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Proof vs uncirculated vs bullion: three words people mix up
Proof is a finish. Uncirculated is a condition. Bullion is a job. A proof Eagle is not automatically a better investment than a regular one.
These words get stacked like they are a ladder. They are not.
Bullion
The job is metal. Premium over spot, easy to resell. Eagles vs junk vs bars.
Uncirculated
Means it does not show wear from spending. A bullion eagle in a tube is usually uncirculated. A 1964 Kennedy that never hit the sidewalk can be uncirculated and still common.
Proof
A special strike with mirrored fields, sold to collectors, often in fancy boxes. Pretty. Sometimes liquid. Often a higher buy premium and a rude sell spread unless that exact proof is actually collected.
A damaged proof is a sad bullion coin. Do not clean it to “bring the mirror back.”
Sets
Modern clad proof sets are usually a box and a story. Silver proofs are closer to silver plus a little. Prestige and commemorative rabbit holes are how people overpay. Novelties.
If you are stacking, regular bullion usually treats you better than proof packaging. Collectible vs bullion.
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