I just started half dollar roll searching again and found a 1976 proof. It reminded me of a coin I found a while back and I am wondering if it is also a proof. I obviously am hoping it is because I looked and they can be worth quite a bit in good condition. So I have a couple of questions. Do you guys think this is a proof or not? What is the way to tell a 1950 proof from the regular Philadelphia mint? If it is a proof, would anybody buy it in such poor condition? Lastly, is there any way I can at least clean the black gunk in between the letters? Thanks for any information. The one I think might be proof is the one to the left in the last two pictures.
What makes you think it is a Proof? If the coin is a circulated Proof I would expect to see mirrored surfaces in protected areas (e.g., inside the '9' and '0' in the date, 'O' and 'D; in the obverse motto, etc.). I see nothing to indicate the coin is a Proof Half.
It just looked different from all of the franklin halves I have found. That is the only reason. That's a good point about the protected areas. So there is no clear-cut way to tell though?
It is harder to identify a Proof coin after it has a lot of circulation wear. In general, a Proof coin will have more detail (especially on the highest parts of the raised devices), full, flat rims, square edges, flat tops of lettering and numerals, and mirrored surfaces. These features are harder to see after the coin has circulated for a long time.
