Proof Set

I'm the new guy to all this and have been read a post about a guys proof set he had from his dad. I just got my dad's and there's a giant box with nothing but proof sets. His are in plastic tho which I always thought was what made them proof sets.

My question is, what distinguishes a proof set coin that's not encased?

 

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Welcome to the neighborhood, Don!

The term "proof" refers to the method of manufacture. Specially prepared planchets are struck by polished dies producing a mirror finish. The planchets are also struck at least twice to ensure that the design is clear and sharp. Note: Coins produced for normal circulation are struck just once. The Mint did not start using plastic cases for the proof sets until 1968.

Chris

 

I'm guessing a PCGS or a NGC is who determines it?

 

I recently posted about a bag of Kennedy half. I wondered why they were in a bag. Could it be because they were proofs?

 

Not at all, for a modern proof coin its easy to tell the difference. As @cpm9ball said, the coin will have a mirror finish with a frosted appearance on the design. For an older proof it will most likely have a mirror look all over it.

Modern Proof Quarter:


Older Proof Half (without the frosted devices):


Hopefully that helps a bit...

 

Thanks Cwart. It kinda helps and will make more sense when I see more coins. They almost all look shiny to me. Now, I can only tell one if it has a proof wrapper on it.

 

No problem, looking at lots of coins is the best way to learn. And it has the upside that you get to look at all the nice coins while doing it...

 

You may want to investigate about what dates of Proof Sets you have. Some proof sets are rarer than others and can bring a premium versus a common proof set

 

Older proof sets were in a cello like plastic. The newer proof sets are in a hard plastic case. A proof coin is not the condition but the process in which the coin was manufactured. A proof coin will have shiny, mirror like surfaces and the raised areas will be frosted.

Welcome to CT.

 

Lets not forget reverse Proofs, in which case everything is the opposite of regular Proofs.

 

That's an enigma wrapped in a riddle in the shape of a puzzle!

 

No sir. As @cpm9ball said. It is a method of manufacture. The mint determines a proof strike. Not a third party grader.

 

The Mint really produces these coins.

 

If you have local coin store, by all means go there. They should have both on display and it doesn't cost a thing to look and ask questions.