When a coin is in low grade like

Realone

xf and labelled a proof on the holder how does one determine for certain if it is a proof if all proof characteristics are not noticeable due to wear and/or other factors and of course this isn't a proof only die marriage?

OldeTowneCoinShoppe

EF is likely not too low a grade to ascertain proof status. At that grade, protected areas between peripheral letters and next to the devices are likely to still be reflective and "prooflike". And squared rims are still likely to be unworn enough to be recognized as such.

ShadyDave

I know someone who sent in a rare date morgan and it came back as PF-F (I forget the #). Even after seeing it labeled as PF the only microscopic difference I could tell it was a PF was that the rims were slightly squared (you couldn't really tell after being circulated) and the denticles being slightly squared as well. Sometimes there are other diagnostics like die chips, or other VAM's that are only seen in proofs.

steveben

a proof is a proof regardless of the wear. i can see if maybe the same dies were used for both business and proof strikes...you might not be able to tell in lower grades...but almost all proofs have unique dies, right?

MilkmanDan

Even if the same dies were used, the rims and edge of the coin can tell a lot. Not sure if you are referring to trade dollars but handle a few raw proofs and compare them to raw non-proofs and you'll see what I mean.