99% Sure that this is a Proof 1893 Isabella Quarter...

I bought this some time ago this year and it's literally been sitting in an acetone bath for weeks due to the dull surface. I took it out today and it's beaming with brilliance like a fresh from the bank coin. At the same time, the mirroring is strong. The edges are extremely sharp. It's a problem-free coin. Thing is, there are only 103 proof Isabella quarters. I went to a coin show today and this one looks just like a Proof-64 example I saw, but in better shape though with less colorful toning and the same amount of brilliant cartwheel luster.

Do you think that this is a proof coin? Or just a DMPL/PL coin? From what I understand, you can't tell proofs from any die markers, and proof examples supposedly "carry their own credentials" - this coin stood out in exactly that way.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the poor pics!

 

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Dang...that's purty!!!

 

Can you get a picture of the edges? That will help in determining if it is a proof.

 

Are there any die markers for the proof variety? I'm kinda leaning toward a very well struck MS coin, PL, not proof.

 

Apparently none that's recorded or known, from what I understand at least.

 

That's pretty and very nicely struck, but my gut says business strike. Every proof Isabella that I've ever seen was very obviously a proof with very reflective fields. I'm not basing my judgement solely on the fields though.

 

My gut says mint state. Anthony Swiatek ever frequent these forums?

 

It's a beautiful piece!

 

here is a proof for reference. not the best picture. yours looks better struck imo, but cant tell either way from photos.

 

Goin' out on a limb here Bruce, but if that's a proof I'm a monkeys uncle........

 

The edge looks slightly rounded in some photos, so I would say business strike. There is another thread someplace on here to search for, that indicated that so few were struck that the business strike was extremely similar to the proof.

I think Ken is safe. Just IMO.

 

what SEGS got it wrong. ok.

 

Those guys are right...........sometimes.

 

Well, I'd be perfectly happy with a proof-like strike, too.

But, my photo skills are terribad. I tried diffusing the light, using multiple angles for the light, while using multiple light sources, etc.

Anyway, there's only one way to find out for sure... or at least what NGC will say. I'll be submitting US coins to them soon, so that'll be the perfect time.

Wow, that one has a nicely contrasting device!

 

Please come back and tell us once you find out. Nice coin!!

 

"Goin' out on a limb here Bruce, but if that's aproof I'm a monkeys uncle........"

Well, what is it? Is your nephew a primate or did they get it wrong? I would tend to believe that they would spend a little extra time making sure they got it right knowing there are only 100 of these known. I know Its in a 3rd world slab, but I sure can't tell the difference looking at photos on my phone.

 

Bruce, my reply was about the original coin by iPen, who I thought Ken was calling Bruce. Jim

 

I was quoting @green18. Im on a phone so if I mistakenly quoted you i apologize. As it shows differently on a small screen.

 

I think deep PL, but nice either way.

Send it to PCGS