I have an uncirculated 1916 Half Dinero from Peru and it appears to be very proof-like or proof, judging by the very mirror-like finish that's consistent with proof strikes. The coin doesn't appear to be polished or whizzed, given that the fields don't have any scratches or hairlines whatsoever. Could this be an unreported, or unknown specimen or proof? NGC doesn't list a proof for this coin, and 1916 is plagued with known errors, the most of any year for this Peruvian half dinero series: Source: https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide...-km-2062-1893-1917/87-cuid-108568-duid-280947 Judging by the photos below, do you think it's a proof / specimen strike, proof-like strike, or cleaned / dipped? There's a considerable number of doubling going on, many of which have notched serifs, which may be consistent with the multiple strikes given to proof coins. At the same time, there are a few die cracks, so the coin may be a late-strike proof from a worn die. Though it could also be a proof-like strike, and the devices' doubling may simply be die deterioration. Or, could it be two or more types of doubling at the same time, whether simultaneously or a particular type of doubling in select areas (e.g. doubled die + die deterioration)? And, if the screw press used on smaller denominations has the same amount of applied force as a higher denomination coin (greater mass and area), then wouldn't it be more likely and even expected for smaller denomination's dies to crack more easily since a greater amount of force is being applied per square area? That said and if proof strike coins are given multiple strikes (perhaps even more so than larger coins, as smaller diameter coins with their more intricate designs may require more strikes for the details to stand out better), would that explain any sort of proof die's relatively "premature" cracking? Die crack between the Y and F letters. Die crack to the left of the date. A notched doubling of the 1 is evident in 1916. The 2 in "1/2" is considerably thicker compared to the other details - die deterioration or other doubling? Die crack to the right of F.
It's a normal coin, just a nice and lustruous example. Also I don't think they used screw presses anymore by the 20th century.
Many dates of this issue come very prooflike and with absolutely phenomenal lustrous surfaces. My 1897 also has this look...super little coins with a wonderful design!
