Are there any die markers to distinguish between a Mint State and Proof 1883 No Cents 5c?
braddick
Posts: 24,515 ✭✭✭✭✭
I've got my eye on a couple of what appears to be fully struck mint state No Cents nickels. They seem to be PROOF examples, though, as the rims are squared off, and the stars are fully stuck. I've learned that alone is not enough to determine as some mint state business strike examples also display these features.
Are particular markers definitely distinguishes between the two?
Examples of what I am referring to:
(Each of these is advertised as mint state.)
peacockcoins
0
Comments
I do not know the answer to your question.
They are definitely toned more like mint state coins in my opinion.
Maybe another way to go about it. ?
Denticles don't look sharp enough
nope, to me not a proof.
BHNC #203
There is weakness in the stars on the obverse, along with the corn on the reverse on all of these, which, to me, don't indicate a proof. I've handled a number of these over the years, and there's no question when you see one. Everything is needle-sharp, and all stars are fully struck, along with the ears of corn on the reverse. Some do show some cartwheel, giving the impression of a business strike, but still have mirrored fields when tilted in the light.
BS not PF
My guess is business strikes. Look at the detail on this (lower grade) Proof as a comparison:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/liberty-nickels/nickels/1883-5c-no-cents-pr63-pcgs-pcgs-population-153-782-and-0-6-ngc-census-73-636-and-0-2-cdn-230-whsle-bid-for-ng/a/132106-23030.s?ic4=ListView-ShortDescription-071515
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
While it’s fine to disagree with the OP, it’s impolite to accuse him of “BS” while opining “not PF”.😄
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Often business strikes in this series have a weak star 7 and weak lt corn. Last image is like this. Second to last image is missing some hair detail. Obverse above that lacks hair detail. The one with the facial gouge has a fully struck obverse, but I've never seen a PF with a facial gouge like that. But they're all business strikes.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
^
Thanks! I was hoping the one in the PCGS "92" details slab was a proof.
peacockcoins
Looking at your pictures (which are very good), I would say all business strikes - though very nice ones. The detail on the proofs is so much better, especially denticles and the reverse designs. Cheers, RickO