Uncirculated just means they haven't reached people's pockets yet.
The mint throws a bunch of coins in big bags and they go to the banks.
They get thrown around, jostled, etc.
Even if a guy is buying from the mint, they get no special handling that I'm aware of.
So they can get little scratches, marring, and so forth.
On the other hand, a proof is perfect.
In the scheme of things, the difference means absolutely nothing.
So far as appreciation goes, a 2008 coin is worth the same as a 2015 coin (uncircluated).
Point being, it's not a money-making venture of any sort.
It's just plain fun, like collection state quarters and stuff.
You can get really swank velvet lined cases to display the coins, which is also cool.
You'll have lots of fun doing it, Jack. That's where the value is.
Moses, proofs aren't polished, at least not that I'm aware of.
I'm talking from years ago when I used to have books and collect all kinds of change.
Proofs are double struck. Meaning They hit them twice in the press. Regular coinage just gets mashed once.
That double striking is what makes them so fine and perfect.
Then they are handled very carefully and cased up as proofs, or proof sets.
Proof sets have a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and 50 cent piece in them.
Old proof sets sell for big money. So do new ones. It's kind of nuts.
But some people will spend all kinds of money on goofy hobbies.
