How to tell between Shield Nickel Proofs and Business Strikes?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Kevin Farley, Oct 19, 2020.

  1. Kevin Farley

    Kevin Farley Active Member

    can anyone give me certain areas or details to look at for shield nickel proofs? I've read that there are satin finish proof shield nickels and Regular Strikes that are mirrored etc. Any info would help, thanks

    Attached is my Regular Strike Shield Nickel
     

    Attached Files:

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  3. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    If not corrected, I think the edge of proofs are "squared off" at 90 degrees while business strikes are chamfered.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

  5. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    I'm a 1868 collector mostly , so i did you research .Good luck
     
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  6. Kevin Farley

    Kevin Farley Active Member

    Thanks guys. Sal can you te roughly what grade my Shield Nickel is? Don't have much experience looking over or photo grading them
     
  7. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

  8. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Can you think what all the spotting is from ? Other that that it looks in AU details . How long and how are you protecting it ?
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2020
  9. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    However, there is some wear along shield sides . Very complete lines in shield show little circulation.How is the 5 and fields surrounding ? The denticles look very nice . Not sure what's going with the date.
     
  10. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    These can be tough. I had an ANACS PR61 1882 Shield nickel once, which looked nothing like a proof to me. It had no mirrors to speak of.

    My method for distinguishing MS from PR in these? I look at the slab label. ;)

    Seriously though, beyond looking for a squared-off edge, as @Kentucky mentioned, I don't know.
     
  11. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    What ever you do DON'T attempt to clean. These are tough to conserve without proper professional restoration . With yours because of it's grade it may not be advisable due to costs .
     
  12. Kevin Farley

    Kevin Farley Active Member

    I bought this and a couple other Shield Nickels off an eBay seller. Haven't nor would I ever clean. I put it in a plastic foam insulated case, not sure what the spotting is from it was like that when I purchased it. I was thinking maybe the date is some sort of overdate or RPD? looks similar to a variety I saw on PCGS just cant remember what it was
     
  13. Kevin Farley

    Kevin Farley Active Member

    also, the 5 and surrounding fields look great to me, i'd say UNC. But i'm usually pretty optimistic
     
  14. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    I think and don't quote me, LOL, but the rust spots from oxidation will lower the grade significantly on these "Shields ". That's why I said AU details . Their like Buffalo's (delicate to the environment ) . I'm just going by my grading books .
     
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  15. Kevin Farley

    Kevin Farley Active Member

    Appreciate it!
     
  16. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Correction. I'm saying the aged Nickel is delicate not my grading book.
     
  17. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Honestly, if you don't know what you are talking about, don't say.
     
  18. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    The problem with the idea of examining the edge is that on the shield nickels and nickel three cent pieces the edge isn't always squared off on the proofs
     
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  19. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Is it chamfered?
     
    Evan Saltis likes this.
  20. thomas mozzillo

    thomas mozzillo Well-Known Member

    This is from the site posted by @SensibleSal66: upload_2021-1-22_1-41-22.png
    If it's true, it looks like the 2 on your coin is filled, making it a business strike.
    Sorry, just realized this thread is 3 months old.
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2021
    John Burgess likes this.
  21. John Burgess

    John Burgess Well-Known Member

    From what I know and believe, the filled 2 characteristic on this coin means it's a MS strike coin, not a proof. As far as I'm aware the proofs of 1882 don't exhibit this trait at least, not to this extent on this coin.

    *edit* what the heck thomas, you drew me in on it also! LOL. Happy friday.
     
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