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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.

A specially polished and treated die is required in the production of a gold proof coin. A powerful force is applied to two dies, one with a front design and the other with a back design to produce the images on the coin. Acid treated images on the die highlight the high points of the coin and the fore ground is stuck with polish to the surfaces of the die. A frosted effect is seen with a mirror finish on the background. Cameo is the contrast between the two surfaces.

You will find that proofed coins will be struck twice by the dies, it used to be only one time back years ago. At times it might even require three dies to be struck, this will give the gold proof coins a finer and much crisper detail. Of course those details are what make gold proof coins so appealing to those collectors around the world. All you have to do in order to compare the non-proofed coin to a proofed coin is to put them side by side. You will easily be able to see how much better the detail is on the proofed coin.

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.

The overall beautiful look and design of gold proof coins has drawn the attention of collectors for decades and will continue to do so for years to come. The manufacturing of these coins along with a strict grading scale creates a coin that is even more desirable to own. Collectors enjoy owning these unusual pieces of history not just because it is rewarding but for the history aspect as well.