I recently purchased a 2002 American Silver Eagle dollar supposedly with a proof method of strike from someone on Ebay. It came in the mail today and it really didn't look like a proof coin. Sorry I don't have the means to get a picture on line but I own a few others and this looks just like an uncirculated coin. I didn't purchase the coin from Littleton but it is one of theirs and it makes no mention of this being a proof coin, just uncirculated. Additionally the Liberty Lady, sun and eagle don't have that "frosty" finish that the proof coins usually have. I realize that I have given precious little information here but wondered if anyone would know if knew if Littleton would have marked the coin as proof in their packaging or if that "frosty" appearance is the mark of a proof coin? Additionally I only paid $19 for the coin. If this is not a proof coin I may just keep it and roast the guy with a low rating on Ebay. Any ideas on how to proceed? Thanks for your help.
Based on your description it's sure not a Proof. Were it a Proof you;d be able to see yourself reflected in the fields, just like a mirror. If you can't - then it isn't. I'd return the coin.
I'm sure they would mark it Proof not Unc , plus just you asking this question shows the coin isn't proof , with today's manufacturing techniques the fields would be near perfect mirrors and the devices satiny . rzage:thumb:
You really have to be carefull with the online services as they like to use the word "almost" proof like or stock photo. Check your wording by the seller before you give him a bad rating. If it says proof then give a low rating or better yet contact him to see if you can some how come to a mutual agreement/return coin.
I agree with GDJMSP and rzage up there, you should return the coin ASAP for the simple reason it does not look like Proof quality. Good luck, Bazz.
From your description, this is definately not a proof. Whatever you want to deal with the seller is your choice but the Proofs are selling anywhere from $35-40 and the Uncirculateds, which is what you are describing, are going for about the price you paid for. If it looks to be in very nice condition, if it were me I'd keep it.
Simple way to know without a picture. Does it have a mintmark? In 2002 all the proofs have a mintmark, all the business strikes do not.
