OK. I'm about 98% sure this coin is a proof but I wanted to see what you thought. It has fairly reflective surfaces that have been muted by golden toning. Strike is sharp...but not as sharp as you'd traditionally see with proofs (but I do know that proof Washington's from this era aren't known for crazy sharp strikes). It also has the RDV-002 reverse...meaning it's either a proof or a Type B business strike. Again, I'm pretty sure it's a proof but I just wanted a second set of eyes to look at it. I'm starting the process of putting together a Washington set and I was going through the coins that I have as a starting place. I found this one loose in the bottom of a container.
I agree with paddy on this. The details on the hair and feathers are not there for a proof... edit: nice coin!!!
I understand that it is a RDV-002. But, the surface appearance and strike depth looks like a proof to me. This has a more mirror type finish than a normal business strike in my eye...it's just muted by the toning. But, look at the difference in strike quality. Top photo is the reverse of the coin in question. Bottom photo is a known 1961 business strike with the RDV-002 "Type B" reverse. I think the strike of the top coin looks way more like a proof.
The top image, the devices blend in with the field . Where the second image, the devices look highlighted ( proof ) ..
That's a tough one. As I have said in the past, I am not a collector of Washington proofs, so I'm not sure about their year to year characteristics. The reverse obviously comes from a proof die, but the fields also have that "liquidy" look associated with a proof. I have seen that look on 1961 business strike coins, but it is uncommon. OTOH, there's nothing about the obverse that particularly screams proof to me. That's the sort of coin I'd like to see in hand to make a judgment.
In hand it “feels” like a proof. The fields have a more mirrory appearance than the other 1961. I tend to think it is in fact a proof which has toned up a bit. Like I said before, I found it loose in the bottom of a container of coins I’ve had for years and haven’t a clue where it came from. I wish I knew where I had gotten it.
It appears to be business strike with a type B reverse. http://doubleddie.com/273301.html I wonder how the TPG’s can tell the difference between a proof and a proof like in this variety.
