I came across this the other day and just thought it was different. It's very polished and the depth of the face is deeper than most. Is this something that's been cleaned/polished or just a really well maintained coin?
It was a circulation find. I'm new to all of this I gather and "old or interesting" coins for my wife. So we check all of our pocket change before it goes in the bucket. As I am dumb to all of this explain "proof" ?
Proof is a special strike made for presentation for collectors. Since 1968 nearly all proof coins have been made at San Francisco. Note that not all S mint coins are proofs. Cents were made for circulation in SF from 1968 to 1974, nickels from 68 to 70, and dollars in 79 and 80. They usually come in sets containing coins of each circulation denomination.
One of my dealers will break up proof sets to retail individual coins, and he often puts sub par proof cents and nickels in the till.
That's likely the case, but in my mind, I see a 10-12 year old breaking open one of daddies proof sets to get some money for candy at the local store. Daddy finds out and the young bloke gets into a bit of trouble.
Right before Christmas, I received a war nickel in my change. It's crusty, but the mint mark is right where it should be. It's currently sitting in my car.
