Sil DiGenova's GUIDE TO ASSESSING CLASSIC PROOF GOLD COINS AND THEIR POTENTIAL

Rare brilliant classic Proof U.S. gold coins are a sight to behold.

- SILVANO DiGENOVA

DEEP CAMEO (DCAM) COURTESY TANGIBLE INVESTMENTS, LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.

Their magically brilliant surfaces reflect a manufacturing process of precision and a storage history of care. These magnificent reflections of the Mint designer's most significant artistic creations combine extreme rarity, precious metal and unwavering collector demand. This ultimate combination for a portable collectible coin adds incentive to purchase as a reliable store of premium value that endures over time.

NON-CAMEO. COURTESY TANGIBLE INVESTMENTS, LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.

The resistance of gold to the variables of the environment and the Mint's intention for surfaces that look perfect combine to make the grading of Proof gold coins a reasonably transparent process. One of the reasons these coins sell fluidly at high price points is that collectors have confidence in their own abilities to grade them. And that leads to the corresponding ease at which they are priced.

BRILLIANT PROOF GOLD COIN GRADING CAVEATS

Avoid Proof gold coins with visible marks. Proofs were not meant to circulate. They were meant for collectors. When these coins were manufactured, they were struck two or more times on specially polished dies and specially selected planchets to assure intense golden-pond-like mirror surfaces. Informed collectors and dealers stay away from impaired Proofs. Any Proof gold coin with marks on the face (especially the cheek), deemed a grade-sensitive area, should be avoided.