Proof or Business Strike? 1904 - J Germany (Breman) 2 Mark

Goof_Proof

1904 - J Germany (Breman) 2 Mark. Hello, I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to help me out. Any opinions on if this is a proof or business strike? The coin has been lightly circulated with no visible wear. I noticed where the field meets the rim is sharp and at a 90 degree angle, yet it seems to have a bit of a cartwheel luster. With 60 X magnification there are no visible flow lines.

coinkat

looks polished to me. I do not think it has the characteristics of a Proof.

edited to add- Welcome to the forum

Goof_Proof

Thank you very much for the welcome and feedback. I thought it looked polished also but when viewing the fields at 60 X there do not appear to be any parallel or circular hairline scratches so hopefully not. The inner edge of the rim has a sharp 90 degree squared off profile where it meets the field. There is a distinct steepness to the rim gutter that I usually associate with the high pressure strike of a proof. Additionally, under 60 X magnification I do not see any radial flow lines radiating from the center to the rim. If this was a high luster business strike ,wouldn't those micro flow lines be visible under that magnification? The fields appear completely smooth/reflective instead. I find that the starburst texture associated with a business strike is usually obvious at 20 X or even 10 X magnification. I did not see any at 60 X magnification. I also noticed the denticles have a hairline space between the wall of the rim. Would that space be seen on all or only first business strikes as well as proof? On many business strikes I find the dots look as though they melt into the rim wall due to the metal flow. On this coin, however, they remain completely distinct with that slight space. Does that suggest a much higher striking pressure indicative of a higher pressure proof die?

TPring

@Goof_Proof said:
I thought it looked polished also but when viewing the fields at 60 X there do not appear to be any parallel or circular hairline scratches so hopefully not. The inner edge of the rim has a sharp 90 degree squared off profile where it meets the field. There is a distinct steepness to the rim gutter that I usually associate with the high pressure strike of a proof. Additionally, under 60 X magnification I do not see any radial flow lines radiating from the center to the rim. If this was a high luster business strike ,wouldn't those micro flow lines be visible under that magnification? The fields appear completely smooth/reflective instead. I find that the starburst texture associated with a business strike is usually obvious at 20 X or even 10 X magnification. I did not see any at 60 X magnification. I also noticed the denticles have a hairline space between the wall of the rim. Would that space be seen on all or only first business strikes as well as proof? On many business strikes I find the dots look as though they melt into the rim wall due to the metal flow. On this coin, however, they remain completely distinct with that slight space. Does that suggest a much higher striking pressure indicative of a higher pressure proof die?

Sounds like proof it is...

Goof_Proof

Thank you very much for the feedback TPring. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Of course, they also say the Devil is in the details. Just trying to find proof of proof.

ColonelKlinck

It’s a nice business strike
The rims are much too rounded for a proof

Goof_Proof

Thank you very much for the feedback ColonelKlinck. The pics are a bit deceiving. When you look with a 60 X magnifier from the top there is a definite 90 degree drop off from the edge to the field. No rounding or transition at all. I was thinking it could be a first business strike. Love your name by the way. Say hi to Corporal LeBeau for me. 😁