Hey all, Does anyone have any knowledge if there are any books in identifying old world proofs 1900 and prior? I have been looking for books but can't find any. Thanks so much, Kyle
Hi Kyle. Can you expand on what you are looking for? Do you have any coin(s) you have questions about?
The Guide Book of United States Coins produced by Whitman every year. For most denominations it lists mintage levels.
But I thought Op was in search of such a guide regarding 'old world proofs 1900 and prior'. Not gonna be in any Red Book that I know of.
You would need guides according to the country or region. For example Spink publications has an informative catalog on British India coins that includes info on proofs and proof-like restrikes. A more general, but totally non-specific rule of thumb: pre-1900 proofs of non-US coins generally do not exhibit mirrored fields/high contrast frosted profiles. One thing to look for is exceptionally strong strike; sharp, squared or wire rims and sometimes significant die polish lines in the fields. Some may not have die polish lines but a "glassy" look to the flat fields. They may also be called and/or graded as specimens. Specimen and proof are not the same thing, but some countries only issue specimen coins and not what is considered a proof coin, as in the case of Swiss coinage at that time.
