Proof Coins Sound Different As Pocket Change

CharlesDarwin

I had some stupid proof coins I've grown tired of and they didn't sell on ebay. So they went into my pocket today. A bunch of 1976 proofs...sans the 50c and $1. They sound very different! Much higher ringing tone. They'll be spend on coffee tomorrow...can't wait to see the face on the cashier. Unfortunately, as soon as someone hoser sees it, they'll remove it from circulation and save it for eternity, because it's special. Humanity...bah.

lordmarcovan

The cashier prolly won't bat an eye at 'em.

I've gotten proofs in circulation a few times.

It'd be cool if you could wear one down to PR02 or so and get it slabbed.

CharlesDarwin

I thought about having them be pocket pieces. Would they event be able to ID them as proof at that point? What's the lowest PR grade?

PR02 would be weird.

ms70

If it's from a year when only proofs were made at San Francisco, then ID is easy just from the mintmark.

Smitty79

<< <i>Unfortunately, as soon as someone hoser sees it, they'll remove it from circulation and save it for eternity, because it's special. Humanity...bah. >>



But you seem to miss the positive side to this. Those 'stupid proofs' that you've 'grown tired of' could very well spark a previously unexplored intrest in coins to that 'hoser'. Some of my favorite coins in my collection are low value, ho hum coins that were either given to me or found in pocket change. I still pull Bicentenials from pocket change too. It's just my humble opinion, but I find it odd that you can't wait to see the cashiers reaction, but at the same time, you don't expect anyone to find it to be an interesting, out of the ordinary keepsake. Maybe it's just the newbie in me talking. I have'nt been in numismatics long and I still remember my first reaction to a proof. Looking back on it, it does seem insignificant, but you need to look at it from the point of view of the average Joe, someone who does'nt eat, sleep, and breath coins.......at least not yet. In any event, I think what your doing will ultimatly be a positive thing.

cladking

Normally proofs get spotted fairly fast and are removed but over the years I
have seen a few worn down to XF/AU and even a '68-S quarter in VG!!

I've never noticed that proofs ring different but you can tell them from other
coins in your pocket by mere feel because of there wide even edges and sharp
reeding. Generally those who recieve old unc and proof coins will not notice it.
It does occur on rare occasion though.

CharlesDarwin

A 68S in VG would be awesome! Well maybe there'll be some 76S low grade proofs. I left the 5c in the penny tray today and it looked so out of place. I never think of it as promoting coin collecting, but in a positive way that could be true.

dan1ecu

That's an interesting observation! I've never heard of anyone trying such a thing before.

Dan

Nysoto

A greater degree of work hardening will cause metal to have a higher ring, I have noticed this in my silversmithing hobby. Don't know if this is true with proof strikes, which I beleive are struck multiple times from higher pressure. Get out your proof and business strike Kennedys.

Clad zinc cents have a duller thud compared to 1982 and earlier copper.

Bill