Many classic collectors have moved to the world of gold proof coins. These items are desired for their look, luster and intricate design work. It also doesn't hurt that relatively few of these were ever made. Look around on the Internet to find a fair bit of information on this topic.

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 proofed coins varies in terms of investors and collectors. The scale used to judge un-circulated coins and proofed is similar. Proofed coins will be labeled with either a "PR" or "PF" to stand for proof. Proofed coins are graded on a scale of PF 60 to PF 70, with PF 60 being on the more common end and PF 70 falling into the ballpark of nonexistent on older coins. Due to the fact that sometimes wear and tear on these coins can be inevitable, PF 50 and below indicates proofed coins that may have blemishes from improper care.

Collectors have been enthralled by the high quality, beauty, and rarity of gold proof coins for years, and will continue to do so for years to come. The coins appreciate in part due to the interesting invention, production, and grading scales used. Collecting these coins is not only fulfilling, but educational as well.