Gold proof coins have been a favorite among collectors in the coin collecting circles. There unblemished, pristine quality, intricate designs, and rarity has collectors sourcing shops and dealers to complete collections. The Invention, manufacturing process, and grading of the coins, is a endlessly intriguing subject and often common knowledge among collectors.

The creation of gold proof coins takes place in the early years of the 20th century. The French had invented a technique using sandblasting of the dies, to create the proofed coins with a semi-rough or Matte surface. The design of these new coins became popular throughout Europe. The proofed coins were historically created for checking the dies. As the proofed coins became more popular, especially in the U.S., they began to strike them in greater numbers.

The production of a gold proof coin involves the use of a specially polished and treated die. The creation of the coin, is when two dies, one with the front design, the other with back design, are struck with a powerful force, imprinting the images on to the coin. The high points on the coin are imprinted with an acid treated image on the die, while the fore ground is struck with a polished surface on the die. The effect is frosted, with a mirror-like background. The contrast between the two surfaces is commonly referred to as "cameo".

Proofed coins are struck not just once by these dies, but twice. The second, or sometimes even third strike by the dies, helps produce the fine and crisp details that make gold proof coins so appealing to collectors and admires alike. To see and example, all one needs to do is to compare a proofed coin and an un-proofed coin side by side. The lack of detail is astounding and brings greater appreciation to the work it's self.

The collections of proof coins can vary between investors and collectors. However, the scale which they use to judge uncirculated and proof coins are the same. Proof coins are either labeled a "PR" or "PF" to stand for proof. There is a grading system which the coins are graded upon ranges from PF 60 to PF 70, with PF 60 more on the common end and PF 70 being very rare for older coins. The fact that many coins having some kind of wear and tear is sometimes inevitable. So PF 50 and below designate those proof coins that may possibly have blemishes from improper care.

The sheer beauty, uniqueness, and quality of gold proof coins has been captivating hobbyist for many years and will likely continue so, well into the future. The invention, production and grading scales are wonderful subjects in themselves and help appreciate the coins even more. Collecting these rare pieces of history is not only rewarding, but a hobby that lest you delve into parts of history yourself.

Learn more about gold proof coins at the net's premiere site covering everything related to US gold coins, US-Gold-Coins.org. Whether you're an investors or building a collection, we've got you covered.