Liberty Nickels: How do you tell MS from Proof?

Connecticoin

I have a 1883 No Cents Liberty Nickel (sorry, no image) that has proof-like surfaces, but I cannot tell if it is a proof or not. I looked at several Proof and MS images in the Heritage archives, and cannot ID any diagnostics to distinguish the two. Are there any obvious "proof diagnostics" for Libnicks that can be readily seen in these images (Heritage proof and MS, not my coins)? Thanks.

Proof:




MS:

robkool

Proofs have that watery field with a cameo or frosted images, as well as good refectivity and contrast. Occasionally have hairlines in the field.
MS coins have a business strike, with frosty luster. Also look for small sharp marks on Liberty's face, the V on the reverse, and surrounding areas around wreath, and field.
You can also look for that square flat, or belveled rim with a proof.

Hope this helps...

Elcontador

Business strikes almost always have a weak star 7 and on the reverse, to the viewer's lt., a non-fully struck up ear of corn. Also, some dates (think 1901-1909) PFs DO NOT have the characteristics described in the prior post. A cameo in these dates is rare. Most of the PFs in these dates are brilliant; I have an 05 that is like this.

Look for more definition in general on PF coins. Ie., the rims and denticles, in your images, jump out at you on the PF coin you show. You often see some flat stars on Unc. business strike coins, while the star radials will be crisply defined on PF coins.

Mercury10c

Yeah, that's correct. That ear of corn on the reverse is almost never well defined on a business strike.
Check the stars too. Proofs will have full star detail, business strikes will have weakness. Also, check the
edge. Proofs will have a more squared-off edge.

Connecticoin

On my coin, the 2 stars to the left of Miss Liberty are weak -- so I think it is likely MS based on the feedback here. Thanks!

Elcontador

Might add in supergrade (MS 66), a type PF will cost half of that of a business strike, and is often a more attractive (to the eye) coin.