What is the difference between a proof coin and a mint state (uncirculated) coin?
Proof coins are made specifically for coin collectors from highly polished planchet and dies, and are usually struck more than one time. This process creates a truly magnificent coin with remarkable sharpness in the design and a brilliant, mirror-like surface. A mint state coin is another way of saying an uncirculated coin, which has not yet been put into circulation. If even the slightest bit of wear is detected, it does not qualify as a mint state coin. These coins are beautiful, but they are only struck once, and the planchets and dies are not polished, so they may not have the high brilliance of proof coins.
