bojous

Hey Jody...Thx for the info. I realize the chances of finding a proof coin in circulation are about slim and none. As I mentioned before, my question was purely academic in nature. I'm now thinking I should've been more precise with my inquiry. What I was curious about was whether the US Mint employed subtled die design differences to differentiate proofs from business strikes, an example being the "AM" spacing deal with late '80's/early'90's cents.
From what input I've recieved from folks here, I gather the one absolute distinction between a proof and a BS of any denomination and/or mint year is the overall quality differences between the two, which is obviously significant.
So, I'm assuming that IF a proof coin w/o a mm was to turn up after having been circulated for years, and if because of wear and tear that proof was damaged to the point it no longer possessed the inherent higher quality characteristics that distinguish proofs, then the coin is worn beyond any collectable value anyhow. Ergo, whether it's a mmless proof or a BS is mute.
The abstract logic involved here vaguely reminds me of an old Star Trek episode...Any Trekkies around???
Thanks Jody
Boj

jody526

Hi Boj,

I can't find any reference to die design differences in regards to the Jefferson nickel issues we discussed.

I have access to some pretty good research materials, but so far, none of them mention anything about that. I think it's likely that all the dies may have been hubbed from the same master.

There was a reverse design modification in 1971, but my reference indicates that all issues of that year incorporated it.

cladking

There are minor differences in many of the proofs and minor differences in more
of the circulation issues. Really the basining of proof dies shouldn't be written off
so quickly. Even after these coins have worn considerably you can still see that
the dies were basined. Even the square rims will be evident on coins down to VG.

I recieved a '68-S proof quarter about eight years ago that had worn down to VG
and knew it was a proof before looking at the mintmark. Fields are rarely flat on
business strikes and that's probably more true now days.

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