Possible Philadelphia Kennedy Proof by Mistake?

Has anyone ever heard of the Philadelphia Mint striking proof coins by mistake?

I found a 1974 (no mintmark) Kennedy Half that is surely a proof coin---it has a mirror finish, but no cameo effect at all.

Could it possibly be a proof struck in San Francisco without a mintmark?

I tried to scan the coin, but the mirror finish doesn't show up in the scan. I know that there are coins that have been chromed, but, if the case, the edge was not chromed. It appears as a normal clad copper edge. I am certain that if the coin were chromed, that the entire coin would have been chromed, including the edge.

Could I have stumbled upon some super error coin?

 

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I've found several of these, dating from the mid '70's to a couple in the 80's. I think they're just mint-condition specimens that were early strikes.

 

You're right! Scans won't do. We would need to see photos before offering an opinion.

Chris

 

I suppose I'll have to go ahead and invest in one of those USB microscope cameras---I've been putting that off until I can spend my eBay BUCKS!

Any recommendations, or are the ones from the Chinese vendors good enough?

Thanks

 

A microscope camera will not allow you to take full coin images of anything larger than a penny or dime.

Chris

 

Hi,

I see these all the time. They are one of a few things.

Usually, it is a plated coin.

Often, it is a polished coin.

Never, is it a proof coin minted at Philadelphia

Thanks,
Bill

PS: Any image will allow me to tell you which you have.

 

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your response. I really have no good close up type camera to get detailed images. Could you or someone recommend the best camera or scanner or microscope imager best for coins?

 

I use an older Nikon Coolpix 950...They have some high megapixel stuff today for cheap but you need one to that has a good macro setting. I'll let someone else make a recommendation. For super closeups, I use a dino-lite computer microscope.

Have Fun,
Bill

 

My guess would be that it is either a polished coin or that it has been plated after leaving the Mint. Plating of JFKs is more common on the Bicentennial issues, but polished coins show up for every date.