Question for the experts. I have these 2 1964 pennys and obviously you can’t see it in the picture but the one on the right has square edges so why would that be?
Square edges are one of the identifiers of proof strikes. Please provide a close up of the edges so we can compare…Spark
My apologies on the misspelling. And I don’t have the means to take a closeup like that cause atm I am using my old iPhone but as soon as I do I will definitely add the pictures
True, but these do not even remotely look like proofs to me. Maybe just a really well struck example.
I agree, Rob…they both have neither cameo nor polished surfaces and do not look like they have squared edges. That’s why I asked for some edge close-ups. I was giving him a straight answer, not joking around like a previous answer. …Spark
@Mikec, first, welcome to CT! As Spark mentioned, proof coins, including cents, usually have much sharper, squared third sides (read: edges). Unfortunately, because of the poor quality of the pics, as Rob indicated, it does not resemble a proof. Sometimes a really good strike on a circulation coin can be very sharp, especially if it is captured before circulation. Put it in a flip, & when you have the opportunity for someone to see it "in hand" (such as a coin shop, coin show, coin club, etc.), you may get a more definitive answer. Enjoy & keep posting!
I do appreciate the info. I am new to coin collecting and don’t have much knowledge or tools but my cousin has been a collector for a while even though he mostly collects bullion now and he looked at it with his jewelers loupe so that’s what I’m going by but he is far from being an expert. When ever I can I will get some better pics but in the mean time I trust y’all and I thank you for your time
Funny enough I had never even googled a proof cent until just now and I can definitely see what you are all talking about. That’s quite a difference in the look. Will they always retain that polished look even in circulation or can they eventually become more normal looking?
Yes, they will retain their highly reflective, polished look because proofs do not normally make it into mainstream circulation. A proof coin needs to be in a slab or equal protection. The name “Proof” says it all as the proof coin represents the highest level, the pinnacle of the product of the design and the die that “proves” everything is there as it is intended and displays the best result the Mint can make. If a proof coin gets into everyday mainstream circulation, for whatever reason, the coin is known as an “impaired proof” and rapidly loses its inherent value. …imo…Spark
I have a bicentennial Kennedy half dollar with a fairly polished look to it I’m going to post a pic of when I get off work and y’all can tell me what you think of it. I do believe it is an S mint mark and definitely has a different look to it but you can tell it’s been in circulation for a while
I’m assuming this was a proof that ended up in circulation but I’m sure you guys can tell me for sure
Yes it’s a 1976 S but it is not a proof. Just because a coin has an S Mint mark does not make it a proof coin. I believe over seven or 8 million or produced for general circulation. Basically it’s only worth face value.
If this coin weighs 11.3 grams it’s from a clad proof set.If it weighs 11.5 it could be a silver proof mint set.
