from your bank.

Never touch valuable collectors coins with your bare hands. This rule matters most if you own proof coins or uncirculated coins. The natural oil in your skin, as well as any dirt that might stick to your hands, will tarnish your coins' shiny surfaces.

Proof coins are generally considered a good, low-risk investment for people looking for long-term growth potential. Like many coins, proof sets aren't something you can turn around and resell for a crazy return on your initial investment.

Gold proofs are the names given to gold coins which have undergone meticulous attention-to-detail as part of their production process. One of the benefits of owning Gold Poof coins are the Excellent standard of condition the coins are guaranteed to be.

Proof coins and MS-70 coins are considered higher quality than other circulating coins. Proof coins are made using a special process that yields an attractive finish with greater detail. MS-70 coins are also high-quality coins, but they are not considered as perfect as proof coins.

Are US mint proof coins a good investment? ›

Because proof coins are always valuable to collectors and can increase in value over time due to their rarity, they're a great way to build another way to profit into your bullion portfolio.

Presentation: Because proof coins are struck twice, hand polished and inspected by hand, the appearance is second to none. Rarity: Proof coins are less common than general uncirculated coins, making them highly collectable. Value: Proof coins are typically considered more valuable (but this is not always the case).

If you consider to hold physical gold for a long period of time without any intention to sell part of your investment overtime, gold bars will be the best option for you. They will cost you less per gram compared to gold coins. This is because of their lower premium, as explained below.

PCGS CoinFacts is considered one of the most authoritative and comprehensive online coin price guides. Its prices are based on actual coin grading and real market values. PCGS has an extensive database with over 25,000 US and world coins.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the value of proof coin sets but age and rarity are the two greatest indicators. Since they were originally produced as prototypes, very few proof coins were made and those that were produced for that purpose, generally before 1970, tend to hold a higher value.

Proof coins are higher quality coins which are struck specifically for their collectable value. Coin collectors will often pay a little more for a graded version of these coins, if they feature a particularly high grade.

An uncirculated silver or gold coin should feature its original mint luster, a shiny, reflective surface, and no signs of scratching or damage. As a general rule, uncirculated coins are usually more valuable than circulated coins, since they've been kept in better condition.

Former Rare Proof US Coins We Have Owned

Some of them are so rare that only a few exist today and they are oftentimes extremely valuable. For example, an 1804 Proof $10 (Eagle) sold for five million dollars on September 26, 2007, one of only four known examples in the world.