How do I tell a circulation-strike 1902 Edward VII silver Crown from the 1902 Edward VII Matte Proof

apollo14

Here is a "shout-out" to any British coin experts ...


I have a 1902 Edward VII silver crown, and I am trying to determine how to tell the circulation-strike coin from the 1902 Matte Proof version (with a mintage of only 15,000). Perhaps a "Medal Orientation" reverse on the proofs?


Thanks!

David

7Jaguars

Hi. Pictures would be great.

Matte proofs are of course proofs, so would have the well struck-up devices and squared rims with sharper milling on edge. Eddie's forelock is generally a bit flat on circulation/currency strikes with a bit more detail on the proofs. There should not be a lot of planchet unevenness or scuffing. The proofs were thought to have been lightly rubbed (nearly all of them) by the workmen at Royal Mint before leaving. Interestingly, there is not a lot of price difference between the two types of coin.

We should be able to instantly tell with reasonable quality pictures...

Analyst

7Jaguars: <<Interestingly, there is not a lot of price difference between the two types of coin.>>

The lack of a substantial price differential is fascinating. In regards to Matte Proof U.S. coins, especially gold, there are often tremendous price differences between 'Proofs' and corresponding business strikes. Plus, the issues relating to them are complicated.

7Jaguars: <<We should be able to instantly tell with reasonable quality pictures.>>

Fortunately, this is typically true in regard to British coins. There are business strike U.S. coins, dating from the early 20th century, that have been privately and expertly sandblasted for the purpose of fooling people. In other cases, genuine Sandblast "Matte Proof" coins have been stripped and re-finished for the purpose of deceiving people into thinking that these are gem quality coins.

PCGS certified 1912 Matte Proof Gold Set auctioned during Autumn Long Beach Expo

As an aside, I note that I, too, love British coins. My article on a Gold Sovereign of Mary I was the winner of an award from the NLG.

Rare English Gold Sovereign of Queen Mary I

Earlier this year, I wrote about PCGS certified British coins.

Choice, historical British Coins Auctioned in New York

wybrit

This is an example of the Edward VII matte proof crown - no real lustre.

mnemtsas2

Here's a circulation coin for comparison.

Gazza

<< <i>Here is a "shout-out" to any British coin experts ...


I have a 1902 Edward VII silver crown, and I am trying to determine how to tell the circulation-strike coin from the 1902 Matte Proof version (with a mintage of only 15,000). Perhaps a "Medal Orientation" reverse on the proofs?


Thanks!

David >>



The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge lettering under a good magnifier. The Matt proofs edge lettering is also matt on their faceswhereas the currency lettering is just plain lettering. The outside edge is also shinier which make the much sharper lettering more distinct.

Analyst

Gazza: <<The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the edge lettering under a good magnifier.>>

What is meant by a "good magnifier"? Is this a reference to the extent of the magnification or to the quality of the lens?

Gazza: <<The Matt proofs edge lettering is also matt on their faces whereas the currency lettering is just plain lettering.

While this explanation is fascinating and appreciated, I am not convinced. On Matte Finish U.S. coins dating from around 1907 to 1916, the characteristics of the edge lettering amount to one factor to take into consideration, though edge characteristics are generally not conclusive. Is Gazza saying that the faces of the letters on the edge necessarily have a sandblast finish on such British coins? How was the collar die treated to bring about such a result?

Gazza:<<The outside edge is also shinier which make the much sharper lettering more distinct.>>

Admittedly, I have not examined an edge of a 20th century, Matte Finish British coin in a while, please explain how an "outside edge" is distinguished from an 'inside edge'?

On Proof U.S. coins, edges tend to be shinier as well. In some cases, however, non-Proofs may have shiny edges and, in other cases, Proofs may have edges that are not so shiny. Is Gazza saying that all early 20th century British coins with shiny edges are Special Strkings?

As I mentioned above, I recently wrote about sandblast finish, U.S. gold coins. In addition to discussing a set that was recently auctioned, I cover other topics in the same article, some of which are relevant to this thread:

PCGS certified 1912 Matte Proof Gold Set auctioned during Autumn Long Beach Expo

I love British coins; I wish that I had more time to examine and write about them. My article on a Gold Sovereign of Mary I was the winner of an award from the NLG.

Rare English Gold Sovereign of Queen Mary I

Earlier this year, I wrote about PCGS certified British coins.

Choice, historical British Coins Auctioned in New York