What Differences Are Visible to Distinguish Proof from MS Seated Coins?

itsnotjustme

Hi Everyone,
The 1862 Seated Half Dime I posted on has me wondering....how do you tell the difference?

Cladiator

<< <i>What Differences Are Visible to Distinguish Proof from MS Seated Coins? >>

The amount of digits on the price tag

CarlWohlforth

The strike and preservation are what I notice first. I look for square edges, denticles and full struck features. I don't expect to see any hits. Some photos of the proof like seated coins do get me wondering sometimes...

itsnotjustme

OK Joker! And for the next one of you, I am already aware of MS vs PR on the Label!

JoyofCollecting

"proof-like" often have clash marks...proofs very seldom do.

rhedden

Here is a proof 1862 H10c for comparison.

roadrunner

Semi PL or PL surfaces with some cartwheel effect. The proofs in most cases have no cartwheel effect.
I find this comparison gets much harder in the 1879-1889 quarters and halves. Usually the beveled rim
and lack of denticle/reeding depth and sharpness gives away the business strike. I like to say that
a proof reeded edge coin "feels"sharp in the hand, while an UNC "feels" dull. Of course with slabs, the
last test is out.

roadrunner