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Proof Grading in Classic Coinage

toreador74toreador74 Posts: 201 ✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Reading in QDB's Expert's Guide about proof coinage in the 1800s and early 1900s and looking at proof coins available at auction over the last few days online. Not necessarily going to buy, but trying to apply Bowers' ideas to what is on the market right now. I'm specifically addressing Liberty Seated and Barber coins, as well as the Liberty nickels. Bowers takes a dim view of dark toning on proof coins but it seems like he's also wary of overly "clean" proofs as well. There are PF-62 coins available at more reasonable prices than higher grades. Assuming that there is an acceptable amount of toning on a PF-62 coin in a series you like - do you bid on the coin, try to find one with a higher grade, or try to find an higher grade MS coin that is acceptable?

Comments

  • RWBRWB Posts: 8,082 ✭
    The grade should relate to the quantity and nature of defects on the coin, not its color or toning. Personal preference then permits you to decide what to buy and what to avoid.
  • toreador74toreador74 Posts: 201 ✭✭
    Assuming toning is acceptable - are there collectors who specifically go after PF-62 coins from the late 1800s? Or do most proof collectors try to get PF-63, 64, 65?
  • DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭
    My guess the grade you purchase is dependant on the eye appeal and the size of your wallet. It is for me.....imageimage
    Becky
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,902 ✭✭✭✭✭
    On early proofs, it usually comes down to how heavily the fields are hairlined. Expect a lot of hairlines on a 62.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • toreador74toreador74 Posts: 201 ✭✭
    In my opinion, hairlines are a sign of cleaning or poor storage in an album... am I correct?
  • DaveGDaveG Posts: 3,535 ✭
    "Hairlines" are usually from the coin having been wiped with a cloth, while "slidemarks" are usually from poor album storage practices.

    What you'll see on a 19th century proof are hairlines from the coin's having been wiped by a cloth (frequently in an effort to remove toning, I believe).

    I also agree that you'll see a lot of hairlines on a PF-62. You may have to go up to PF-64 to find a coin without serious hairlines.

    Check out the Southern Gold Society

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