What are the diagnostics, if any, for determining whether a quarter eagle indian head gold coin is a proof or circulation strike? For the life of me I can't find any helpful information of the determination anywhere. Guy~
It's much the same as with any Proof. Look for: squared-off edges & possibly mirror surface on edges full, flat rims with possible finning flat letters and numerals across mirrored fields & mirrors in protected areas (e.g., inside numerals) extra-sharp details
Guy - what Hobo said is good as a set of general rules. But there are always those coins that don't fit that mold. Early gold won't, neither will the coins from the early 1900's. If you have an interest in Proof gold, what you need are books, lots of books. Two to start with - Early US Gold Varieties - A Study of Die States 1795-1834 by John W. Dannreuther and Harry W. Bass Jr. - Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins 1795-1933 by Jeff Garret & Ron Guth. They aren't cheap, but if they save you from screwing up buying just 1 coin - they pay for themselves. And never, ever, ever buy Proof gold that is not slabbed.
Diagnostics for these is very different from typical proofs. For one thing, there are no brilliant surfaces like we associate with proofs. These are matte proofs, and have an unforgettable "sandblast" texture. (1909 and 1910 have a lighter "Roman" finish, whatever that is - I've never seen one). And nothing remotely resembling a cameo look. Also, these coins have no rims, so the "squared rims" legend is out of play here. These won't have flat letters and numerals, as they are incuse. Go to a major coin show or auction. Search the world over, and maybe you'll find one or two. You'll never forget 'em. They're few and far between, but they are amazing and distinctive coins.
My bad. I missed that the coin in question is a $2 1/2 Indian. I was speaking in general terms about Proof coins. Some of what I said is therefore incorrect because the Incused Indians are so different from other coins. These coins still have an edge that should be squared off. You are correct about the letters and numerals.
The coin in question is a 1908 2 1/2 dollar coin. It's always looked different than the $5 indians I have. Not sure if it had been cleaned sometime ago or what. I'll post some pics tomorrow and maybe that will help. Do the 2.5 dollar coins all appear to have a different finish than the 5's? It's the only one I have for comparrison. Guy~
Yes. I'm thinking it's just cleaned. But, then I got to thinking, how would one tell on this series? Guy~
