What do the different coin qualities, such as UNC (uncirculated) and Proof, mean?
Circulated
Coins that pass from hand to hand suffer a lot of damage and wear. This is due to the softness of the precious metal and external factors. These coins often have a dull appearance and visible scratches or dents. For this reason they are offered in circulated (used) condition.
UNC (uncirculated)
Every minted coin starts out as an uncirculated, or UNC, coin. Newly minted coins have a sheen that quickly disappears when they come into circulation. Touching coins also diminishes this shiny appearance. Preferably, a UNC coin should not have any signs of wear. Nevertheless, a UNC coin may show minor scratches or dents. These imperfections are often caused by contact with other coins during the production process.
Proof
This minting technique is used for special edition coins. The coin stamp is polished while the deeper parts of the stamp remain rough, which preserves the relief and creates a nice contrast between the shiny and matte parts of the design. Due to this beautiful and detailed finish, proof coins must be handled with care and are presented in a capsule for their protection. During production, these coins are minted one by one and handled with gloves. Due to the special technique and labour-intensive work, a proof coin is always more expensive than a UNC quality coin. This is also partly due to a lower mintage. For this reason, proof coins are especially popular among collectors.
