Bullion Coins vs Proof Coins: What Is the Difference?

Proof coins are struck more than once, sometimes up to six times, and are treated with special hand-finished dies which are cleaned with air between each coin to ensure no imperfections are caused. This level of extra care and attention ensures that the coins feature sharper detail and a high-quality finish, but this slower method of striking means that no more than around 50 coins can be struck each hour meaning that Proof coins are often scarcer and offer low mintages.

Piedfort Proof coins are a special type of Proof coin which is double the weight and thickness of an ordinary Proof coin.

Proof coins can be struck in gold, silver, and platinum. With their high-quality presentation and scarcity, these coins are generally sought after for their collectable value, as well as their precious metal content.

Bullion coins are available in various weights, bear face values and are legal tender. However, these coins hold much more value than their face values due to their precious metal content and are used for investment purposes rather than for everyday buying transactions.

Due to their value being based on the value of the precious metals within rather than collectable value, production of Bullion coins is different from that of Proof coins. Bullion finish coins are able to be struck at a much faster rate of up to 250 gold, and 3,000 silver coins per hour.

Bullion coins can be struck in gold, silver, and platinum. More cost-effective than Proof coins, the premiums for these coins are generally lower, yet are still available in a wide variety of designs from many mints across the world.