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I like collecting proof coins because they’re usually exquisite, collector-quality examples of the coins that I find in my pocket change.
But what about proof coins that are less than perfect?
These are called impaired proof coins. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service, an impaired proof is “a proof coin that grades less than PR-60; a circulated proof.”
Unfortunately, not every proof coin is kept in the best condition. Many are mishandled. Sometimes they’re even spent just like they were regular pocket change.
See why impaired proofs may be worth collecting…
You Shouldn’t Touch Proof Coins
The brilliant, reflective surfaces of most proof coins are very sensitive, so even the slightest touch from the tip of a finger can permanently damage the surface of a proof coin. Eventually, that fingerprint mark on the coin will turn into a smudgy blemish.
Touching the surface of a proof coin with your bare fingers isn’t the only way you can damage proof coins. Sometimes, a proof coin can be blemished when it’s removed from its government packaging.
Impaired proofs may have any of the following due to improper handling:
- Fingerprints or smudges
- Contact marks
- Nicks
- Scratches
- Evidence of cleaning
- Gouges
- Circulation wear
- Irregular or unsightly toning
So if impaired proof coins are so ugly, why do people go about handling them (and potentially damaging them) in the first place?
Many coin collectors remove proof coins from their original holders because they want to place the single proofs into albums or sets.
This is especially commonplace for coin collectors who collect series such as Jefferson nickels or Washington quarters.
Each year, as the U.S. Mint produces new proof sets, collectors will buy the sets and break them up specifically to put the newest proof specimens of their favorite coins into separate albums or holders.
I collect Lincoln cents and buy the new S-mint proof penny each year so I can put it into my growing album of Lincoln pennies.
How To Safely Handle Proof Coins
Surely, the best way to handle a proof coin is to leave it in its original holder. But that’s not always the case as we collectors sometimes need to remove them for the reasons described above.
Earlier proof coins (those made before 1956) didn’t really come in permanent holders, so they’re almost always found as “singles” or in aftermarket displays.
As you would imagine, you have to be careful with handling proof coins — because once they’re out of their original holders, they can get damaged really easily.
From smudges and scratches to nicks and dings, proof coins are super sensitive to any form of mishandling.
To avoid mishandling your proof coins, do these 5 things:
- Wear gloves whenever removing proof coins from any holder or putting them into a new one.
- Do not sneeze, talk, or breathe heavily near proof coins. If saliva droplets land on the surface of the proof coin, they will create very unsightly (and quite permanent) spots.
- Handle proof coins over soft surfaces — such as a pad or cushion — to minimize any damage if a coin should drop.
- Do not insert proof coins into coin folders or any other “open air” coin display. Instead, place them into two-sided coin albums (the kind with the clear sliding inserts) or Lucite (a.k.a. acrylic) sandwich-style coin holders.
- Keep proof coins in a cool, dry place to avoid undesirable toning.
Is It Worth Collecting Impaired Proof Coins?
The answer to this question is yes – every coin deserves a good home. Impaired proof coins are usually much more affordable than their rather problem-free counterparts.
Impaired proof coins, like cull coins, make great album or display hole fillers until you can afford to buy a better specimen.
Affordability is one huge reason why some people will choose impaired proofs and other types of damaged coins over nicer-looking specimens.
In some cases, impaired proofs might have only minor surface blemishes that barely even detract from the overall quality of the coin, making them great for budget coin collecting.
Figuring out how much you’ll save on buying an impaired proof really depends on how bad the damage is. A slight smudge toward the rim of the reverse is much less damaging to eye appeal than, say, a large scratch from a 2 x 2 staple across the face of the bust on the reverse!
Impaired proof coins are great candidates for inclusion in budget-conscious coin sets. Less-than-perfect proof coins are almost always acceptable when talking about older proof coins — especially those made in the 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s.
In the end, it’s up to you. If you like an impaired proof coin and it fills your coin collecting need without breaking the bank, then go for it.
Virtually all coin dealers have some impaired proofs on hand. Many times you’ll find them floating around the discount box.
Tips For Collecting Impaired Proofs
- How To Grade A Mint State Coin
- Proof Sets From The United States Mint
- Collecting Impaired Proof Gold Coins
- When To Use Coin Albums vs Coin Folders
- Coin Grading 101: Proof Coins vs Impaired Proof Coins
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
I foundca washington quarter that from a quick glance lioks like it may have been caught in a garbage disposal. However ive been on a hunt for a coin like no other. Nd i really have have. I always come across coins with small errors here or there. However this coin had to have slipped during stamping. The back side where it reads quarter dollar. The letter R and only that letter is SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN
THE OTHER LETTERS. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH IT?
Hi, Kamros —
It’s hard to say without seeing a photo. Soemtimes damage can literally shear lettering across the surface of the coin. So it might be post-mint damage. Again, though, I would only really know for sure if I could see an image of the coin, and I don’t want to misinform you(!)
Best,
Josh
Im going to take more pics trying to get sides
Taking as many as i can 4 u.i also have other coins
Hi, Kamros —
Thanks for the photos. It looks like that poor quarter has had a rough life in circulation; the Jefferson nickel appears to have some issues relating to wear also, based on the photos I see.
-Josh
Hope u got a chance to look at all the photos. I was hoping for a little more explanation than that. For ex. How would lettering on a coin be moved from being in circulation. Perhaps i should take more pics of the nickel. Because it was definately moved while being stamped. Its off almost 1/4inch. Oh we shall see. Im taking to a specialists, but thanx anyway
Hi, Kamros —
Post-mint shearing of the metal can be caused by any number of things, including damage in a vending machine and intentional manipulation of the coin’s surface. While it is possible the coin may have been mis-struck, I want to prepare you for the likely possibility that the coin may have suffered post-mint damage.
While the photos are great for helping me identify coins and providing values (and I very much appreciate the photos you uploaded for identification), they are no match for holding a coin in-hand and using a loupe/magnifying glass to inspect the coin’s surface and look for clues as to the cause of the shifted letters.
I hope you get the answers you’re looking for from a reputable coin dealer and would be glad to hear what you find out if you’re inclined to share what you learn.
Thanks and take care,
Josh
I also have this coin. Its a 1988 p Jefferson nickel. Obviously slipped during stamping but the back is whats really crazy…it almost looks like because it slipped the i and n were joined spelling UNTED???? WOULD LUV TO KNOW WHAT U THINK. THX AGN!!!