"Proof" coins

Of course I know that. My Son lives in a place called Tulahoma.

 

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That's exactly what I wanted to know.. how do I recognize a proof coin in my change, and I guess that even if one is in there, it will be damaged and won't matter anyway, so you kinda solved my problem Thanks!

 

Not always damaged excessively. Of course even after a breif encounter with other coins it could get marked, scratched or dented. However, if you should find one immediately after it was dumped into change, it may still be salvagable. Not that it would ever again be considered a proof coin but if you needed one in an Album, for example, might be OK as a filler. Usually though they show massive signs of damage due to their excessive originally clear condition.

 

If you want a nice and easy way to recognize a proof coin made after 1964, just look for the "S" mintmark!

 

Are all coins made after 1964 with S minmark proofs?
And are all proof coins made after 1964 marked with S minmark? (those are two different questions)

 

Well, I should correct myself a little! There were cents produced at San Francisco with the "S" mintmark from 1968-74 and nickels from 1968-70. And then there are the proof commemoratives minted at Philly... but let's face it, you probably won't find them in circulation anyway!

 

A coin dealer told me last week that she regards any proof coin that has been taken out of its mint packaging as being no longer a proof coin. She would offer only uncirculated money for it and would sell it as an uncirculated coin.

Now, I doubt whether she would know if a capsule were carefully unscrewed, and the coin handled with cotton gloves and replaced. Equally, since few coins are slabbed in the UK, she probably just didn't mention that she would accept a slabbed proof. But she did represent the very strict view that ANY wear on a proof blemishes its status.

So, if you find a proof coin in your change, it isn't a proof coin any longer.

Later,

John

 

No

Since 1968 most proof coins came from the SF mint

http://www.coinfacts.com/proof_sets/proof_coin_sets.htm

 

Here is a better example. Most of the proof coins through the years were struck at the Philly mint. But after 1968 the San Francisco mint strike the proof coins (As well as West Point on some coins). The proof coins will have a "S" on them on the current Proof Coins. But keep in mind the San Francisco Mint struck some business strike coins also. But usually you can tell the difference between a Proof coin and a business strike coin. I have received proof coins in change though, so they can get out there. someone had their collection stolen/or ended up in a coin star machine.

 

John,

I don't know who this dealer is, but she is 100% dead wrong. Proof is the method of manufacture and nothing done post mint will change that. Once a proof, always a proof.

What she is referring to is a proof coin that has been mishandled. These are known as impaired proofs. There prices depend upon the rarity of the coin in question just like a circulated mint state coin would. Not all impaired proofs are worthless. Here is one that is worth about $50K.



http://coins.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=454&Lot_No=3126

So, if you find a proof coin in your change, it is an impaired proof.

Paul

 

Ruben,



Admittedly, this reference is much more expensive and no longer in print.

 

Nice - is that the book that you can get online access to if you join a membership of something or other?

Ruben

 

I read something in passing about it on the NGC forum but wasn't really paying attention. Here is the link to the site.

http://breenencyclopedia.com/index.html

 

Good!

 

I still want the actual book. I always get outbid.

 

That almost looks plated in the photograph

 

Ok I'm still angry over the 09 penny thread but this is getting interesting and Lehigh Great answer besides there are many other great books out there. As some of you said it's got basic information. Which is great but if your into colonials or just pennies there are some much better books out there.

Any who enough about that book.

I also say that lehigh is dead right on what she said about that dealer. A proof is a proof even if it's not in the proof set. Ummm that's why grey sheet has rolled prices on proof coins. So she may be a great source to buy as she lacks some knowledge a dealer should have but I would stay far away from selling her stuff.

 

Not at all true lately. Actually even in the past. Home robberies almost always include a coin collection. And in the greatest amount of times those coins are put into circulation. Also, coin shows, coin stores, etc that are robbed in most instances the robbers are not numismatist, just criminals. As a rule those coins are taken to any place where they can be dumped into a coin counter for cash. True, some are taken to pawn shops or flea markets, but to make sure they are not easily traced, into a coin counter they go. Proofs of all kinds are popping up more and more in change.

 

It's not the kind of news a person wants to read about in the paper. It's unfortunate, these hard economic times bring out the worst in some people.

 

Ah you know that the guy that started CoinStar has a huge collection of stuff like that because it was put in the machines. LOL!