A proof coin is made from a highly polished planchet (blank) and struck more than once to produce a highly detailed relief. Proof coins are sold to collectors and are not put into general circulation.
PR is a grading system used for proof coins
A Proof coin is a particular issue of a coin not a grade of condition.
DCAM stands for Deep Cameo and is reserved for proof coins
Proof refers to a coin that was produced with special care, generally for collectors. Such coins are struck more slowly, and with more force, than coins intended for circulation, and generally are produced on specially polished dies with polished planchets. Proof is often referred to incorrectly as the condition of the coin - while proof coins are in fact usually in better shape than any circulated or uncirculated coin, that is not necessarily the case. Impaired proofs are proof coins that have damage to the surface, be it cloudiness, staining, scratches or nicks. Since a proof coin is legal tender, it can be spent, so it is possible (although uncommon) to have a proof coin with signs of wear.
Proof
It is really hard to describe what a proof coin looks like in text. But the coin will have mirror-like fields (the part of the coin with no design) and will be exceptionally well struck. All bands on the reverse of the coin should be distinguishable and separate. A 1941 proof dime is worth quite a bit and should never be handled with your hands as the oils will damage the delicate surfaces. Instead, if you think you have a proof coin, take it to a coin dealer and he will tell you if it is indeed a proof dime or merely a business strike coin.
"PL" in coin grading means "prooflike". It is used to describe a coin that has mirror fields and fine details resembling a proof struck coin but is not a true proof.
See related answers.
A proof coin is made from a highly polished planchet (blank) and struck more than once to produce a highly detailed relief. Proof coins are sold to collectors and are not put into general circulation.
In coin collecting, it means Brilliant Uncirculated, a very nice coin, but not as good as a Proof coin.
First, look for a mintmark. If there is a "D" or "S" on the reverse by the branch the eagle is standing on, there is no possible way you have a proof coin. But then, I'd take it to a coin shop making sure not to touch it and they should be able to tell you. Chances are, you don't have a proof, but if you do have a proof coin it should have mirror like fields (the part of the coin where there is no design). If it does turn out you have an actual proof coin and not just a high grade example, it can be worth a substantial amount of money, $25,000-75,000 or so.
It is the highest grade of proof coin
The designation "PF" for any coin means it's a Proof coin. Proof coins are given a grade from PF60 to PF70.
PR is a grading system used for proof coins
It means the front side the "heads" of the coin. The reverse is the opposite end often called the "tails" of a coin.
PR is used in terms of grading coins to designate that the coin is proof. For example, a perfect proof coin would be graded as PR-70. A nearly perfect proof coin might be graded PR-68 or PR-69, etc.