How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

[TxTim]

How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

What do you look for?
Are there obvious signs?

 

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[jeff of pa]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

it's like seeing a large Diamond in the sun.

If you think it "May be" it's not.

You will know when you see it.

 

[Dimeman]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

The details on it will be very defined and any smooth areas on the coin will be almost mirror in looks.

 

[MalteseFalcon]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

Background will be mirror. Raised parts (JFK and letters/numbers) will have a sort of frosted look in comparison. And it will have a San Francisco mint mark.

No need to ask this question....when you get one, you will know for sure when you see it for the first time.

 

[goldinmypan]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

Just found a 1961 Ben that has the mirrored serface but the raised parts were not frosted as in the JFSs. Also they made proofs in Philly back then

 

[buscadero]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

Look close, Gold: The 61 Bennie Proof has a Double Die worth $1200 in Pf-65!

Joe

 

[Bon Bon]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

Are the circulated proofs we are finding worth anything? I know the silvers ones are but what about the others?

 

[goldinmypan]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

Thanks for the headsup Buscadero, That was the first thing I looked for. Bonwor, I don't know the value of distressed proofs but if you had a set I think they would be easy to sell for a premium over face. Same for any other variety like double dies and die cracks. Seems to always be a buyer for just about anything.

 

[tw656]

Re: How can you tell if you found a "proof" coin?

I agree, as long as the proof is in resonable shape I think its worth more than face. Many that I have found are in remarkable shape for being in circulation. The killer is the finger prints, they get picked up easy on a proof. Also as a note, on how to know if it is a proof. 90% of the time, just like silver you can tell if it is a proof by the edge. The edge is thicker in sharper. If you see a think edged coin it probably is not a proof. If you see a rediculously thick, sharp, clean edge, I would say that theres a pretty good chance its a proof! I found two today in rolls. A 1991 S and a 2006 S.

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