I've had this coin for years now and can across it today. I remember buying it mixed in with business strike coins and thought for $.50 I pick it up since it is not a business strike. But as I was going though my hoard and came across this, I was wondering why there is no mirror fields? The whole coin looks cameo or matte finished? Can someone help me out on this question?
I wish it were a business strike, 6 sharp full steps on a 1969S would be worth thousands! I'm positive it is not a business strike but I'll have to get better pics posted.
I so wish yoy to be right, but the question is what would cause a proof to have this appearance? In hand the mirror finish peeks out in a few places, low points in the hair and cheeks as well as in and around the lettering.
it is a normal business strike. in 1969 the US Mint made business strike 5 cent coins at Denver and San Francisco, unlike today when all San Francisco coins are proofs.
Your coin is not a Proof. If you can't see that from the surfaces, just look at the mint mark, that proves it is not a Proof. Here are 2 examples you can compare - http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/84201 - http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/4201 - just hold your cursor over the mint mark when those images open.
the reverse hubs were modified in 1967 and although a 6 full step coin is a true treasure, a 1969-S is typically a well-struck coin and the odds of finding one with 5 full steps ( Your coin appears to have interruptions in steps 4,5 and 6 under the third pillar. IMHO, it isn't a full step coin.) is 1 in 2000 (not rare) according to Bowers. The rims aren't squared enough and the strike isn't strong enough to be a proof. Your coin is a circulation strike.
