Proof Coins

My Jefferson nickel album has spots specifically (including a label) for proofs. I'd imagine you'd have to be extremely careful placing them in the album but beyond that why not?

Those 1960's proofs are what are called Brilliant proofs. Back then no special attempt was made to frost or etch the devices. The fields of the new proof dies would be polished and that would create a contrast between the devices and the fields. this contrast was usually not very strong. As the dies were used the movement of the metal would polish the devices and the contrast would rapidly disappear. The proof dies were also used for a longer period back then and as the field would start showing wear the dies would be polished one or even more times. The resulting effect was a brilliant finish over the entire coin with no contrast between the devices and the fields.

In the early 70's they started replacing the dies more often so a greater percentage of the proof coins were found with the cameo contrast between the fields and the devices. Collectors responded favorably to theis and themint responded with even shorter die runs and and began taking steps to actually frost or etch the devices to create an even stronger contrast. the break point seems to be with the 1973 sets. Before 1970 cameos were the exception. From 70 to 72 cameos were much more common. After 1973 it became unusual to find a proof coin that was NOT a cameo, but the strength of the cameo varied. As the years progresses the typical proof coin tended to be a stronger and stronger cameo. After the mid 80's a proof coin that is not a ultra cameo is becoming unusual and a proof die now is used for only about 3,000 strikes or less. Sometimes considerably less. And as a rule the dies are no longer repolished. Once the field starts to show wear the die is retired.

I recently got a Dansco album for half dollars. I was worried about putting proof coins in it at first so I posted here asking about it. Most people said it was okay. First I cleaned the table and put down a soft cloth incase there were any mishaps. Then I got a can of compressed air and blasted it in the holes to keep all the dust out. Then I used cotton to carefully move the proof coin to the album. I only held it by the edges. Then I very carefully pressed the coin into the hole. Then gave it another blast of air to make sure no extra dust happened to sneak in during the transfer process. They look good in the Danso! Just don't touch them with your fingers and it should be fine.

In my opinion a proof is fine to put in a space for that dates. I have one proof in my Franklin album and several in my Washington quarter album.

It is your personal preference, since it is your collection, so you can do whatever you want.

I personally would never do it, since it requires too much handling. I prefer to keep the proofs in a set and admired together for a single year rather than a single denomination.

All of my proofs, with a few exceptions, are in my Dansco albums. I have no complaints, but will admit that it may not be for everyone.

Very nice! I like to think the same thing.