What are the characteristics of a proof 1863 IHC?

Bothuwui

I almost bought a sharp looking 1863 IHC today. It has an almost cameo look to it, but the obverse has some light hairlines. For some reason I'm thinking it may be a proof, but I know nothing about IHC's. Can anyone tell me how to differentiate between a proof and a business strike? Even if it's not, and with the cleaning it's had, I'm still seriously considering it.

mgoodm3

Does it look like this? Squared edges, little if any luster in the fields, strong strike. Mirrored fields. frosty relief.

proof:




business:

Bothuwui

Strong strike, I can clearly make out all the diamonds in the ribbon. It looks a lot like the top coin, and not much like the bottom. I looked at it raw under a loupe, and it seemed to have many hairlines, so I was afraid the slightly mirrored fields were from polishing, but the reverse looked excellent. I've seen the diagnostic of the squared edges, but don't really understand it. Do you mean the profile of a proof looks like: [-------------] while the profile of a Business strike would be (-------------)? I think the edges were rounded. There seemed to be some contrast between the devices and the fields. Just out of curiousity, what would a fair price be for an a proof looking, Uncirc details Net AU55 IHC be?

Bothuwui

By the way, nice coins!

majorbigtime

Square rims and a mirror surface!!!!

ursabear

mgoodm3,

Fabulous pictures and a good lesson. Thank you very much! I learned something new from this thread and your post.