Morgans - Telling Proof vs. Non
dmwest
Posts: 959 ✭✭✭✭
New to collecting. I am having some trouble telling PL vs non. Some are easier to spot, to me, and some aren't. Attaching 2 that I'm thinking of having graded. Picture 1 I feel is PL and the picture 2 is tough for me to call.
Thoughts?
Picture 1:
Picture 2:
Don't quote me on that.
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one way is to look to see if the coin is surrounded by a plastic case that says proof, issued by pcgs or ngc.
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
It is important to distinguish between Proof and Prooflike (or PL). PL coins are business strikes with reflective fields. Especially mirrored coins are called Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL or DPL). your first coin does look PL Nd the second one could be but it is very hard to tell from the pictures (this is generally true, but even more so for PL coins). Remember that there is a continuum - some PL coins are barely there and others are borderline DMPL. It is not uncommon for coins to switch designation between grading events, just like numerical grades. I collect PL and DMPL Morgans and I think they are a great pursuit. I'm happy to help you in your journey!
Not helpful for RAW coins.
Don't quote me on that.
Are there easy rules like the amount of reflection? The first coin easily reflects and the second does, but not as much as the first. I understand there is a spectrum and appreciate that. Thanks for the help!
Don't quote me on that.
check here: http://www.pcgs.com/grades
PL has a reflective distance that print can be seen and DMPL is a much farther difference. Most reference this distance on a raw coin such as 10" mirrors, etc.
My memory fades as to the exact distance. But it is measured by a wooden ruler? 6" on DMPL and 4" on PL?
bob
The PCGS guide says PL is 2-4" and DMPL is 6" +. Obviously (and this has bothered me for years) there should not be a gap there. I would assume that 4-6" is therefore PL, but in some cases, you are going to get a DMPL designation with mirrors in that range. It is helpful to turn the coin sideways and look at a piece of paper with lettering to see how far you can clearly read the text. Also, you can hold your finger above the coin and see how far you can move it while keeping a clear reflection. Eventually, you will be able to recognize the difference pretty quickly, but as evidenced by the hole in the designation criteria, there is some serious grey area!
My rule on DMPL is that you can use the coin for shaving..
PL or DMPL designations are often difficult to discern. I have seen dollars designated as such that appeared to have little reflection or the mirrors were deeply buried in heavy toning.
Your first coin looks like a serious candidate for PL. The second has too much activity on the reverse to really tell.
Very nice.
Hoard the keys.
Those are both nice Morgans... and they both have nice, mirror like fields... beyond that, it is difficult to assess without having the coins in hand... Let us know what results you get.... Cheers, RickO
Thanks to you and @Type2. I think they are nice as well, but I find it hard sometime to be objective as I'd like to be.
Don't quote me on that.
When ownership is involved, the saying in the coin world is 'Ownership adds a grade.'...
Objectivity will come with time and experience.... well, slowly.... 
and in some cases, maybe never. That 'special' coin that you just love..and it comes back a grade (or two) less than you thought... those wounds never heal... which leads to the many 'resubmits' you will read about here. Keep asking... buy books, go to shows.... talk to experts. It is all part of this great hobby. Cheers, RickO