'proof' coin?

hello,

what is the difference between the 1966 coin and the 1966 ‘proof’ coin? the proof seems much rarer but i cannot work out what the difference is and am not sure which one i have.

thanks

https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/what-is-a-proof-coin

Those proof 10 cents were part of the set.

If you do not have box with all six coins in mirror finish, you are most likely looking at generic circulation coin.

This is how the proof coin looks like. I'm sorry, I accidentally took the 20 cents 1966 in stead of the 10 cents but besides the denomination it's just the same:

I hope you can see the difference (mirrorlike background and frosted relief).

tokul

https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/what-is-a-proof-coin

 

Those proof 10 cents were part of the set.

 

If you do not have box with all six coins in mirror finish, you are most likely looking at generic circulation coin.

ah okay, thank you! i am new in coin collecting so didnt know that. very helpful

On a lot of the more recent issues, you'll see lines like:

2024

2024 (BU)

2024 (Proof)

A standard circulation coin would go under the top line.

BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) & Proof coins almost always come in specialist packaging designed for collectors.

In terms of metal, size, etc all three lines are identical.

BU coins are essentially brand new circulation quality coins but not actually circulated so they don't have scratches, dents, fingerprints etc. All the things you'd expect to happen between it leaving the mint & eventually turning up in your change basically.

Proof coins are struck to higher standards; things like polished dies & being struck more than once to really highlight the finer details in a design.

Some years may only exist in some formats. On your coin for example, the proof sets only exist for 1966.

Sometimes, banks don't require circulation coins so none are struck except for the BU/Proof sets designed for collectors.

I hope that helps clear up some of the most common things you'll see here on Numista. If you do have any more questions, please do ask. Someone will eventually reply. 🙂