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Why was the term "Proof" adopted for that type of coin?

hedgehog847hedgehog847 Posts: 371
in U.S. Coin Forum
I'm just curious. Probably a dumb question.

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    solidsolid Posts: 2,975
    Just a guess, but perhaps it was first used to describe trial strikes or test pieces?

    When you get something printed, they usually do a "proof", which is used to get
    the final ok from the customer before the full order is run.

    Ken
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    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,503 ✭✭✭✭
    image
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,592 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A "Proof" coin is proof that the mint could strike nice coins if they really tried.image

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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    DrWhoDrWho Posts: 562 ✭✭
    methinks it comes from 'proving the die'.
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    ChangeIsGoodChangeIsGood Posts: 102
    When something is written and before printing, or a test impression of an engraving, etching, or lithograph, it is called a proof. I am sure they want the test piece to be perfect before it goes into mass production. So I don't think it was much of a stretch to use the term for coins where all pieces are more or less ( in theory ), proof or perfect.
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    cladkingcladking Posts: 30,162 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>methinks it comes from 'proving the die'. >>



    Yes. As in "to test the quality of".
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
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    PrethenPrethen Posts: 3,466 ✭✭✭
    You could also say it's a "proof of concept". A proof is the epitome of strike and design of any given coin.

    BTW....not a dumb question...keep 'em coming.
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    carlcarl Posts: 2,054 ✭
    Per Webster:
    "Proof: A trial impression taken from an engraved plate, stone, or block; also, a perfect impression from such a plate, etc., when finished, and usually before the titile or inscription has been added".
    Also, per Webster PROOF is the standard of strength of alcoholic liquors which could indicate that the USMint personal have a few before making those coins so they just call them what they are drinking.
    Carl
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    hedgehog847hedgehog847 Posts: 371
    Also, per Webster PROOF is the standard of strength of alcoholic liquors which could indicate that the USMint personal have a few before making those coins so they just call them what they are drinking.

    image
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    relayerrelayer Posts: 10,570 ✭


    Good question - and good answers image
    image
    My posts viewed image times
    since 8/1/6
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    Conder101Conder101 Posts: 10,536 ✭
    The term proof does come from the printing trade as explained earlier in the thread. It was adopted to describe the coins we now call proofs sometime in the 1860's. Before that time such pieces were called Master Coins.
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    BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,645 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Rifles are tested with special high pressure loads known as "proof" loads. In the past these loads were assembled in nickel plated cases and thus easy to differentiate from normal brass cased ammo. Now that nickel plated cases are commonly available I don't know how one would know if he accidentally got one of those "proof" loads.
    theknowitalltroll;

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