Can anyone explain the difference? On coinsandcanada.com they list values for circulated, uncirculated, proof-like, and specimen coins. I have a fairly common Canada Cent and I am just curious about its value. I know the obvious difference between circulated and uncirculated. My coin is still in the mint cello that was cut apart from its set (that is the way I received it). Why would an uncirculated MS64 be valued at $5.90 and a proof-like MS64 be valued at $0.70 and then a specimen MS64 be valued at $77.30? I am not new to coin collecting I have been collecting coins for over 50 years. I recently discovered this website and couldn't believe the difference in values listed. I know this coin is fairly common but why such a large value difference?
Think of it this way. You walk into a coin shop and the dealer has 2000 pl coins, 200 MS coins and 1 Specimen of which there were only 100 made. It is simply a value placed on the coin because of it's availability to the collector. The specimen strike is much rarer than the other 2.
I understand the rarity factor but how is the average person able to tell the difference just by looks? Is a coin still in mint cello just an uncirculated coin? or a proof-like coin? or a specimen coin? without any documentation.
It's a fair question, and I'll defer to those who are more knowledgeable in Canadian coins. I expect a PL will be... well... more prooflike, obviously. By that I mean it will have more mirror-like fields and perhaps a more squared-off edge. I would imagine the difference would be clear enough if you had one of each in hand, side by side, but I can understand your confusion if you don't have anything to compare it with.
Thank you for the responses. I guess pickin and grinin didn't understand my question I am not walking into a coin shop looking to buy a coin. I am walking into a coin shop looking to sell a coin. I am not looking to rip anyone off and I don't want to get ripped off myself. I understand the specimen coins are much rarer and justify their value. How am I to know the value of a coin in my hand without a dealer telling me what the coin is. I have no idea where this coin actually came from (obviously it came from Canada) but I do not know if it came from a Proof set or a VIP set or a double Dollar set or a Dignitary set. I have a coin exactly as you see in my picture, a single coin still in mint cello and you can see the word "Royal" stamped on the side (standing for the Royal Canadian Mint). This coin is obviously uncirculated and my assumption is that it would grade a modest MS64 (I am not a coin grader). I do know that if this coin were indeed a specimen coin any dealer would buy it from me for $0.70 and if it were indeed a regular uncirculated or possibly proof-like no dealer in the world would give me $77.30. I guess my ultimate question is "Do I sell this coin for $0.70 or hold out for $5.90 or stubbornly wait for $77.30??? and No lordmarcovan I don't have any other coin to compare it with.
From what I have read, after 1949 PL coins have polished field and polished devices. This is a MS64 PL red. Mine Proof coins are usually a matte finish and can be cameo Specimen strikes have reflective polished fields and frosty cameo devices. After 64 the Specimen strikes are made from specially prepared planchets. These coins are usually struck twice and are free from contact marks if in original packaging. Here is a Specimen SP67RD https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mycoinfacts/1970/1146357/213350 Here is a proof PF67Cameo https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mycoinfacts/1965/3007523/213350 I can't find how specimen strikes were sold, but trust some stuff I read on another forum. Specimen were sold stuck in a cardboard insert is all I can find. So I believe that you have either a PF or a MS coin that could be PL. Your photos aren't good enough to help you. Maybe you can post clearer, cropped photos of your coin.
Sorry my photography skills aren't that good and neither is my camera. Coin in hand it has polished fields and polished devices I would not consider it a cameo and I see no contact marks at all. The cello is scuffed and when I move the coin a bit the scuffs move with the cello not the coin. Like I said in the beginning I know this coin is fairly common and its surely not worth a fortune I just had no idea if it was worth a buck, five bucks or seventy-five bucks. Thanks for the info.
If it is in a mint cello, it is PL. If it is out of a cello, then that is harder to tell a PL from a business strike. Most likely you won't find a SP coin in a cello package or in circulation.
Canadian proofs have the same very sharp right angle rims like the US proofs. If you go here https://www.calgarycoin.com/modern/canada.htm and scroll down to "striking styles" , you will find all you need . Jim