What do you look for in an old proof coin?
dan1ecu
Posts: 1,573
I guess we can’t expect a nineteenth century proof coin to look like a modern proof. The ones that do cost A LOT of money. With the age of the coin in mind, what do you think are the most important qualities to look for in an old proof coin? I personally don’t need a cameod coin, although it does add to the eye appeal. I prefer the mirrors to be deep. I don’t own any toned proofs, but my feeling is that I wouldn’t like a toned proof coin as much as a white one (probably because I’m used to seeing modern proofs).
Anyway, what do you like in an early proof coin? What don’t you like?
Dan
Anyway, what do you like in an early proof coin? What don’t you like?
Dan
0
Comments
dark toning in the center devices that hides all the details.
The mirror should be reasonably deep and I do like some measurable cameo effect.In short,
when you look at the coin, it must not have that washed out, dipped to death look and what ever
the Proof mint state grade, should clearly appear to be at the top of that particular grade. Always twist
the coin around under a light source to spot the hairlines if any. Distractions on the reverse are more
forgivable then on the reverse. Remember, when you buy a coin with obvious and distracting defects,
they will still be there when you eventually trade or sell the coin. If your gut instincts feel uneasy,
then pass no matter how good the price. Quality in any grade costs top dollar. Bear
Camelot
What I don't like is blast white coins with brown splotches from a dip nor white coins with gray spots on them from where toning was dipped off leaving a slightly etched off-color surface. And NO FINGERPRINTS!! I don't mind blast white ORIGINAL and would rather have white than toned so I can see the design better.
Toning, if any, needs to be light & vibrant, preferably something in light or ice blue, letting the mirrors blast thru. No dark thick painted on looking on tone like a bag toned Morgan has.
A small black carbon spot or 2 on the rev design doesn't upset me.
Hairlines don't bother me if they are in line with the assigned grade. Anything 63 or less I expect to have heavy hairlines and/or slide marks. I'm not going to complain if a 63 has a slide mark or 2 on the neck and a patch of field hair if it has some quality that makes up for it like really heavy frost or attractive tone. But NO FINGERPRINTS!! However the average brilliant Proof 63 is a dog.
BUT, I would rather have a target toned 63 with a slide mark on the cheek & a small staple scratch hidden on the rev than a blast white dipped out 66 with a fingerprint on it.
64/65 is my favorite grade because the coins are better with less & smaller problems and don't cost a fortune.
Proof 66+ is getting into the $$ so it had darn better be sharply struck, cameo and not have any dip effects showing and NO FINGERPRINTS!! Very few coins of this grade meet my picky criteria bit it's not the coin's fault. It's the idiot that left his greasy fingerprint or bad dip job on it.
and that usually means proof 64 and higher
it could be great exceptional monster toned!
could be blast white with deep clean, clear, non cloudy, non hazy mirrors
could be cameo or deep cameo
and at least a good value coin!
a coin that is great quality for the grade in terms of no problems
or a combination of the above!!!!
but
as long as the coin has exceptional eye appeal
sincerely michael
a common coin say a proof 1942 merc dime is NOT COMMON AT ALL with exceptional eye appeal and exceptional qualities!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<< <i>What do you look for in an old proof coin? >>
the original holder!!!
K S
Tom