How can you tell this is a proof?

mcmxi · March 13, 2006 10:33AM

Besides the label..

librtyhead · March 13, 2006 10:36AM

it is what it is.

DickyBetz · March 13, 2006 10:59AM

Interesting.

MrEureka · March 13, 2006 11:24AM

Although it's not obvious in the photo that the coin is a proof, it may be obvious in person.

Also, there are reverse die scratches on the business strikes that do not appear on the proofs, so it should be possible to differentiate a proof from a business strike however worn the piece may be.

carl · March 13, 2006 11:37AM

so what is the story behind this coin? Did you buy it that way? Did you buy the coin and send it in for grading? How much did you pay for it if not to personal? Are the first photos after the coin was removed from the slab? Are the photos prior to slabbing? Just a lot of questions.

Regulated · March 13, 2006 11:42AM

I just use the force.

keets · March 13, 2006 11:43AM

i would think it'd be possible to tell in hand from sharpness of strike(even though the high point detail is worn), the strike at the denticles and the flatness of the fields.

librtyhead · March 13, 2006 11:46AM

<< <i>Although it's not obvious in the photo that the coin is a proof, it may be obvious in person.

Also, there are reverse die scratches on the business strikes that do not appear on the proofs, so it should be possible to differentiate a proof from a business strike however worn the piece may be. >>

I hope so I have one at pcgs now!

braddick · March 13, 2006 11:48AM

Rims.
More boxed shape.

mcmxi · March 13, 2006 12:02PM

I bought it as an VFish (discounted for the rim ding). It had very little luster or eye appeal, and sent it to NCSfor some help. This is one of the pitfalls I didn't think of. I figured it wouldn't grade because of a rim ding, but having it slabbed as genuine would help any later sale. I think the may be the only year that a proof is worth less than business in this condition. I am however the proud new owner of a proof Morgan. Now I guess I have to put together a complete set of circ damaged proofs.

The photos are from when I got it back from NCS today.

bhartman35 · March 13, 2006 12:43PM

I'm confused. I thought a proof was supposed to be a pristine specimen with cameo, the whole 9 yards. Once it gets obvious wear like that, how can it still be called "proof"?

DaveG · March 13, 2006 12:47PM

"Proof" is a method of manufacture, not a description of condition.

RYK · March 13, 2006 1:31PM

Usually it says so on the holder.

CaptHenway · March 13, 2006 2:36PM

<< <i>Although it's not obvious in the photo that the coin is a proof, it may be obvious in person.

Also, there are reverse die scratches on the business strikes that do not appear on the proofs, so it should be possible to differentiate a proof from a business strike however worn the piece may be. >>

Right on, Andy. On a business strike, if you look at the eagle's claw to your right (the eagle's left) and look at the talon sticking our to your left, there is a horizontal die scratch above that talon. A different die pair was used for the Proofs.
Tom D.

numonebuyer · March 13, 2006 3:02PM

You simply have to count the number of reeds on the coins edge. If it has 179 then it is a proof 1894 Morgan. If it has 189 then it is a business strike 1894 Morgan.

Please refer to Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars, Fourth Edition by Leroy C. Van Allen & A. George Mallis, Page 129, Figure 7-4 Morgan Dollar Edge Reeding.

mcmxi · March 13, 2006 4:39PM

I keep coming up with 149?

numonebuyer · March 14, 2006 2:16PM

One hundred and Fifty Seven (157) is the minimum number of reed edges in the entire collection of Morgan dollars. The maximum number of reed edges for the Morgan dollar series is 194.

How can you tell this is a proof?

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