Refers to a trial run of a work, usually precedes the advanced reading copy.

A trial sheet of printed material that is checked against the original manuscript and on which corrections are made.

an early stage in production. Changes have often been made to the typescript, the manuscript has been typeset; but it is not the final version of the book. Often proofs are bound in regular paper like a school report or movie script.

An impression made during the production of stamps. For use only by printers and postal administrations, these are not available to collectors.

Impressions of a print. In the case of an incomplete print they are referred to as "working proofs."

Coins which are minted by the government specifically for collectors and never introduced into circulation. Proof coins are struck multiple times on specifically detailed dies, which elevates the sculpturing and accentuates the detail. The backgrounds are highly polished for a mirror-like finish. Proof coins can be graded using the same Sheldon system but will have the designation PR for Proof instead of MS (Ex. PR70).

Samples of copy and layout produced at various stages of production. Following internal inspection, proofs are sent to the customer for approval.

See Evidence

Examples include