A mint state coin is an ordinary coin struck for circulation, but it hasn't yet been sent to a bank or put into commerce. It may have a few "bag marks" due to banging up against other coins when minted or put into distribution bags, but other than that hasn't been handled by anyone or suffered any other wear.
Proof coins are specially struck for collectors. The U.S. Mint's description is
"a specially produced coin made from highly polished planchets and dies and often struck twice to accent the design".
Proof coins are handled individually by people wearing protective gloves and are packed in sonically-sealed plastic holders to prevent damage.
The difference is in the 'S' mint mark which is found on the left side of the coin just above her shoulder. The Type 1 dollar's 'S' is like a blob - it is not well defined and is somewhat fat. On the other hand, the 'S' on the Type 2 dollar is more clearly defined and is clearly an 'S'. The Type 2 dollar is much more scarce than the Type 1 dollar.
Sits A+
Simple Predicate: sits
eggs spear a mint
eggs-spear-a-mint
A mint set contains uncirculated coins from a specific mint in a specific year. Proof coins are specially made for collectors, minted with a higher quality finish, even mirror-like on some surfaces. Currently in the U.S., mint sets are available from Philadelphia and Denver, while proof coins are minted in San Francisco.
A 1999 US Mint 50 State Quarters Proof Set is worth about five US dollars. However, a 1999-2008 US Mint 50 State Quarters Proof Set is worth about 100 US dollars.
A proof grade can not be given to a uncirculated (Mint state) coin. The term Proof is actually refers to a method of manufacturing, not a grade. But proof coins are identified by the by a prefix of PF before the grade and mint state are MS
A 1961 proof set contains proof coins, which are specially made with extra care and polished dies to showcase the design details. These sets are typically sold to collectors. On the other hand, a 1961 special mint set contains uncirculated coins that were made with a higher standard than regular circulating coins but not as meticulously as proof coins. Special mint sets were produced by the United States Mint as an alternative to proof sets and were intended for general circulation.
With both the 1966 Australian "Proof" and "Mint" sets, sets labelled "Commonwealth of Australia" include 5, 10 and 20 cent coins minted at the Royal Mint London. With sets labelled "Royal Australian Mint", all coins were minted at the Royal Australian Mint Canberra.
The 1990 Eisenhower Commemorative Dollar was issued in proof and in mint state condition. The value of each of them ranges between $20 - $30.
Most likely, if you found the (presidential or Sacajawea) coin in change, it is simply in mint state (or more likely about uncirculated). If your coin has an "S" mintmark, it is proof because I don't believe that the San Fransisco mint makes non-proof coinage. If your coin has a "P" or "D" mintmark it is not proof but simply just in mint state or about uncirculated. If you have a silver eagle dollar (the coin is much larger than a presidential dollar) dated 2011, it is uncirculated because at the time of writing, proof 2011 silver eagles have not been released yet.
The very distinct difference is that if it doesn't have a mint mark it was struck in Philadelphia. The P mint mark wasn't used on dimes until 1980. If it has a D mint mark it was made in Denver. Both are only worth 10¢ if found in change. If it has an S it's a proof dime struck at San Francisco and only sold to collectors.
Uncirculated coins go through the normal minting process, but are then removed and placed into sets for collectors. Proof coins are made on specialized dies to achieve better detail and more shine in the finish.
Mint State - Same as Uncirculated. A coin free of any trace of wear. Proofs - Coins struck for collectors using specially polished dies.
Chewy centre in an Everton Mint, wheras humbugs are solid.
mint is a herb but still has that fresh minty taste that you get with all mints,spearmint is a milder mint still a mint though!