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What Differences Are Visible to Distinguish Proof from MS Seated Coins?

Hi Everyone,
The 1862 Seated Half Dime I posted on has me wondering....how do you tell the difference?

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  • CladiatorCladiator Posts: 18,258 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>What Differences Are Visible to Distinguish Proof from MS Seated Coins? >>

    The amount of digits on the price tag image




  • The strike and preservation are what I notice first. I look for square edges, denticles and full struck features. I don't expect to see any hits. Some photos of the proof like seated coins do get me wondering sometimes...
  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,779 ✭✭✭
    OK Joker! And for the next one of you, I am already aware of MS vs PR on the Label!
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • "proof-like" often have clash marks...proofs very seldom do.
    Go well.
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,632 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is a proof 1862 H10c for comparison.

    image
  • roadrunnerroadrunner Posts: 28,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Semi PL or PL surfaces with some cartwheel effect. The proofs in most cases have no cartwheel effect.
    I find this comparison gets much harder in the 1879-1889 quarters and halves. Usually the beveled rim
    and lack of denticle/reeding depth and sharpness gives away the business strike. I like to say that
    a proof reeded edge coin "feels"sharp in the hand, while an UNC "feels" dull. Of course with slabs, the
    last test is out.

    roadrunner
    Barbarous Relic No More, LSCC -GoldSeek--shadow stats--SafeHaven--321gold

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