Proof or Mint State

I'm realizing that I really can't always tell the difference between Proofs and MS coins.

Of this coin here, who thinks it is Mint and who things it is proof and explain why.

Thanks

 

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With the size of the pic, I cannot be sure.

Though I am guessing that with the first thing I clicked on when I typed in "Proof Mercury Dime Mintage" this came up: http://mercurydime.net/proof-mercury-dimes/

With this picture:



I am inclined to say proof.

Research. It works.

 

Neither set of pictures are large enough to make the call.

 

Doesn't look anything like a proof to me. Unless the devices have lost all of their frosting, not much to show a proof look. With a bigger picture, one could see the rim/letters area close up and that is often a giveaway with less definitive proofs. Looks like a good business strike to me. I would say MS.

 

Morgan, many pre-1970 proofs are completely brilliant and not frosted with cameo like modern proofs.

 

looking at my mirrored proofs and uncirculated business strikes under a loupe, the only way i can tell is that the proofs have a marked difference in texture between the fields and lettering/faces that isnt there in business strikes. even with no cameo left on the die, i still see very minor stippling that remains.

 

Based on comments in another thread I did some research on my Franklins. The most definitive info I could find is that, under magnification, where the devices meet the field, there is a sharp "edge" going up, like 90 degrees. As opposed to a more rounded "approach" (to use a climbing term). Sorry this is so poorly worded: I'm very new at this, and actually still stunned I didn't know the difference could be so vague.

 

A lot of people say the id can be made by the rims. What scares me is that photograph could pass as a proof or a MS coin to my eyes, say on Heritage.

 

I'm inclined to say Minst State. Bands on the reverse are not as sharply struck as some proof Mercuries I've perused. That said, there are degrees of Proof with some weaker struck.

 

Yeah, I also recall reading the 90 degree edge from the proof's field to the rim, as opposed to more rounded on MS.

 

Proof coins also have a much stronger strike (which is what I think was trying to be explained earlier with the 90 degrees thing) so if you look at the coin with a loupe you can almost always tell if its a proof or MS unless it's a pretty circulated proof.

 

Most proof coins from that era do not have frosted devices.

 

and that can make them hard to identify, espeially from photographs.

 

I thing its a proof coin simply because that how your photo is titled.

 

Well, being right is not really the point here, but thanks

How about this one? Proof or Mint State?

 

Then the answer is FLIP a Coin...if Head is Proof if Tail is MINT..MS

 

That one is a proof

 

No according to Heritage

And that is why I worry

 

I say proof but I'm not very good at this.

 

I say Unc. with a slightly angled photograph.