Circulated proofs

dan1ecu

Does anyone know if there’s a way to tell if a circulated coin was struck as a proof (aside from the coin being a proof only issue)? Also, how do you know if a Morgan dollar is proof, as opposed to DMPL?

Thanks,

Dan

airplanenut

I think DMPL requires the mirrors to show 12 inches... not so sure about circ proofs (except for modern coins with an "S" mint mark)

coinfinder

Dan, the mintmark on the coins will be an "S" if it is a proof minted after 1968.

darktone

I have seen alot of dealers trying to pass off coins as circulated proofs. About twenty years ago I bought a few of these so called circulated early proofs(from the big dealers in the coin newspapers) and they did look sort of prooflike and when ANACS came along I submitted them- of course they came back as whizzed business strikes. If you are thinking about buying a coin like that have the dealer give a moneyback guarrentee and have him or you send it to ANACS for grading. Mike

Catch22

This is a toughy. Many 19th century proof coins found their way into circulation, as did a number of pattern coins. In grades lower than vf, it's almost impossible. Most experienced numismatists will study the rims and strike for slight doubling and well defined denticles. As you probably know, proofs usually result from highly polished dies and planchets and then are struck twice to enhance the engraving. Most proofs will have crisp and squared rims while business strikes tend to have rounded rims. Each series is a little different and without specialization, I don't know enough to advise further than that. Perhaps some of our experienced dealers can shed a little more light on the subject. Good question by the way....