Merc's 1940 Proofs
Private
Updated:
4/8/2020
Views: 1,250
This 1940 proof set is part of my Proof Coinage of the 1940's collection that was on display at the 2003-2004 FUN shows. My goal was not to assemble the highest graded coins, but to have an affordable and beautiful set of coins.
Proof coins were struck by the US mint starting in the early 1800’s, and by 1855, proof coins were available for most years until 1916. Proof coinage resumed in 1936 and continued until 1942 when World War II halted production. All proof coins from 1936 to 1942 were minted at the Philadelphia mint. Proof coinage did not resume again until 1950. Silver and gold coins minted before 1916 often possess a cameo appearance where the device is frosted white and the fields are mirror-like. By 1936 this art had been lost. Almost all proof coins from 1936 to 1942 are brilliant proofs. They have a uniformly brilliant mirror-like surface and sharp details. The exceptions are the satin proof 1936 buffalo nickel and Lincoln cent. In this collection, the 1940 proof dime, 1942 proof half, and the 1942 Type 2 nickel have a mild proof cameo appearance.
Not all of the proof coins from the 1940’s survived in high grade. Unlike today’s proof sets, the packaging did not protect the coins. Each coin in the set was sealed in a small brittle cellophane envelope. The envelopes were stapled together and were placed in a cardboard box surrounded by tissue paper. The envelopes would dry and crack, releasing the coins. The coins could also be damaged by the staple or from glue used to glue the envelope shut. Coins were also damaged from harsh cleanings to remove tarnish.
How proof coins are made:
The term proof refers to the method of manufacture. Business strike coins are struck once under normal pressure. All true proofs receive multiple blows from the die. Proof coins are struck from dies that are polished and cleaned. Modern proof dies are sandblasted, polished, and chrome plated. The proof dies used in the 1940’s were simply polished to produce brilliant proofs. The blank planchet is also polished in a process called burnishing. The planchets are hand fed into the coinage press where they are struck under higher pressure two or more times. The coins are handled carefully one at time to minimize nicks or scratches. Because of this extra care, proofs exhibit much sharper details than business strike coins.
Proof coins of the 1940’s are much scarcer than today’s proof coins. In 1940, 11,246 proof sets were minted. In 2000, 2,968,900 standard ten piece proof set were minted along with 856,400 silver proof sets. In other words, there are 340 year 2000 proof sets to every 1940 proof set.
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Merc's 1940 Proofs
By Merc111
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