The proof coin has a brilliant mirror-like finish. The term “proof” refers to a specialized minting process, which begins by manually feeding burnished coin blanks into presses fitted with specially polished dies. Each coin is struck multiple times so the softly frosted yet detailed images seem to float above a mirror-like field. The coin
is then placed in a protective capsule and mounted in a handsome satin-lined velvet presentation case, accompanied by its own Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Director of the United States Mint.