Here is one for you Commemorative experts (Such as Ken Green), How do you tell the difference between the Proof Gold & Uncirculated US Marshall coins both with a W mintmark. Same as with the Silver dollar with a P mint mark for both the proof and uncirculated. ??? Dave
The same way you would tell the difference between proof and business strikes of all coinage prior to 1968.
US Mint site also offers this information all coins unless it's a Bullion coin. & Google also is a good idea if there's no COA
That's your answer Dave. With very few exceptions, a Proof is easily distinguished from a business strike just by quickly looking at them.
Well Doug, These tired OLD eyes see a MM better than a guess. I think the problem started with the West Point Mint making proofs & uncirculated coins both with the "W" MM. Dave
satiny - Gezz Ken, I had to look that one up. I'll save other's the trouble. Satiny having or resembling the soft usually lustrous smoothness of satin <a satiny finish Thanks for the lesson. Dave
You'll definitely see the difference while viewing the coins side by side. The '86 Statue of Liberty gold coins were also both minted at the West Point facility.
Even with tired eyes it's pretty easy Dave. With a Proof, you can see your reflection in the coin. With a business strike, you cannot.
I can pretty much see todays proof coins as having outstanding finishes, but what if a proof gets taken out of it's protection and falls into pocket change. I would expect it to become tarnished to the point of indistinguishable from other common business coins.
Many of the features of a proof coin will remain visible until the coin wears down to a F - VF grade.
