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Gold proof coins are early samples of a particular issue of a specific coin. These are generally minted to test the dies 1980's toys also for copies to keep in the archives. Since the popularity of these coins Care Bears grown, many Skipper doll are often struck for each type of coin especially for coin collectors.

Many different countries issue gold proof coins to collectors around the world. When it comes time to make proofs, there is a special process that occurs. First, the dies will be polished, which gives the proof coins a sharper rim oldest baseball card more distinguished design that circulated coins. Then, the proof dies are occasionally treated with chemicals to give a frosted look to a certain part of the coin.

This frosted treatment is new, and is done merely for the sake of collecting, as the coins will appear to be more aesthetically pleasing to collectors. There have been many other processes used over the years to achieve this effect, as well as the mirrored effect of the polished areas, including sand blasting the dies and creating matte proofs. Some coins from the 1800s even looked scratched as a result of this process. Proof coins are usually double, and even triple, struck to ensure that the image is fully embedded into the coin.

Matte gold proof coins were developed in France in the early 20th century, through a process of sandblasting the dies that the coins were made from. This design was very popular in Europe, and was used by the Philadelphia Mint for various coin series made of other metals. Finding these coins today proves to be challenging for any collector, as they are still some of the most rare gold coins in existence and very valuable. The Lincoln cent was struck this way from 1909 to 1916, creating more than 15,000 proof coins. Today, they are very rare and have tarnished into a variety of colors through the years. Buffalo Nickels and Peace Silver Dollars were also produced in the U.S. with a matte finish, but are much rarer than the Lincoln cents.

Although gold proof coins are struck in most occasions today for collectors, they were used historically for records purposes in most cases. There are many different proof coins available for collectors, including a variety of designs from countries around the world. Today, these coins are generally minted to mark special occasions and to commemorate historic events. The value of these coins varies greatly, depending on what you are looking for. Generally speaking, older coins and ones that have fewer copies are going to be worth more because of their rare and historic nature.

Alan LeStourgeon runs a Gold Coins web site where you can find information on precious metals and current gold prices to monitor your investments.

During an economic down turn fundraising can be particularly important, many organization count Gross Out Gang sponsorship from small businesses and donations from individuals. Unfortunately when times get tough, giving tightens as well. Some families have already been hit with less income or decreasing business, for others they are seeing others struggle and tighten their belt a notch to make sure they don't run into the same difficulties.

This comes at a time that people are not participating in extras. During an economic down turn many organizations see lower turn out. Many times though turn out decreases, expenses stay the same or even increase. This is a time when many youth organizations turn to fundraising for the first time or need to redouble their efforts to raise even more funds, but they don't know what Major Matt Mason are about to learn.

Let me ask you a question. When you are having trouble making ends meet, do you go out to eat more or less often? When money is tight, do you spend money on extras? Do you go to the movies, bowling, or golfing as often? When you go to the grocery store to you buy the cheap toilet paper or the soft cushy stuff? And while you are there do you make a bee-line for the scented candles and grab a handful of candy while in the checkout line. If you are like most people we all like the Sandman comic extras, but we know those costs add up so we go without.

When the family budget has a pair of vise-grips squeezing the life out of it, people will not spend money on the extras. But they will spend money on items that have a great value. In an effort to keep the same buying power coupon and 1970 71 Topps basketball cards use increases, Coupons and discounts have GREAT value, they cost nothing and they save you money.

How do you think your fundraiser would go if you are selling something that most people consider extra like candy or candles, the results will probably not be that great. So what will people spend money on when things are tight? Fundraising discount cards work, the consumer would spend $10 for a card because they will save $100's. Fundraising discount cards work like coupons, they allow people to enjoy some of the things they like without spending as much, Fundraising discount cards offer discounts like buy one get one free offers. Think you can continue to have family pizza night a little longer if it costs half as much?

How about entertainment? Or an oil change for your car? Or flowers or discounts on golf or bowling. You may not be able to go out to eat every week, but if you could save 20% on your local restaurant ball jointed dolls you could swing eating out twice a month. Oh yah and how can you live without that occasional fast food treat! Well thanks to the fundraising discount cards, your favorite burger, sandwich, or sub won't break the bank.

The best part is because business is a little slower for many stores, they are more willing to participate and offer even greater discounts to keep the customers walking through the doors. So instead of giving a 10 or 15% discount merchants are willing to give 15 to 20%. Since there is no cost for the merchant to place an offer on the card they have nothing to lose, but alot to gain. They gain customer loyalty, a greater standing in the community and much needed customers walking through the door. Fundraising discount cards really are a win win situation, even in a down turned economy!

So when it is time for fundraising make sure to use recession proof fundraising discount cards and a company like Easy Fundraising Cards, Inc.

Mark South

http://www.easyfundraisingcards.com

About the Author
I started in fundraising as a reluctant volunteer for a small soccer organization in Florida, now fundraising has become a way of life for me