If you took these coins from a polyfilm holder that looked like this, you have Proof coins. These coins are graded as Proofs ("PR" instead of "MS") and they are generally in higher grades. These pieces have to be Cameo Proof coins (frosted heads on brilliant fields) in high grade to be worth the grading fees. Here is a Cameo Proof coin.
I see scratches on both but I also see a small partial fingerprint on the nickel. It would be a waste of money to have them graded. Edited to correct spelling errors.
My question is did you use gloves when you took these out since there is a fingerprint on the nickel? You ought to put these in flips or something, the longer you leave proofs out in the open the more damage done to them.
I absolutely did, cotton gloves. But the coin shop guys didn't; even though I had gloves on when I gave it to them. It didn't feel right for me to tell them to put on gloves cuz I figured they're the experts.
A word to the wise: Proof sets of this era (1955 flat pack to 1964) are better left in the mint packaging. You can stick them in Capital Plastic holders, but they won't bring the money.
That 59-P nickel is a proof. You can't get steps like that on a 59 business strike. While a nice coin, it's not worth grading, you will be throwing money away. ($30 on a $3 coin.) Full steps don't qualify on proof coins.
That’s awful. I’d have been livid handling my coins without protection! I have respect for experts unless they do unprofessional things like that. Regular coins are one thing but proofs need special handling for sure.
I totally agree with that. I keep mine in the OGP especially of that era since they are actually sealed unlike modern proof sets.
Yea, but the only coins that are worth it are cameo coins. These coins almost never grade higher than PR-66 no matter how nice they look. The mindset is that Proof coins from this era were not made any better.
I’ve got a very nice ‘64 cent cameo that I sent in for grading. Still waiting for their economy service.
I have been at it for "decades" and feel very good if I am within a point or two.. Years ago a "top 2" grader said he was trained to look at the low-value coins for just seconds on each side before moving on. He wasn't fast enough , so they moved him to a different area ( paper products) and he worked there. Jim
Not to be a jerk, but sending it in via economy service may have given you one or two strikes before you picked up the bat.
Not in the hobby to make a profit tbh. It wasn’t the only coin in that lot. Also, it is my first ever submission so take it easy on me