You are here:
Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1983 Quarter
Advertisement
Question
I have a 1983 Quarter where the background on both sides is shiny, almost mirror like and not brushed. Just curious about it.
)
Hi Bob,
What you have is a PROOF coin. These are normally part of a year set produced for collectors every year at the US Mint. However, these sets are often broken up and the coins sold individually.
Proof coins are made by a different process than coins minted for circulation purposes. First off, the planchet (coin blank) is polished to a mirror surface. Then the pressure on the dies is incresed and the coin is actually struck multiple times to bring out all the details sharply.
Years ago, these coisn were minted in limited quantities, however as collecting became big business for the US Mint, they increased production. There were actually 3.2 million proof quarters made in 1983.
I hope this helped you.
Regards
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Joe Hylas
Expertise
Numismatic professional with over 30 years experience can answer your questions about US coins, their values, how best to sell them and where to buy them. Interested in starting a collection? Find out which areas are undervalued and how to acquire those coins at the best price.
Experience
Ex-Head Precious Metals trader for Deak-Perera International with 42 offices worldwide. Industry experience since 1978. Has worked co-operatively with US Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Austrian Mint, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International. Professioanl numismatist specializing in US Coins. Always buying collections, will travel if size of collection warrants. Website: www.AllCoins.US
Organizations
PCGS, NGC, Rotary
Publications
Physician's Money Digest
Education/Credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
Awards and Honors
Paul Harris Fellow
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.