It's hard to say (I would really have to see it in hand and even then it can be questionable) but I think you are in luck, I believe it is a business strike.
That would be awesome! What would you guesstimate the grade at? I also have an 1884 scanned on this thread if you could check that one out - curious if that is business or proof. http://www.cointalk.com/threads/suite-of-au-ms-3-cent-pieces.233973/#post-1759925 Thank you very much!
I think it's a regular strike . That said there were some terrible strikes of 3 cent nickels , with hardly any hair detail and no polish left in the fields . But most proofs have well formed dentils which yours does not . I'd love to see this coin in hand though .
I do too (the dentils on both leave a lot to be desired)...I just dont know what to do with it...sad because between the 1884 and 1885 the same strikes in MS are about a $10k difference...I have an 81, 82, and 83 in better condition I am hoping are circ's...I will send those off as well...
After looking again , this is one tough call . Like I said before many proof strikes are terrible in in regard to QC . They used the dies long after they should have on proof coinage . The Liberty is smack solid as are the lines on the III , which are usually quite bad om business strikes . The dentils are still adequate though weaker that most proofs . So for me it's probably a proof but without the coin in hand who knows . Hope it is a business strike . Good luck and keep us posted on the results .
