Coin Question from a noobie.

F

fishtaco

Active Member
Silver Stacker
What is a proof coin and what is a bullion coin when you are buying legal tender 1 oz coins? or am I just totally confused lol Thanks.
 
I may be wrong, but I think proofs are a comparatively limited release. The also come in a display case with a certificate of authenticity.
 
Proofs are very high quality that are polished and kind of mirror-like. They're more for the collector market. They're also struck twice so their appearance is sharper and more defined.
 
House said:
Proofs are very high quality that are polished and kind of mirror-like. They're more for the collector market. They're also struck twice so their appearance is sharper and more defined.
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Absolutely hit the nail on the head. Bullion are dull and matt like. Much lower cost. Proof are very shiny and obviously carry an inflated price. I would suggest buying both and deciding what you'd like to carry on collecting/investing in/
 
ScottyRS said:
Absolutely hit the nail on the head. Bullion are dull and matt like. Much lower cost. Proof are very shiny and obviously carry an inflated price. I would suggest buying both and deciding what you'd like to carry on collecting/investing in/
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However not all bullion are dull and not all shiny coins are proofs. Brittanias come to mind, they have a complete mirror finish on them but are bullion coins.
 
Shippeevt said:
Speaking of Britannia do think it's worth while to break open a tube and have them graded? Off topic I know
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Unless there is something special about the tube you have I don't see it being very practical. What year are they?
 
Nothing special just the 2014 horse I just see all these graded coin out and there wonder about what could be in there.
 
Shippeevt said:
Nothing special just the 2014 horse I just see all these graded coin out and there wonder about what could be in there.
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You can probably get a pretty good idea looking through them. The brittanias are easy to spot imperfections since they are mirrored. The grading isn't cheap so I don't see it being really worthwhile.
 
Nabullion Dynamite said:
ScottyRS said:
Absolutely hit the nail on the head. Bullion are dull and matt like. Much lower cost. Proof are very shiny and obviously carry an inflated price. I would suggest buying both and deciding what you'd like to carry on collecting/investing in/
Click to expand...

However not all bullion are dull and not all shiny coins are proofs. Brittanias come to mind, they have a complete mirror finish on them but are bullion coins.
Click to expand...



Yes, you beat me to this answer.


Proof coins are more or less coins that are aimed at the collector market. They can come in a variety of finishes. Here's a modern proof coin with an antique finish:
http://firstcoincompany.com/S/niue-...in-2014-ultra-high-relief-antique-finish-1-oz

Here's an American coin with an antique-looking finish but is considered by some to be a "Specimen" finish:
http://www.apmex.com/product/82016/2014-p-5-oz-silver-atb-shenandoah-sp-70-fs-pcgs-mercanti

Here's one of my favorite proof coins from 2014: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-G-BRIT...1678793?pt=US_World_Coins&hash=item2c8a77f6c9


Proof coins generally cost more to design and manufacture so there's a higher premium on them. Also, proof coins usually have a strict small mintage limit whereas bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle (ASE) can be minted to any practical conceivable level....tens or even hundreds of millions of one year's issue can be minted and therefore they generally carry zero premium.





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