"Proof ka ba?"... "Inde Matte!"... "weh?"... "BU ka e!".
If you search for Philippine commemorative coins online, you will often encounter the terms Proof, Matte, and BU. And often, you will see some sellers online using these terms to describe the condition of their coins. When I started collecting commemorative coins, I wasn't aware of these terminologies. And sometimes sellers don't mention them, which is fine because I just wanted a piece of that silver coin. Not until I noticed the difference in my collected coins. But I can't find any reference on how to differentiate them.
So what are these terms anyway? I did some searching, and the best website I found to describe these is the Royal Mint of the UK. I like the site because it provides sample pictures of Proof, Matte, and BU coins.
Proof/Matte/BU terminologies are striking standards used to mint coins. Check the Royal Mint website for a better description of these standards. Proof coin is at the top of the list, minted with the highest quality, followed by Matte, then BU or Brilliant Uncirculated. Royal Mint describes BU as an entry-level collectible, Minted much faster than Proof or Matte.
Now we know the striking standards for minting coins, but what do these coins look like after the minting process? The Royal Mint provides sample pictures, but what about Philippine commemorative coins? How will you know if your commemorative coins are Proof, Matte, or BU? Especially those coins that you acquire without a COA.
After searching, I would like to distinguish Proof, Matte, and BU coins of the Philippines based on what I discovered. I will use the ABL commemorative coins as models.
A. PROOF
The distinguishable characteristic of a proof coin is that it has a mirror-like surface, "Pwede ka magsalamin!". The designs and letterings are embossed, making them more visible, so you can easily spot a proof coin. I have read an article mentioning that the raised portion of a proof coin is matte-struck.
ABL Proof coins with embossed designs and letterings
To know about Philippine commemorative proof coins see Philippine Commemorative Coins - Proof Sets.
B. MATTE
The design, lettering, and surface only have a plain silver color, "Walang ka buhay buhay!". And the surface of a Matte coin is not mirror-like. You can only see a faint reflection.
ABL Matte coins with plain color
C. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
BU coins have a mirror-like surface, but the design and lettering are not embossed. The design and lettering are all mirror-like. Imagine a face carved in jelly. You can also easily spot a BU coin. I thought before BU were fakes or cleaned coins.
ABL BU coins are not embossed
One test I used if I can't tell if a coin is proof or BU is what I call an eye exam. Especially for coins that are in poor condition or no longer have luster. What I do is I put the coins very close to one of my eyes and look at it like a mirror, and I move my head slowly from left to right and back and observe the reflection on the coin. For proof coin, you shouldn't see your whole eye. For BU, the image of your eyes should be visible, and only a faint reflection for Matte.
So that's how I distinguish Philippine Commemorative Coins - Proof/Matte/BU coins. It will take a while to get acquainted with these Proof/Matte/BU coins and see the difference, but with experience, you can soon easily spot them.
Thats it! How about you? Do you have any tips/tricks in determining Philippine Commemorative Coins - Proof/Matte/BU coins?
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