Hi I am a newbie and joined this site recently. I am still working on increasing my knowledge on grading coins. I bought a few books. One of my first questions - By looking at a coin, is there a way to figure out whether it is a proof or a high grade uncirculated coin? If we should look at a specific coin let's take 1829 liberty capped bust half dollar with a lettered edge. I am just throwing it out as an example. If one of you is more comfortable discussing a different coin then we can certainly do that. Also, I would appreciate any specific books you would recommend to a newbie based on your experience.
I'm by no means an expert, but here it goes. The best way to destinguish a proof from a high uncirculated is to look at modern coinage. As you'll see, proofs have a high polish, mirror finish to them and are struck more than once given high details, while uncirculated coinage no matter how high of grade will look like your normal us coinage that you get from the bank, Just really good condition. And as far as older proofs going back to the 1800 you'll also see a difference but likewise, pricing will give it away. A proof Morgan for example will sell twice as high or more compared to a mint state or normal Morgan of the same grade. Does this answer your question.
I am sure the experts will chime in, but let me beat them to the punch with my limited knowledge. A modern proof usually has a mirror background, older proofs will not necessarily have that. There are "markers" which distinguish proofs, like placement of some of the details in the legends, etc. I don't know what these are, but I have seen them refered to by some of the more knowledgeable people here. I look forward to their input on an interesting question.
Proof coins will have a sharpness of detail and high wire edge due to them being struck more than once. High grade business strikes will be lacking in this regard. Modern proofs will also have brilliant mirror like fields. Business strikes will have flattened square rims.
The first and most obvious place to look is the mint mark. In any given series, proofs of a particular year were made at only one mint. If you have a worn coin that you suspect is a circulated proof, check the coin's stats and mint mark first.
Thank you for the quick responses. I have looked at some of the modern coins and you are correct - the difference between proofs and high grade uncirculated coins is easier to tell. Example, the washington quarters or the lincoln memorial reverse cent. I would like to know how to make distinction for the older coins.
An 1829 CBH is probably not the best example to use in explaining the difference between PRs and business stuck coins; a later and far less rare coin would be more helpful in explaining the basics to a newer collector IMO. Basically, proof is a method of manufacture and can be identified by the results of such. With newer coins the difference is quite obvious, but with early proofs that do not always display identifiers usually associated with later proof issues, so attribution can be more of a gray area. Although some will/may disagree, I still believe the Breen complete encyclopedia an excellent overall general reference, especially for someone new to the hobby. That said, it must be noted that the book is about 25 years old and some information is incorrect; out of date, questionable, and/or wrong from the start. The book is not cheap and will likely cost you $100+, but it does hold its value well and what you can take from it is easily worth the price of admission. Depending on your area/areas of interest, there are much better and more specialized references available, so if you care to tell us, I am sure recommendations will follow.
