I found a 69-S in pocket change and it definitely has 5 full steps. Besides the luster (or lack of luster) factor, is there any other way to distinguish the proof from the business strike? Thanks!
It's gotta be a proof. There's no way I could fine a 5 full step business strike. But stby......let me download a picture..
Great, that's what I thought. Now tell me "all" the ways you can tell it's a proof and not a business strike.
I looked in my Redbook and I think all 1969-S nickels are proofs. I learned that Proof nickels have smooth, shiny, straight edges, flat wide rims with a wire edge like your coin. I main thing about proof coins is a mirror surface and strong strike. So your coin must be a proof.
The luster is sufficient tip-off. The Full Steps is sufficient tip-off. But look at the rims on the obverse and reverse. See how they stick up above the coin like a well formed wall? On a circulation strike these will almost always have slopes and variation in width at the top of the wall.
Yes, that's what I was looking for. I just found, and was reading up on the that. Those are the characteristics I was looking for. Not so much the luster but the rim details. It still surprises me to this day that we find proofs in circulation but we all know the many reasons why. Thanks!