Hey all, I have came across many IHC all from brown to red to toned or even in naturally toned. I’ve had cleaned ones that make the coin more bright and is usually fairly noticeable depending on the level of cleaning that was done. I’ve had many though that had very interesting reflective fields with beautiful toning such as the one I will add pictures of. I have experience with proof silver but never have with copper coins or what to look for really. Are there features were looking for to know for sure? All the examples I find on PCGS are angled or have the lighting so it’s at its brightest point and can’t see them without their reflection. Thank you, Travis
Should have reflection and mirror like surfaces if not that the rims are the key unless it doesn't apply to proofs this old.
Well, for a possible proof that would grade 60 and above, obviously look for very strong strike, square rims, and reflective surfaces. For circulated coins, look for all of the above but it is obviously harder to make the distinction between business and proof the more circulated it is. If I was faced with trying to make the distinction, in addition to the above I would use my Snow reference book to identify the die marriage since the proof dies are usually not used for business strikes. There are some exceptions which is why the reference books are so valuable.
Okay thank you. I’ve seen more current Lincoln proof coins but nothing older then those wasn’t sure if they’d have mirror like fields such as a PL or DMPL Morgan. I’ll keep an eye out for all of those details. I almost want to find one for sale just to see on in hand.