Dumb question here. I’m used to the recent proofs with the S mm and frosted surface. For the earlier coins like the 2 below, is the only indication of it being a proof the mirror like surface? Or is the another way to tell?
@Beardigger Frosted proofs before 1970 are tougher to find than non-frosted proofs. Squeeze the staples with a pair of pliers before surrounding coins become Coin Star residents.
Mirrored surfaces, squared rims, squared edge. Frosted proofs didn't become commonplace until around 1973 when they actually started sandblasting the devices to give them the cameo frosted appearance. before that the cameos were the result of the acid pickling to remove oxides from the surfaces after the hardening/tempering. The surfaces of the die would be slightly roughed from the cleaning and then the fields would be lapped to a mirror polish. but the lap would not get down intot he devices. So the first X number of coins would be cameo, but the moving metal would polish that surface roughness off the devices and the proof would then be brilliant proofs. to make matters worse the dies would also be repolished several times during their lives resulting in brilliant surfaces that often have, to me, a "melted" appearance.
Yes I agree with @Conder101.... Proofs from that era appear dripping wet to me. And rims are dead flat.
It was indeed 1973 when the Mint changed their thinking. And that's what it was that really changed, the thinking, or policy if you will, not the method. Over the years, even prior to '73, as well as after, they had used several different methods of creating the frost. Frosted Proofs have existed since the very first Proof coins. And yeah there have been other kinds of Proofs as well such as matte and satin. But prior to 1973 the mint simply didn't care whether the Proof coins came out frosted or not. Their policy was that the first few coins would be frosted because the die preparation that created the frost effect. But once the frost effect wore off the dies they would not spend the extra money and time to re-frost the dies. They would simply go right on striking the coins. Sure, they'd re-polish the fields as that was a lot cheaper and easier. But they simply would not re-frost the devices. But in 1973 that changed and mint instituted a new policy, one that said they would spend the money and the time to make sure that ALL the Proofs came out the same - frosted devices and mirrored fields.
Nice proofs!!! I agree with the other posts. Would add one thing about the staples! Consider buying a stapler that flattens the ends better. A small investment that could save a lot of headaches!! JMHO Still need to check the ends though! Nothings foolproof and that comes from a professional fool!! LOL
