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? for Canada experts.....Mint sets vs. MS coins, Grades Rec'd

ManorcourtmanManorcourtman Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
in World & Ancient Coins Forum
I was wondering if there is a difference between Mint set coins and mint state coins released by Canada for circulation purposes? I just got grades back on 9 2003 coins I submitted to PCGS and they called them all proof-like. Has anyone else submitted modern Canadian coins? Where they from mint sets? BTW I submitted 4- 50c all graded MS67PL, 2- 25c both graded MS67PL, 3- 5c all were MS67PL. I don't know if I should be pleased or upset?? All this Canadian stuff is new to meimage

Any input is much appreciated!!

Thanks, Chris

Comments

  • shirohniichanshirohniichan Posts: 4,992 ✭✭✭
    Chris,

    There are indeed differences between circulation strikes and so-called "prooflikes" (the PL designation is from the collector/dealer world-- the RCM simply calls them "uncirculated"). PL's are struck from specially prepared planchets on slower moving equipment for better results. PL-67 is about average for coins coming out of PL sets these days, and MS-67 coins from rolls or bags are much harder to find. Just to make things more confusing, the RCM also strikes mirrored "specimens" struck twice on specially prepared planchets, though without the dies or frosted devices of true proofs.
    image
    Obscurum per obscurius
  • MyWorldCoinTypeSetMyWorldCoinTypeSet Posts: 1,331 ✭✭✭
    Shiro's right, they are different. Just to summarize, there are 4 different major packaging types used by the RCM in 2003, as follows:
    - Business Strikes (bags and rolls)
    - Prooflike (sealed in plastic)
    - Specimen (leatherette holder with 7 coins)
    - Proof (leatherette holder with 8 coins)

    Outside of the packaging, the Proofs are easy to identify by the frosted relief / brilliant background. The Specimens and Prooflike coins can be differentiated from the Business Strikes by the quality of the strike. I can't tell the difference between a Specimen and Prooflike coin outside of the package.

    In past years, the quality of the Prooflikes has varied. Most late 1960's Prooflike coins look just like Business Strikes without bagmarks, except for the early strikes, which have a Cameo appearance.

    Confused yet?
    Paul

    My World Coin Type Set
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