What's a proof set?

   A newly minted proof coin is also Un-circulated, however it is the way it is made that causes a difference in appearance and qualifies it as a "proof".  To understand this, let's look at how coins are made.  Coins are produced when two dies strike a blank piece of metal with tremendous force. One die is engraved with the front (obverse) design for the coin.  The other die has the back (reverse) coin design on it.  

A proof coin is made with a specially polished and treated die!

   By treating the die in a special way, the coins it produces have a different appearance.  Modern technology allows the high points on the coin design to be acid treated (on the die).  The background (field) design of the coin die is polished, resulting in a mirror-like look on the coin it strikes. This gives the finished coin a frosted look (frosting) on the raise parts of the design, with a mirror like finish on the background. This contrasting finish is often called "cameo".  (See picture above.) On some older coins a cameo appearance is quite rare. The attribute "CAM", when added to a coin's description, means cameo appearance. "DCAM" means deep cameo, and indicates the cameo appearance is strong and easy to observe. 

Rarity and the Cost of Proofs

   Because of the extra effort, time, labor and production costs in making a proof coin, the respective government mints often sell them at higher prices.  In many instances the production of proof coins is limited.  The end result is that usually, but not always, a proof coin of the same date will be more expensive than a non-proof uncirculated. 

• 1971 Proof Set
• Polished and Double Struck
• Uncirculated
• Original Case