What is the quality of a proof coin? Improved minting technology – proof coins. How to clean such coins
In some comments I noticed that people are interested in what the quality of coinage is, or they confuse the quality of coinage with the condition of the coin. In this post I will try to tell what quality coins have, I will give examples of coins of one quality or another, and I will also try to explain the difference between quality and the condition of the coin.
By features technological process coinage or, more simply put, the quality of coinage can be divided into two types - uncirculated and proof. Almost all banks and mints, when releasing a coin into circulation, write down its characteristics, including the quality of mintage.
Uncirculated. In the abbreviated version, it is often referred to as AC (in the English version - uncirculated UC). Coins of this quality can be called ordinary. In most cases, they are issued in millions of copies and are changeable, although there are also coins made of precious metals for investment purposes. The main difference between the coins is that there are no mirror surfaces, a simple design, fields, designs and inscriptions have the same surface matte structure. The picture below shows bullion coin AC quality.
Diamond-uncirculated. In the abbreviated version it can be found as BA (in the English version - brilliant uncirculated BU). The main difference between such coins is the smooth, shiny surface of the field and relief, and the clear, clear lines of the designs. These coins do not have minor damage or minor scratches, which are due to the peculiarities of automated production. When disposing of finished products into machine storage, measures are taken to protect coins from mechanical stress.
Proof. The quality of such coins can be called the highest. The coins have a smooth mirror surface of the field and a contrasting matte relief pattern. main feature This type of minting means that the stamp hits the workpiece twice to avoid being weak future coin. Products of this quality have no small scratches, unevenness or even traces of hand touch. Therefore, coins of this quality are immediately packed into a capsule. Using this technology, as a rule, coins are produced from precious metals, commemorative or souvenir.
Proof-like. This category of coin quality appeared in the 80s of the last century in the USA, but to this day it has not become widespread. It would seem that the quality of such coins should be better, but no. The term applies to coins for which the proof technology was not fully followed. These coins are also encapsulated and issued primarily as collectors' items.
And the last type of coinage quality is reverse frosted. It is not as common, but is still used by some mints. A silky-matte field is formed on the surface of the coins, and the relief, on the contrary, is mirror-shiny. To be honest, I have never seen a coin of this quality in person, but in the photo it looks like this:
And lastly, the condition of coins is an indicator that mainly reflects the presence and degree of wear, as well as other damage and flaws in coins. But more on that in the next topic.
I hope you won’t get confused again and will know what quality the coin is.
When collecting coins, numismatists pay very little attention to the condition of the coin. After all, a worn-out coin with unreadable inscriptions is one thing. But a new one, which has only recently come out of a coin press, is something completely different. To characterize a coin and its collectible value, determining its safety is essential. In addition, coins are also produced in different minting qualities. And, accordingly, they are sold at different prices.
In order to have some criteria for assessing the safety of a coin, a classification of coins was developed according to the degree of quality of minting and safety. However, in different countries are designated differently.
| Russia | England | Germany | France | Spain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polished | Proof | PP | FB | Proof |
| Excellent with mirror shine |
Proof-like | sp, spgl. | ||
| Improved quality |
B.U. | st, stgl. (Stempelglanz) |
FDC (Fleur de Coin) | FDC |
| Excellent | UNC | bfr. (Bankfrisch) | SPL (Splendide) | E.C. |
| Almost excellent |
AU | UNZ- (Fast unzirkuliert) |
— | — |
| Excellent | XF | VZ (Vorzuglich) | SUP (Superbe) | E.B.C. |
| Very good |
VF | SS (Sehr schon) | TTB (Tres Tres Beau) | MBC |
| good | F | S (Schon) | TB (Tres Beau) | BC+ |
| Very satisfactory |
VG | S.G.E. (Sehr gut erhalten) |
B (Beau) | B.C. |
| Satisfactory | G | GE (Gut erhalten) | AB (Assez Beau) | R.C. |
Let's look at each degree in more detail.
Polished coin(English) Proof). Coins of the highest quality, having a smooth mirror surface of the field and a contrasting matte relief pattern. Minted with polished stamps on polished blanks. The relief should be clear, with the smallest details clearly visible. Products of proof quality should not only be free from scratches, nicks, burrs, and even the smallest surface irregularities visible to the naked eye, but also from traces of hand touch. Therefore, such products are usually packaged in a special capsule to prevent surface damage. Souvenir coins are usually produced using proof technology.
Polished coin with barely noticeable imperfections(English) Proof-like). The term appeared to denote the quality of coins that are similar in appearance to proof, but the mint does not guarantee that the proof technology was fully observed during their production. For example, it is believed that coins made only from precious metals can be called proof. Proof-like coins, like proof coins, are usually packaged in a protective capsule or film.
The coin was not in circulation, Improved quality(English) Brilliant uncirculated, BU). The highest degree of preservation of coins minted with conventional stamps. They have not been in circulation, retain their original shine, and must not have any defects visible to the naked eye. Coins of this quality have a mirror-like shine over the entire surface and a mirror-like (non-matte) relief pattern. Such coins are minted initially for collectors.
The coin was not in circulation, Excellent, a/c (English) Uncirculated, UNC). These are coins that have not yet been in circulation and therefore have no damage due to circulation.
They may have technological damage (very small scratches, burrs, notches visible to the naked eye), formed from coins hitting each other when thrown into automatic storage machines, when passing through high-speed automatic counting machines, when poured into bags in bulk, and during intra-shop and warehouse storage. movements of coins in these bags both at mints and in the vaults of the Bank of Russia in preparing them for release into circulation. Coins of this quality have a fresh matte metallic sheen over the entire surface and a matte relief pattern.
Almost excellent(English) About uncirculated, AU). Refers to coins that were in circulation for an extremely short time. They may have technological damage (very small scratches, burrs, notches visible to the naked eye), formed from coins hitting each other when thrown into automatic storage machines, when passed through high-speed automatic counting machines, when poured into bags in bulk, etc. In addition to the usual technological damage mentioned above, these coins have minimal abrasions visible to the naked eye in the highest areas of the relief. Coins of this quality have a fresh matte metallic sheen over the entire surface and a matte relief pattern.
Excellent(English) Extremely fine, XF). Refers to coins that were in circulation for a very short time. In addition to the usual technological damage mentioned above, these coins have light abrasions visible to the naked eye in small areas of the highest areas of the relief. The contours of the drawings are contrasting, all the smallest details of the relief are preserved. There is no fresh metallic sheen on most of the surface of the coin. There are no deep scratches or other serious defects. Coin with minor traces of handling, with over 90% of the original surface preserved.
Very good(English) Very fine, VF
good(English) Fine,F). Refers to coins that have been in circulation for a considerable time and have noticeable abrasions over the entire surface. Some small details of the relief have been completely erased, but the relief and inscriptions are easily distinguishable. The contours of the relief have already lost their sharpness. Light scratches and other damage, somewhat more serious than normal technological damage, are allowed.
Very satisfactory(English) Very good, VG). Refers to coins with significant abrasions across the entire surface. Only large details of the drawings remained discernible; small fragments of decorative ornamentation (ears of corn, leaves of plants, dots, stars, etc.) were almost completely erased. Significant scratches, nicks, and nicks are possible.
Satisfactory(English) Good,G). Refers to coins on which only the main outlines of the designs remain visible. The inscription and date of issue are difficult to distinguish.
In the United States of America, a more complex system for assessing the safety of a coin is used. It was developed by William Sheldon in 1949 and is based on a 70-point scale. This rating system is called the “Sheldon scale”.
Coins that were in circulation
POOR-1 POOR- A coin in this condition is not collectible; it is so worn out during circulation that it is difficult to determine which country and period it belongs to. The image is difficult to distinguish, most of the inscriptions, as well as the date, are not visible.
FAIR-2 FAIR- The coin in this condition is not collectible; it is very worn during circulation. The image is distinguishable, and it is possible to determine to what period the coin belongs, but the specific date, the initials of the chief mint and the mint letters are only partially visible and it is impossible to accurately determine which year, mint, etc. the coin belongs to.
AG-3 ABOUT GOOD- The coin is very worn during circulation. Although difficult, it is possible to accurately determine the year of issue, mint, and the initials of the master of the mint. Coins in this condition are considered to be the lowest grade of collectible coins. Typically, coins in this condition are only added to a collection if higher quality coins are extremely rare or expensive.
G-4 GOOD- The coin in this condition is heavily worn during circulation, but all the main inscriptions are legible, although not without difficulty. All large main details are also visible. On some coins, such as 18th-century copper coins, the denomination designation may be difficult and partial to read. On small denominations of silver coins of the 18th century, where the year numerals are a high point of relief, the designation of the year should be, although difficult, fully distinguishable. On large 18th-century silver coins, where the inscription runs in a circle near the edge of the coin, the inscription may be only partially legible. Details of the coin image close to the edge may be heavily worn, but are readable. The edge around the circumference of the coin, for coins of the 19th century and later, may be erased to the ground or only partially present. There is also a G-6 rating, but in practice it is used extremely rarely.
VG-8 VERY GOOD- The coin is quite worn, all the inscriptions are visible. It is quite easy to describe this condition. If the outlines of small coats of arms on the wings of eagles for large silver coins of the 19th century are practically absent, this is VG-8. Of course, all other characteristics should confirm this assessment. All inscriptions must be legible; some middle details of the coin's design may be visible. There is also a VG-10 rating, but it is used extremely rarely.
F-12 FINE- The coin has moderate wear, all inscriptions, large and medium-sized details are distinguishable. The outlines of small coats of arms on the wings of the eagles are present, but the small details of the coats of arms themselves are completely or partially erased. The outline of the horseman may not be visible on large silver, gold and platinum coins from the 19th century. Small details may be completely or partially erased. There is also an F-15 grade which is sometimes used and represents a slightly better quality coin.
VF-20 VERY FINE
VF-30 CHOICE VERY FINE- Compared to coins of previous states of preservation, some small details of the image are already visible. Thus, on rubles of the 19th century, some details of the image on small coats of arms and the outlines of the horseman are visible; on gold (1818-1831) and platinum (1828-1841) coins, the outlines of the horseman may still not be visible or only partially visible. VF-20 and VF-30 grades differ from each other in large part by having more (VF-20) or fewer (VF-30) defects, such as scratches, nicks, nicks, and coin circle defects. The VF-30 grade is therefore also called Choice Very Fine, emphasizing the higher quality of the coin with a better appearance. Sometimes in practice the VF-25 and VF-35 ratings are used.
EF-40 (XF-40) EXTREMELY FINE
EF-45 (XF-45) CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE- The coin has minor wear on the highest parts of the relief. Coins in EF-45 (XF-45) condition should show traces of the original striking shine, mostly in the protected areas between the inscription letters. The EF-45 is a higher quality example with better looks.
AU-50 ABOUT UNCIRCULATED
AU-55 CHOICE ABOUT UNCIRCULATED
AU-58 VERY CHOICE ABOUT UNCIRCULATED- Sometimes ALMOST UNCIRCULATED is used. The coin has virtually no wear, with only minor abrasions to the highest parts of the relief. Most of the hammered shine is present, including on exposed surfaces. Defects of the coin circle (blank) as well as acquired defects correspond to this assessment. AU-55 condition coins are called Choice About Uncirculated, emphasizing higher quality and better appearance coins. AU-58 condition coins are called Very Choice About Uncirculated. These are coins that most likely were not in circulation, however, for a number of reasons they cannot be classified as uncirculated coins. In practice, it is quite difficult to distinguish a coin in the Very Choice About Uncirculated condition from the Uncirculated condition; special knowledge and experience are required. Sometimes in practice the intermediate assessment AU-53 is used.
Uncirculated coins
MS-60 UNCIRCULATED- Unattractive minted luster (or “laster” from the English word Luster), very dull and unsightly, or “washed away”, for example, as a result of immersing the coin in a cleaning solution. There may be a large number of deep or medium-depth scratches, nicks, minor metal displacements as a result of one coin hitting another, extended shallow scratches and areas of damage, including in the most important, primary focal areas of the coin. There may also be minor notches - the results of one coin hitting another on the edge of the coin with a transition to its edge. There may be large deposits of metal due to the poor quality of the coin circle, as well as significant stains, especially on copper coins. Copper coins may have an unattractive, very dark color. The appearance of the coin is well below average and unattractive. There are absolutely no signs of wear.
MS-61 UNCIRCULATED- The embossed shine is dull, “washed off” or the surface is quite damaged. The surface has large areas of damage and many small or medium-sized nicks and scratches; extended scratches may also be present. A limited number of deep or wide nicks in the primary focal areas of the coin. Small or medium-sized nicks on the edge and edge of the coin. Copper coins may be dark and have spots. The appearance is rather unattractive.
MS-62 UNCIRCULATED- The minted shine is significantly below level, partially “washed away” or the surface of the coin is moderately damaged. The surface has moderate areas of damage and a small number of small to medium nicks and scratches. Several deep or wide nicks may be present in the primary focal areas of the coin. Small nicks on the edge and edge of the coin. The quality of the coinage, coin circle or significant wear of the coin stamp is below the level. The appearance is rather acceptable.
MS-63 CHOICE UNCIRCULATED- The minted luster is slightly below level or there is barely noticeable damage to the surfaces of the coin. The surface has a small amount of damage and a small number of small to medium nicks and scratches. Several deep or wide nicks may be present in non-defining areas of the coin, or one or two nicks in focal areas of the coin. A small number of small nicks on the edge and edge of the coin. The quality of the coinage and coin circle is approximately at the same level. The appearance is rather attractive.
MS-64 CHOICE UNCIRCULATED- The mint shine and quality of the mint and coin circle are at an average level. The surface has a few damages or small nicks and scratches. Several medium nicks or scratches may be present on the secondary focal areas of the coin, or one or two medium nicks (scratches) on the primary focal areas of the coin. The quality of the coinage and coin circle is at the same level. The appearance is attractive.
MS-65 GEM UNCIRCULATED- The mint shine and quality of the mint and coin circle are above average. The surface has a few damages or small nicks and scratches. Several small nicks or scratches may be present on the secondary focal areas of the coin, or one or two small nicks (scratches) on the primary focal areas of the coin. The quality of the coinage and coin circle is above average. Copper coins must have a full minted luster and original (red) or tarnished (brown) color. The appearance is very attractive.
MS-66 GEM UNCIRCULATED- Original and high quality minted luster, the quality of the mint and the coin circle is at a very high level. The surface has no more than a few barely noticeable and 2-3 small nicks or scratches visible to the naked eye. Several small extended scratches visible under 5x magnification may be present. The quality of the coinage and coin circle is above average. The appearance is very attractive, well above the level.
MS-67 GEM UNCIRCULATED- Original and high quality minted luster, quality of mintage and coin circle on the highest level. The surface has no more than 3-4 tiny and barely visible to the naked eye nicks or scratches and no more than one minor scratch or contact mark when struck by another coin in the secondary focal areas of the coin. There may be several small extended scratches and sagging (irregularities) of metal, visible under 5x magnification. Appearance at the highest level.
MS-68 GEM UNCIRCULATED- Original and very high quality minted luster, the quality of the coinage and coin circle is at the highest level. The surface has no more than 3-4 tiny scratches, sagging or unusual metal irregularities visible using a 10x lens and has no defects visible to the naked eye. The appearance is close to flawless.
MS-69 GEM UNCIRCULATED- Original and very high quality minted luster, the quality of the coinage and coin circle is at the highest level. The surface has no more than 2 tiny scratches, sagging or unusual metal irregularities visible using a 10x lens and does not have any defects visible to the naked eye. Copper coins must be of a bright original color. The appearance is almost flawless.
MS-70 FLAWLESS COIN- High quality coin of impeccable quality. The mint shine, the quality of the coinage and the coin circle are impeccable. The surface does not have any defects of any nature, scratches, small burrs, sagging or any unusual metal irregularities visible using a 10x lens. Copper coins must be of a bright original color. The appearance is impeccable.
Coins made using PROOF technology
PR-45 CIRCULATED Proof
PR-50 CIRCULATED Proof
PR-55 CIRCULATED Proof
PR-58 CIRCULATED Proof
PR-60 Proof
PR-61 Proof
PR-62 Proof
PR-63 CHOICE Proof
PR-64 CHOICE Proof
PR-65 GEM Proof
PR-66 GEM Proof
PR-67 GEM Proof
PR-68 GEM Proof
PR-69 GEM Proof
PR-70 FLAWLESS Proof
Coin condition- this is the most important criterion by which its value is assessed. For example, let’s take a coin in XF condition; it will cost an order of magnitude more than the same one in VF condition. In this regard, the correct determination of the condition when buying, selling or exchanging becomes of great importance.
The condition of a coin can also be understood as the quality of its preservation. There is another term coin quality. This is the way it is minted. There are two types of quality of coins − PROOF And UNC. Some UNC quality coins are released into circulation and depending on the time of circulation they will have one or another condition.
And yet the assessment coin condition- this is a very subjective matter. The condition of a coin is determined by such basic criteria as safety (meaning physical) and quality of coinage. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the condition of both sides of the coin, the worst side should be decisive in the assessment. The condition of the herd is often not taken into account.
The most commonly used assessment system is the English one. It was adopted as the International Coin Graduation System ( the International Coin Grading System).
PROOF, proof - This is not the condition of the coin, but the quality of mintage. The highest category of coin quality. Coins of this quality are made only for collectors. Such coins are minted with polished stamps on a blank polished to a shine. A coin minted in this way produces a polished field and a matte design. At the same time, the presence of any defects on the coin is not allowed, even if you look through a magnifying glass with high magnification. Such a coin can easily be damaged even by simply wiping it with a soft cloth.
PROOF - like is a special coin minting technology used in recent decades. Same as PROOF, but the polishing requirements for the plates are not the same. In PROOF – like, coins are not minted from precious metals.
bUNC,BU(Brilliant)– uncirculated coins that do not have any minting defects visible to the naked eye, with the original minted shine over the entire surface. Coins of this quality are minted with regular new dies. Also minted for collectors.
UNC, ANC, AC (uncirculated)– coins that have not been in circulation and have no damage due to circulation. Coins of this quality may have damage received during their production, for example, very small notches, burrs, scratches, visible to the naked eye and caused by the coins hitting each other at the moments of their ejection into the drives, when they are automatically counted and poured into bags. Coins in this condition are distinguished by a fresh metallic matte shine over the entire surface and a matte relief pattern. Coins of this quality are put into circulation. UNC quality can be called condition of the coin.
XF- excellent quality of preservation. The coin was in circulation, but for a very short time. It was produced with unworn stamps, it has light abrasions on the highest parts of the design, visible to the naked eye, and there are also small scratches on them, resulting from the technological process of their production. All contours are contrasting, all the smallest details of the design are completely preserved, the embossed shine is preserved.
VF- Very good quality safety. Such coins have been in circulation for quite a long time; they have noticeable abrasions on their surface in high areas of the design, minor nicks and scratches. At the same time, the general condition of the coins is good, the contours of the design are clear, there is no minted shine. The presentation is partially lost.
F— good quality of preservation of coins. These coins have traces on their surface of being in circulation for a long time; the coin has abrasions on all surfaces, as well as traces of corrosion and cleaning. Small details of the drawing are difficult to distinguish, the contours are not sharp. New coins that have minor mintage defects also belong to this condition.
VG— satisfactory quality of preservation of the coin. This category includes coins that have significant abrasions over the entire surface, and the following types of damage are also present on their surface: deep scratches, shells, notches. Small details of the relief, as well as inscriptions and the date of issue are poorly visible or completely erased. New coins that have significant mintage defects also belong to this condition.
G- defective coins, the entire surface of which has very serious damage, for example, deformation of the disk, very deep scratches, cavities, notches, etc., severe abrasions in which it is difficult or impossible to see the denomination, inscriptions and date of minting of the coin, and even holes on the coin .
Coin condition important to identify when adding to your collection. Coins with a low quality of preservation cannot serve as its decoration, so most often coins of a quality of at least VF category are added to the collection. But for a rare or rarity coin, exceptions can be made. In any case, each numismatist decides for himself which coins and of what quality will be present in his collection.
The price of any coin consists of:
- Prices of the metal from which the coin is made (platinum, palladium, gold, silver, copper, nickel, zinc, iron, etc.);
- Collectible value of the coin (circulation of the coin, variety, preservation, minting features, number of surviving copies).
The most important factor determining the value of a coin is its safety (aka condition). Depending on the safety of the coin, its value can change tens of times. The more details are visible on a coin and the better its original appearance is preserved, the more expensive it is.
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Special designations are used to determine the condition of a coin. The most valuable specimens have a fortune UNC(Uncirculated) or MS60-70(for coins in slabs). Such coins can be easily identified by their characteristic shine, almost no damage and clear relief of the design. It should be borne in mind that coins that have undergone any processing, for example, cleaning or polishing, are significantly inferior in price to coins covered with a natural long-term coating - patina.
The next gradation of preservation are coins in the condition aUNC(About uncirculated) or AU50-58(for coins in slabs) - these coins are more worn, but at the same time the original shine is partially preserved.
1 ruble, in memory of the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov, 1913, letters “VS”, raised mintage, condition aUNC. Estimated cost on the day the article was written: from 7,000 to 9,000 rubles.
Coins that have been in circulation for quite a long time are usually designated by the letters XF(Extremely fine) or XF40-45(for coins in weak form) - they are characterized by an almost complete lack of shine, abrasion of the coin’s relief, in which small details are already difficult to distinguish, but, in general, without magnification, the coin looks excellent.
1 ruble, in memory of the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov, 1913, letters “VS”, raised mintage, condition XF. Estimated cost on the day the article was written: from 5,000 to 6,000 rubles.
Coins are in good condition VF(Very fine) or VF20-45(for coins in slabs) are much more worn, but the main details of the design remain visible.
1 ruble, in memory of the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov, 1913, letters “VS”, raised coinage, condition VF. Despite the noticeably better preservation of the reverse ( reverse side), the safety of the coin is VF, because The obverse (front side) is in exactly this condition.
Estimated cost on the day the article was written: from 2500 to 4000 rubles.
Gradations F(Fine) or F12-15(for coins in slabs) is assigned to coins in a rather sad condition, but such that the contours of the design and the year of minting remain visible.
1 ruble, in memory of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, 1913, letters “VS”, condition F.
Estimated cost on the day the article was written: from 1500 to 2500 rubles.
Even more worn coins are classified as VG(Very good) or VG8, 10(for coins in slabs). These coins are so worn that no more than 25% of the details of the original design remain visible.
1 ruble, in memory of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty, 1913, letters “VS”, condition VG.
Estimated cost on the day the article was written: from 1000 to 1500 rubles.
State G(Good) or G4-6(for coins in slabs) is suitable for coins that have been in circulation for so long that it is difficult to distinguish any details on them; the year of minting is barely visible. Such coins are not of great interest to collectors, even if they are very rare. In such cases, most often, the main component of the price is the metal from which the coin is made.
A separate category consists of quality coins Proof or PF60-70(for coins in slabs), which is not the degree of preservation of the coin, but indicates the use of special improved minting technologies in the production of this specimen. Such coins are characterized by a polished, mirror-like field surface and precise execution of small relief details. Often coins in Proof condition can cost tens or even hundreds of times more than similar regularly minted coins, since this type of coin is produced in a limited edition and is intended primarily for collectors.
Latest auction prices for coins in Russian rubles
| Photo | Description of the coin | G | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  
| 1 ruble 1913 Sun 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov in memory of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty from 953 to 12,444 rubles. | 953 | - | 2 011 | 4 736 | 8 388 | 9 450 | 12 444 | - |
  
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A novice collector cannot always accurately determine whether a coin has a special type of mintage, or whether it simply was not in circulation. But if for modern coins Even with a slight level of experience one can learn to recognize improved coinage, the appearance of some imperial coins baffles even an experienced collector.
History of Improved Coinage
Modern silver coin proof quality
Initially, improved quality coins were not issued for collectors or high-ranking officials, but to test the new stamp cut by the engraver. It was necessary to identify the smallest defects. Then, for the first time, the word proof was used in relation to coins, which is translated from in English means "test" or "trial". The minting was done more carefully than for ordinary coins; in most cases, stronger pressure was used. Moreover, even if the coins were supposed to be minted in a non-perfectly round shape (using a simplified wire technology), then round blanks were taken as “test subjects” so that all the details of the design and inscriptions would be printed on them. Some of these coins could end up in state museums or private collectors.
Gradually, coins of improved mintage are losing their meaning as an option for checking a stamp, and are increasingly considered collectibles. In the 18th century, they began to polish the blank to a mirror shine, and later the stamp itself. Since the images on the stamp are depressed (the negative of the coin), the areas free from the design protrude at the same level and are easy to polish. In 1797, a technique that is still followed today was used for the first time: etching the stamp before polishing and striking the blank twice to achieve the best contact.
Gold 5 rubles with proof coinage elements (from the Hermitage exhibition)
Until the beginning of the 20th century, and in some countries even later, the polished stamp after the production of a batch of collectible coins wore out, and it was used on ordinary ones. Therefore, coins with elements of proof technology, but defects unusual for it, came into circulation. For example, in the Hermitage numismatic collection you can find a large number of coins with a characteristic matte relief, but not a mirror field; or vice versa - with a mirror field, but with ordinary relief. Some have been subjected to careless storage, so they are worn until they lose their mirror shine. Copper coins from the period of Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II have strongly depressed letters, so when polishing the stamp, a mirror shine was obtained only on these elements, as a result the entire design turned out to be matte, with the exception of the letters.
Distinctive features of proof quality
Mirror field. All areas that are lowest should look like a mirror. The surrounding objects are clearly visible in it. This is achieved by polishing the workpiece itself, as well as the stamp in its protruding parts. All protruding areas of the coin should be matte.Matte relief. The stamps are immersed in acid before polishing to ensure that the design has the finest grain. When minting coins, an image is obtained that looks like frozen chocolate or ice. That is, there is no shine, except for shimmer under the rays of light.
Clarity of drawing and letters. Unlike regular coins, coins of improved quality have almost no roundness in small details, all transitions are clear, and along the edge there is even a slightly protruding thin rim due to the strong impact during minting.
A proof always remains a proof
When you touch a coin with a mirror field with your finger or cloth, it almost always leaves marks on it that can no longer be removed. Especially if the coin was stored open, it may be completely worn out, and the reflection in it can no longer be seen. Trying to polish such a coin will only spoil it even more. Just as a heavily scratched mirror remains a mirror, so an improved coinage will remain one, although it will lose in value.
Proof coin with traces of storage
The same applies to metal oxidation, as a result of which the shine may fade. The relief may lose its dullness and become smoother than initially. All this leads to the coin moving into the prooflike category, but even in the worst condition the coin will never be designated by such concepts as VF, F, etc. It will simply be a prooffly in poor condition, and the price will be determined based on how much worse the coin looks than it was originally. Only if the coin is in a condition in which it is impossible to say for sure that it was proof is it graded as normal. Currently, the term prooflike also refers to simplified proof, for example when the coin size is too large to make a full-fledged proof.
Other improved coinage options
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU). The coin has a uniform shine over the entire surface, including the field, objects are not reflected. Embossing is done with a double blow, but the stamp and the blank are not polished. The stamp is not etched, but undergoes special processing.
Improved UNC
Matte Proof. Minted in the USA, England and France. The stamp undergoes a surface etching procedure, but is not polished. As a result, the coins turned out to be iridescent and matte, with absolutely no shine. Not only the drawing, but also the free field was like a relief in a proof. This type of coinage is very similar to the improved UNC, but the coins are much smoother.
The article was corrected and supplemented by Admin. Photos provided by site users: drdd,
Admin, Andrey_P, Greenveresk.
