A beautiful example of a proof coin. Notice the deep mirror-like reflectivity of the surface and the detail in the strike.

Proof coinage means special early samples of a coin issue, historically made for checking the dies and for archival purposes, but nowadays often struck in greater numbers specially for coin collectors (numismatists). They can usually be distinguished from normal circulation coins by their sharper rims and design, as well as much smoother fields. A proof coin (Washington quarter reverse). ... A proof coin (Washington quarter reverse). ... A mirror is a reflective surface that is smooth enough to form an image. ... 1¢ euro coin A coin is usually a piece of hard material, generally metal and usually in the shape of a disc, which is used as a form of money. ... Look up die in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Die may mean: Die (plural dice), a polyhedral object used in games. ... See also: Collector, New South Wales a town This is a list of noted collectors. ... This article needs cleanup. ... The word circulation can mean the following: The transport of blood through the circulatory system. ... The rim of a coin is the sharp circular (or other shaped) edge which surrounds the coin design. ...

Preparation of a proof striking usually involved polishing of the dies. Modern U.S. proof coins are often treated with chemicals to make certain parts of the design take on a frosted appearance, and the fields taking on a mirror finish. Several other methods have been used in the past to achieve this effect, including sand blasting the dies, and matte proofs. Proof coins of the early 1800s even appear to be scratched, but it was part of the production process. Look up die in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Die may mean: Die (plural dice), a polyhedral object used in games. ... Blades of grass coated in frost. ...

2002 Lincoln cent, Obverse, proof with cameo.

Most proof coins are double struck. This does not normally result in doubling that is readily observable, but does result in the devices being struck fully. Download high resolution version (910x910, 596 KB) Penny (U.S. coin). ... Download high resolution version (910x910, 596 KB) Penny (U.S. coin). ... 2002 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The United States one-cent coin, commonly called a penny, is a unit of currency equaling 1/100 of a United States dollar. ... In logic (and usually without being paired with reverse), obverse has a meaning close to contrapositive. ... 2002 Lincoln cent, Obverse, proof with cameo Cameo is a method of carving; or an item of jewelry made in this manner. ... Strike has many meanings: A strike is a deliberate absence from work. ...

See also

• Commemorative coin