Ladies and gentlemen how do you tell if this is a proof coin. It's the best looking 1990 I ever seen came out of a bank roll of cents. I found a token in the roll too. What is this all about?
The The first tell is square rims. A proof will easily roll on it third side. A chamfered edge on the outside is not found on proof coins. Second the edge going down into the fields (inner rim) is also square. And third the coin will have mirrored fields.
@Jjpe, one thing you may consider is acquiring an actual proof coin for your collection, in this case perhaps a Lincoln cent. Once you see an actual proof coin, you are not likely to mistake a "really nice business strike" for a proof. Sometimes (read: most times) pictures can be deceiving, but in-hand, there is little denying the difference. Of course, proof coins come in most denominations, so if you collect dimes for example, acquire a proof dime. Aside from comparisons, proofs are beautiful specimens, & they are generally not very expensive. If you find one slabbed, great, otherwise be sure to put a raw coin into a coin holder.
