1998 P Quarter on proof planchet

Not trying to be arguementative, but if the coin showed real circulation, there would be scratches and dulling from environmental attack, except for a distinctive mint mark, what would be the diagnostics of a proof coin? Proof-like surface - dulled from environment, sharp edges - worn down from circulation.
The only proof coin I ever found in circulation was an Ike. I used to get Ikes when I deposited my pay-check and once while going through them, one shone back at me. Scratched up, but still proof surface and the mint mark showed it was proof.

 

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Not argumentative at all. You bring up good points. I think you are going into an area that a lot of collectors wouldn't be able to tell. Someone that knows a particular coin intimately should be able to tell the difference easily, though. What I have posted has been gleaned from reading here on CT. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference on any coin with considerable circulation wear.

 

As a roll searcher who has found hundreds of proofs in varying degrees of preservation, even a proof that is in VG-F still shows diagnostics that identify it quite easily as a proof... and I'm not talking about an "S" mintmark.

 

I agree.
I found this coin reverse up, and could tell it was a proof:


Also, OP, post a shot of the edge of the coin. That'd likely put the issue to rest.
Although it already is, really.

 

Ok here's the edge shot and reverse,i agree this issue has been put to rest.

 

a whole lotta to do about nothing. but that's what keeps us searching.

 

You mean "Much Ado About Nothing?"

 

I've actually found 2 proof coins in circulation (both Kennedy halves). Other than the fact they were minted in San Francisco, which was a dead giveaway they were proofs (1971-S and 1989-S Kennedys were only minted in proof), they still had sharp rims and sharp details that stood out even after the mirror finish was dulled from fingerprints and light wear. Circulated proofs still can be diagnosed as proofs, even with wear. And although it's already been said, "proof" is a method of manufacture, not a condition; a proof will always be a proof (proofs with wear are often called impaired proofs, and were they to be graded would grade PF-58 or lower).

 

Yeah, but it is fun!!!

 

I would lean toward it being one of the first strikes on new dies if not polished.