Can anyone tell me if there's a sure-fire way to differentiate between the P-minted 1958 Uncirculated and Proof Franklin halves? I know proofs have mirrored finishes, but sometimes with really nicely struck MS coins, it's difficult for me to tell the difference! Are the reverses any different? With no mint marks on either Philadelphia coin, I'm having trouble. Please help a..... duh, moron out!
The mirrored fields are the easiest way I know of to tell the difference. And I don't want this to sound rude, but if you can't tell the difference between the mirrored field of a Proof and business strike - then I would go see your eye doctor. I say that because I have to wear 4 different pairs of glasses myself.
Thanks. I already wear glasses, and I've never had trouble identifying proofs or distinguishing them from MS coins before though, hence my question. Coins are 1958 Franklin Halves. A local dealer said one was a very stongly-struck mint state proof-like specimen. Then, under a microscope, he noticed an edge ding that overlapped onto the rim, and some hairlines. He thought maybe the coin had been whizzed, dipped or highly polished to look like a proof. So, blessed be the end of that controversy! Anyway, I managed to forgive myself for my lack of numismatic knowledge, and have sworn to strive on with great endeavor toward abundant fulfillment in this wonderful hobby, despite what apparently appears (to some) to be quite difficult physical, and possibly mental, challenges for my being. To those responders, I now wish to apologize for wasting your time spent on addressing what certainly must have seemed to be an utterly ridiculous question. In closing, LOL, kindly disregard this and my previous post which created this thread!! I think I'll rank my fantasy football players tonight. Duh, who should I draft first- Tomlinson or Paris Hilton??
The only question that would waste our time is the one that isn't asked. Answering a question never should be a problem. Even if you didn't need to know someone might read this thread and it will help them alot! Speedy
Thanks! Thanks! You guys are great! I'm very fortunate to have found this site. I have learned more here than from any other person or place about numismatics!
Another way to tell a proof from an uncirculated is to check the rims. Generally the proof will have nice, squared off rims while the business strikes will be more rounded.
coin stasher: The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked. otherwise how would I know when to show up for dinner?
