found a dime in a bag of older dimes I had and noticed it was very shiny and took a closer look. It didn't seem to be a plated or otherwise altered coin, so my first thought it might be a proof coin somebody had spent into circulation? Thought I'd post a pic for any comment about it really being a proof and what should I be looking for in a proof coin? The reflectance was so bright, the camera is showing a lot of black in the photo, but the fields in the coin are really shiny. Any tips or tricks to try and avoid this sharp bounce back in pictures? Any thoughts, comments welcome.
Proof dimes are only minted at the San Francisco mint Dave. Proof coins are minted on highly polished blanks and struck multiple times to bring out a higher relief and mirrored fields with frosty devices. Welcome to the forum.......
Thanks for the info green18! Didn't know proofs are only minted at San Francisco mint. Man am I dumb, duh! But I find it interesting to learn this stuff. Have a few older coins my uncles and such gave me as a kid and think about the history of that coin, where it's been and what it was subjected to. Call me weird that way. And do all proofs have frosted devices? Just curious.
Dave? Ya need a 'Red Book'.......A Guide Book of US Coins by R. S. Yeoman. Can be had for between $15-$20 at local outlets or quite often found at your local public library. Pour through it and enjoy our heritage.
I think I am right, that proof coins (and sets) were made at Philadelphia (P or no mint mark) prior to 1968 and since then have been made at San Francisco (S)
Right Ken, but OP's coin is an 2010/2016 or something or other........those come out of San Fran.......
Yup, I ordered the Red Book and Official ANA Grading Standards book yesterday. Maybe I'll git a little more educated. Thanks for the input, all guidance is appreciated!
