I've just been starting to get interested in coin collecting. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the difference between a specimen set and a proof set? Thanks in advance!
Howdy Dave - Welcome to the Forum !! You're likely to get different responses to this question - but here's my take on it. Proof sets are generally struck for sale to collector. Proof is a method of manufacture with specially prepared dies and planchets. In some countries - Specimen coins are little different. But typically the planchets and the dies themselves are not so much different from those used for the coins struck for circulation. In other countries they are much like Proof coins but they are not usually so highly polished.
I will also add that in Canada they have specimen sets which are basically mint sets of each denomination. Also it disturbs me that some consider a "PROOF" a condition rather than a manufacturing process. David
