Collecting Silver and Gold Eagle Proof Coins

By William Collinsworth

I have been a collector of gold and silver eagle coins since 1986, and have gotten more into acquiring the United States Mint's proof editions. These coins are made with a unique minting procedure that includes numerous strikes from dies that have been specially produced. The outcome is a cameo finish with frosted raised design elements and mirrored background elements. The coins are then made available for collectors to obtain in four denominations that can be purchased separately or as part of a set.

Proof Eagles are additionally known as the uncirculated or burnished american gold and silver eagles. These coins are crafted on specially burnished coin blanks. The coins differ from the standard versions, as they are minted on highly-polished coin blanks. Though they are similar in appearance to the standard edition of the coin, they carry the "W" mint mark to denote West Point mintage.

Proof silver coins are collectible versions of the ordinary silver eagle authorized by the u.s. mint with distinctive traits.The procedure starts with a coin blank that has been specially polished that is created with specialized dies in a detailed process. This meticulous procedure is what gives the coin such a polished appearance. The parts of the coin that are raised appear to have fields that are frosted, while the background features a reflective, highly-mirrored finish. This effect that is achieved is often known as a cameo finish.

These stunning coins can be considered legal tender although they are not manufactured with the intention of really being put into public circulation. These stunning coins are legal as circulating cash but are mainly valuable as collectible coins with a high content of a precious metal. Essentially, the actual significance of the silver coin proof arrives from it's content high in american silver.

Often enthusiasts seem to find it of interest that the dies that are used in the minting of proof coins are constructed to a higher set of standards then the coin dies that are used in the fabrication of the standard edition of the american silver eagle. The information that a special acid is put onto the silver proof eagle coin also is a point that many enthusiasts are not be aware of. The acid wash is what gives the coin proof it's remarkable frosted appearance. - 31405

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