Comparing Proof to non-Proof Morgan’s - what are all the differences?

Mr_Spud

I’ve been looking at photos of my new proof Morgan compared to a non-proof Morgan that is frosted. I’m noticing a few differences, but I’m surprised there aren’t more. What are all the differences? I don’t do much with proof coins, this is my first proof Morgan dollar, so that’s why I’m asking.

retirednow

If you had not seen this article ... maybe it will help when you compare to your pieces in hand. The major differences are noted. I would think the comparison difficulty is increase in PL / DMPL pieces vs pure MS examples. I do not collect Morgans so I might have a harder time to pick quickly out of lineup

https://www.pcgs.com/news/differences-between-proof-and-prooflike-coins

Mr_Spud

@retirednow said:
If you had not seen this article ... maybe it will help when you compare to your pieces in hand. The major differences are noted. I would think the comparison difficulty is increase in PL / DMPL pieces vs pure MS examples. I do not collect Morgans so I might have a harder time to pick quickly out of lineup

https://www.pcgs.com/news/differences-between-proof-and-prooflike-coins

Thanks, that helps some. But when I look at the images of my 2 coins, it almost looks like Liberty’s head is slightly narrower on the proof, but this may just be an illusion.

davewesen

Your pictures do not show the reed edges and corners.

Mr_Spud

@davewesen said:
Your pictures do not show the reed edges and corners.

Thanks, that’s a TrueView of the proof. I’m going to visit my safety deposit box next week to change out desiccants, I’m going to compare the 2 in hand and look at them further.

Rampage

The denticles and the rims are the first place to look. The 1894 is an obvious proof in my opinion.

islemangu

It seems one could also count the number of reeds and see if conforms with this table from Van Allen & Mallis Encyclopedia 4th Edition

Floridafacelifter

The denticles are a great place to start

Mr_Spud

@Floridafacelifter said:
The denticles are a great place to start

Thanks, those pics side by side like that make the difference obvious