Hesse-Darmstadt 5 Mark (how to distinguish a proof?)

Jsayre

I recently purchased a few German State coins and have been enjoying the study of them, I am wondering if this is the proof version of this coin. Or is it just lots of mint luster showing through the killer original toning? The coin does show some very slight wear and a few minor hits. The obverse seems to be matte while the reverse is nice and lustrous.

Preussen

Nice looking coin, but nothing about the pic says "Proof" to me.

Here's a toned Proof for comparison -Preussen

coinkat

The coin does not appear to be a proof... it looks attractive, but is business strike

Jsayre

I am sure you are both right but I can't help but wonder because of what the Krause book says. "Obverse matte, Reverse polished" Sure makes me wonder as the obverse has zreo luster.

Preussen

If it's a proof it's impaired, and it's hard to judge from the pics. I just realized that your thread title says "5 Mark." Zwei = 2 -Preussen

Jsayre

Sharp as a razor Preussen, I did not notice that, here is the right picture! The Funf mark. I certainly agree that it is impaired though. Do you think these will get slabbed by PCGS?

CoinKing

The 1904 Hesse-Darmstadt 5 Mark Proof is an odd animal. The obverse is frosted...not quite matte...but completely non-reflective. The reverse, on the other hand, should look like a bright, normal, mirrored Proof. If it's satiny at all, it ain't a Proof.

Preussen

<< <i>The 1904 Hesse-Darmstadt 5 Mark Proof is an odd animal. The obverse is frosted...not quite matte...but completely non-reflective. The reverse, on the other hand, should look like a bright, normal, mirrored Proof. If it's satiny at all, it ain't a Proof. >>

Jsayre: There you go; you could not have heard from a more knowledgeable source than Mr. Guth -Preussen

Jsayre

Thanks for all the help everyone! Of all the coins I have, these German ones are my favorite. Their is a short interesting story behind them if anyone is interested.

coinkat

Okay... write the story here because it already has an interesting tone without any words yet

Jsayre

The guy I bought these from was selling his late Grandfathers collection in order to send the procceds to his grandmother. The story as told by the Grandson is, that when the Grandfather was young he was in the army during WW2. While over in Germany he found a cigar box full of old coins under a bed, in a bombed out house. The grandfather kept these coins quiet and hidden for over 40 years! The stories some coins would tell! Here are some pictures of the paper envelopes that they were stored in when I got them, there are dates with approximate prices on them also.

TypeCollector

<< <i>...he found a cigar box full of old coins under a bed, in a bombed out house. The grandfather kept these coins quiet and hidden ... >>

Oh, so they're stolen; how nice

Jsayre

Yeah basically! I like to call it pilfering. My theory is that once he "stole" these coins that he got more interested in them and decided to add to the collection, but I do not know that for sure.