Proof vs. uncirculated

WACoinGuy

How can you tell the difference between proof and uncirculated coins? Some of the older uncirculated coins I've seen (such as liberty nickels) seem to have such mirror-like surfaces that they almost look like proofs. Is there a good way to tell the difference?

coinguy1

WACoinGuy,

While some issues present a great challenge in determining their business strike vs. proof status, many should be fairly easy to distinguish.

In addition to the mirror surfaces, look for a better strike on the proofs, along with better defined, squared edges. Proofs usually tone differently and in different colors, too. Also, depending upon the coin type and date in question, there might even be some specific/distinguishing die characteristics (placement of letters or design details, die cracks, doubling of certain details from multiple strikings, etc.) that will differentiate a business strike from a proof.

DanC

Wouldn't mint-mark also be a good indicator?

MrEureka

The coinguy said it well. I'll add that Liberty nickels are very rarely DMPL, so if it looks like a proof, it probably is.

WACoinGuy

Mark, can you clarify what you mean by "better defined, squared edges"?

coinguy1

WACoinGuy,

The edges on Proof coins are usually sharper and squared off, compared to non proofs which have more rounded edges. Much easier to explain in person - sorry. Do you have an image of the coin in question that you can post here?

WACoinGuy

I don't have a picture of the coin in question, but I just looked at some scans I have of some proof and uncirculated coins and I think I see what you're talking about now. Thanks for the help!

OneYearTypes

This half I have looks to be proof but as there're no records of a proof being made and also because some people think there is some die polish missing from the top of the reverse, they say it's mint state. oh well

RGL

As noted, it will be rare to encounter a MS coin with the strike detail of a proof ... so look for those sharp, squared-off rims and mirrored fields. But, be beware ... some early strikes off new or repolished circulation dies can have proof-like fields and a razor strike that make you wonder.

WACoinGuy

Yeah -- the reason I started this thread is that I just picked up a very mirror-like uncirculated liberty nickel. We were talking a bit about the coin and he was mentioning that it was probably one of the first coins off the die because of its proof-like appearance. He did mention the fact that it didn't have squared edges, but I wasn't sure what he meant by that. Anyway, now that I know what to look for, I'll take a second look for myself. When I get around to scanning it in, I'll post a picture -- it's a beaut.

ursabear

I get this one messed up in my head too. I have to look at the rims with a lupe/loupe to see if the strike is deep like in soft clay, or round and shallow like in hard clay. Some denominations are in the realm where I have not yet studied, so I often have to lean on the more attuned to the series for assistance.

Also, some coins are just prooflike because they're great coins. Others are prooflike because they came from proof dies... It seems to vary deeply between the series.

When in doubt scan it an drop us a note. Some of the guys on this board are *real* wizards with this subject. I like hearing what they say about it.

relayer

<< <i>The edges on Proof coins are usually sharper and squared off, compared to non proofs which have more rounded edges. Much easier to explain in person - sorry. >>



I thought you explained it rather well.

cosmicdebris

This image should help. Pictured is a regular Jefferson nickel plus a proof one I found in change. Right away the mirrors and contrast show through (even though the proof circulated) as well as the differences in the edges.