What is a proof coin?

Bullion dealers often list their gold and silver coins as being of varying conditions - proof, Brilliant Uncirculated, and bullion coins. We often get asked what is a proof coin, and what are the differences between the three types of coin? Below we explain the different names for the striking standards used, and the coin finish for each standard.

The coin making process is complex, but the production cycle is quite straightforward: blanks (metal coin discs) are cut out from metal sheets. These blanks are then washed and dried ready for production. Refiners like The Royal Mint will select the best blanks to become proof coins, then the next best as Brilliant Uncirculated, and the remainder become Bullion coins.

Interested in proof coins? Click here to see our full range of Gold Proof Coins and Sets.

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Proof coins

A proof coin is the highest quality of coin a mint produces. These coins are attributed a
much higher value than the metal itself due to their status as a commemorative coin.

Proof coins are struck using hand-finished dies. This means an expert will etch into the
metal die to produce a mirror image imprint, ready for a machine to stamp a blank coin
disc. The decision to hand-finish the dies means that there will be no imperfections
before a coin is produced.

The process for production sees a high-quality proof blank placed into a coin press. This
is done by hand. The coin is then struck six times, at the lowest speed and lowest pressure
of the three coin types. This avoids any blemishes, but for additional peace of mind the
operator will also clean the dies before and after usage with air, cleaning off any dust or
other particles.

This meticulous process means that it takes an hour to strike 50 proof coins – a stark
contrast with the 3,000 per hour rate for bullion silver coins – and the coin design dies
are sharpened and polished after every few hundred strikes.

Producers such as The Royal Mint will only issue a small mintage of proof coins of each
type per year, and these come in a special gift box with a certificate of authenticity. The
higher premiums, and limited mintages of Proof coins means they are therefore intended
for collectors who want the absolute best quality condition as a show piece.

Selling proof coins is then a more complicated process. Sellers will often need to choose between selling privately for full value, or selling to a dealer for a quicker sale. Read more about selling proof coins.

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Brilliant Uncirculated coins

The next highest quality coins are the Brilliant Uncirculated coins. These often feature
the abbreviations BU, B.U, or B.UNC in product names.

As you can see from the image to the right, the finish is excellent for these coins, but
lacks the mirror-like sheen of the proof coins.

This quality is similarly achieved by a hand-finish for the dies used to imprint upon the
coin, but unlike proof coins the Brilliant Uncirculated coins are machine-fed for their
production. BU coins are struck twice in the minting process, making them twice as
quick to produce compared to proof coins for only marginally less quality.

Brilliant Uncirculated coins can be boxed and certificated, like proof coins, but they
can also be capsuled like bullion coins. Like the proof coin, a BU coin would typically
be a collectors coin, as they once again have higher premiums due to the additional
manufacturing cost, and limited mintage numbers.

Click here to view our range of Brilliant Uncirculated coins.

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Bullion coins

Bullion coins are produced for investment purposes with the lowest quality finish
relatively speaking. Bullion coins are mass produced weights designed to retain
wealth, and at BullionByPost we primarily sell bullion coins in the form of Sovereigns,
Britannias, Krugerrands, and other major coins.

Bullion coins have a very good finish, though admittedly not as crisp a contrast as the
Brilliant Uncirculated coins or the sheen finish of the Proof Coins. Bullion coins ARE
uncirculated however, and at BullionByPost we get current-year British bullion coins
direct from The Royal Mint to ensure the highest quality for our customers.

The Royal Mint produces bullion coins with a single strike, machine feeding the coins
ready to be stamped. Their factory in Llantrisant, South Wales, can produce 250 gold
bullion coins and 3,000 silver coins per hour.

Bullion coins will not be as exquisite as the Proof or Brilliant Uncirculated products,
and can exhibit small imperfections and marks at the point of manufacturing. As the
coins with the lowest premiums however they are the best choice for investors. Bullion
dealers will pay the same for all bullion coins regardless of condition, as the value of
these coins is derived from their metal content.

Click here to view our range of gold bullion coins, or why not view our large selection of silver bullion coins, including the Silver Britannia, Silver Maple, and Silver Krugerrand.

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Which is the best coin?

The reality is that there is limited difference between the three coin types. The designs are nigh on identical, aside from a little extra work for the finish on each the Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated coins. If money is no issue then the Proof Coin would be the logical option, but some collectors prefer the crisp design of a B.U coin rather than the mirrored proofs.

One word of caution for collectors is that you cannot guarantee the value will be matched on re-sale of your collectable coins. Bullion coins are a lot easier to predict in terms of pricing, with their value being based on the metal market prices. Collectors may need to take a longer time lining up a keen buyer to ensure a higher resale value for a proof or BU coin, investors however can buy bullion coins confident of what rate to expect when selling, and the ease of a quick sale to a bullion dealer.

Click here to see our wide range of Gold Proof Coins and Sets.