What are Proof and Uncirculated coins?
Proof condition – the finest quality possible and the ultimate for collectors. The easiest way to explain Proof condition is simply to show it – at the top of this page you will see two examples of the same coin. On the left is the Proof version and on the right is the Uncirculated version. An uncirculated coin is just that – a regular coin that has not been in circulation so it is in Mint condition. A Proof coin is not just better, it’s different. It is produced in an entirely different way to the coins that we see in circulation. These proof coins are produced in an entirely different part of the Royal Mint. Proof coins are far more labour-intensive to produce and have a much higher standard of quality control. They are checked and polished at virtually every stage and are often produced in a climate controlled environment. A circulation coin will only be struck once during the minting process but a proof coin will be struck up to four times to create a remarkable finish. The result,
