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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;jaceravone, post: 1683015, member: 9474&quot;]There was a recent post where a member of CT bought a proof coin and was not pleased with its condition.&nbsp; Fortunately, the transaction was with another CT member and it appears that an immediate solution to the problem was reached that was satisfactory to both parties.&nbsp; I expected nothing less from fellow CT members.</p><p><br /></p><p>But there was a comment that was brought up by the buyer of said proof coin that begs further discussion.&nbsp; Their comment was, &quot;well how would something like this happen to a coin thats not sulposed to be&nbsp; touched by bare hands&quot;.&nbsp; This brings up a long standing myth that proof coins are not touched by human hands.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>As I grew up in numismatics, I always thought the same thing.&nbsp; That is what I was taught.&nbsp; But as a collector grows in the hobby of numismatics, they quickly learn that a proof coin is differentiated from every other coin, not be whether or not it has been touched by human hands, but rather by the method of manufacture.&nbsp; A very quick definition of a proof coin is &quot;coins struck using specially polished dies and planchents&quot;.&nbsp; I might also add that proof coins are struck multiple of times vs a business strike coin which is typically only struck once.&nbsp; Although special care may be given to these proof coins, by no means are they not touched by human hands.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Many modern collectors have visions of coins being mass produced by sophisticated machinery,&nbsp; rolling off the presses and into the packaging without ever touching human hands.&nbsp; This may have well indeed propelled the myth that proof coins are not touched by human hands, but what about all the proof coins minted during the 19th and early 20th centuries? Back then, proof coins were minted and distributed (sold) to collectors for premiums to help cover the additional costs it took someone to prepare the dies.&nbsp; These coins had to be touched by human hands as there was no special machinery or packaging back then to preserve them like we have today.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>I think this is a very important point that any beginner numismatist must understand....proof is a method of manufacting and is distinctly different from a busness strike coin and has nothing to do with whether the coin was touched or not.&nbsp; Ultimately, these coins come off the same presses as do the regular business strike coins.&nbsp; And as the seller of said coin makes mention, this coin may well have been damaged anytime prior to his ownership.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>I hope this helps some young collectors who might not have grasped this.&nbsp; Any additional info is definitely welcomed by the CT community.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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