What Is An Un-circulated Coin?
You may have heard the terms proof coin and un-circulated coin, but what's the difference between these two? To understand the difference between a proof and un-circulated coin, let's first answer the question, "What is an un-circulated coin?" Un-circulated means a coin has not had any wear, such as the wear a coin might experience when it is used in commerce. Handling a coin, as well as improperly storing a coin, can result in wear on the surface of the coin. This wear, even if very minor, will cause a coin to no longer grade un-circulated. When coins are minted they often bump into each other and receive small nicks and abrasion marks during the production process. These marks also occur as coins are transported in large canvas bags. These marks, sometimes called "bag marks", are more noticeable on larger coins, such as half dollars and dollars. Typical "bag marks" do not keep a coin from grading un-circulated. However, they can be an indicator of how high of a grade the un-circulated coin might receive. Current accepted grading standards provide for a range of un-circulated grades, from the grade of MS-60 to MS-70. MS60 would be a lower grade (yet still) un-circulated coin with normal bag marks for that type of coin. Anything below MS-60 would not be considered un-circulated. MS70 would be the perfect "ideal" coin. Some coins are rare in grades MS65 to MS70, and even unheard of in MS70 grade. (The attribute "MS" stands for "mint state".) 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". 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. Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the coin collecting information you want. Visit her site today for the latest coin information.
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Buy survival coins and supplies at these sites
Recommended survival coinshops and websites
Bullion Vault - A new way to buy and sell Gold Bullion
You can buy gold bullion online in small or large amounts. Sign up and receive a FREE gram of GOLD when you open a BullionVault gold account!
Survival Food: Emergency Item Your Survival Kit Should Contain
Survival Food: Emergency Item Your Survival Kit Should Contain
by: Phil Washington
Buy 1/10 ounce, 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce American Eagle Gold Coins
Those who wish to buy Gold Coins, whether for collecting, presenting gifts or for investing purposes, American Eagle Gold Coins are the best option. If you are looking to buy American Eagle Gold Coins, with American eagle, or those of other designs, the collection of American Eagle Gold Coins is truly amazing, each with their own historical story to tell.
Gold Coin Collecting Trends For 2009
Gold coin collectors everywhere are celebrating the soaring gold prices that have been seen in recent times Coins and collections that were once valuable are now very valuable
Collecting Gold Coins Is A Great Way To Invest
If you are looking for coins with definite investment potential, gold coins are an excellent place to start. Though they are expensive when starting out, the investment value of gold itself makes them a very attractive option. And, because gold is bought and sold routinely on the commodities market, it is easy to stay on top of the price of gold, making it easy to follow the price of your gold coins. Which makes gold coins the equivalent of stocks or bonds for the coin collector.
Why You Need To Buy and Sell Gold Coins (Part 1)
The Value of Gold in a Era of Paper Assets, Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds..
Investing in Gold - It's Time to Get Involved
Gold is real money - it is something that has real physical and financial value It has endured the test of time, like no other currency
Rare Coins Capture History and Value
Tales of lost treasure have always wet the adventurous appetite of collectors and thrill seekers alike. The mystery and magic of discovering the long lost has tempted some to trek across the globe in search of their dreams of fortune, and there is no shortage of treasure to be found. An estimated 3,000 treasure-laden ships lie at the bottom of the world's oceans, according to Vox News. These ships hold rare coins, treasures, and artifacts from around the world, some that have eluded recovery for thousands of years. In the spring of 2007, however, one exploration ship’s crew found the discovery of a lifetime.
Gold has an intrinsic value that has been recognised by man for thousands of years.
There are many different reasons a person would choose to buy gold coins. A person may choose to buy gold coins for investment purposes. With the way today's economy is shaping up, investing in gold is the safest way to protect one's portfolio. Another reason a person might choose to buy gold coins is gold's ability to increase in value. There is a high demand for rare gold coins among collectors. Regardless of the reasons, buying gold coins is safe way for someone to invest his or her money without fear that the investment will lose its value.
Rare Coins Create eBay Fortunes for Clever Entrepreneurs as Shown in New Course
The Coin Collecting Insider has announced a new course on turning your rare coins into a fortune on eBay, called "How To Make A Small Fortune Selling Rare Coins On eBay."
The course is designed to teach the average person how to create wealth from collectible coins.
Favorite Gold Coins To Collect For Investment
Why Gold American Eagle Coins are Popular among Collectors
Aurum Advisors President Marc Lubaszka Expects the Price of Gold Coins to Rise dramatically in the Months Ahead Due to Investment Demand and the Threa
Aurum Advisors President Marc Lubaszka expects the price of gold coins to rise dramatically in the months ahead due to investment demand and the threat of inflation. He was recently interviewed by the International Business Times.
Old Coins - How To Get Started In This Fun Hobby
Coin collecting has been in vogue throughout recorded history. Its popularity coincides with the earliest use of metal coins for trade and barter. The generalized study of coins and currency is called "numismatics". The following discussion may be of interest to anyone considering collecting old coins (http://www.us-rare-coins.net/Rare-Coins-US/Old-Coins).
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