A few coins I'm looking at

Do these colorings happen naturally? I saw a really cool "1962 Proof Jefferson Nickel Toned orange fields with blue/golden devices" listed in the for sale section and the coloring was very interesting, how does that happen? What does "proof" mean? I assume a "hit" is a ding or scratch?

 

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No, "proof" indicates a type of strike. Proofs are generally struck with higher pressure, sometime several times. They are intended as collector coins, and are not issued for general circulation. They typically exhibit mirror-like fields and high-relief devices. When the dies are new and highly-polished, they can achieve what's referred to as a cameo appearance, like so...

 

Not for what they are asking. The seller can grade as "uncirculated" all he wants too, but that does not mean it really is.

If the OP just wants an IHC as a type coin, he should look into any local dealers he may have. Decent late/later date coins have a way of piling up, so it is quite possible he could get a similar example coin for substantially less.

I admire your enthusiasm, but you may want to consider taking the time to learn before jumping in and buying coins. Get yourself a few good books, hit a few shops or shows and look at as many examples of what interests you as possible. Search out a collecting mentor, or better yet, a trustworthy and knowledgeable dealer willing to assist you. Although you (at times) may find an anti-dealer attitude coming from some of the members here, a good dealer can be a very valuable asset to a new collector. Far too many newbies take the "buy first, learn later" approach to collecting and end up paying for it in the long run.

 

Oh, I agree. I can see some rub on that coin, but sometimes an AU58 with few hits is far more attractive than a banged-up MS. Anyway, things are generally overpriced on eBay, but that's the way it is - those seller and paypal fees add up.

 

P.M. me your mailing address and i will give you a nice ike dollar for free....

 

Based on your question about what a proof is, this is no doubt the best advice.

I would also steer clear of buying any toned or colorful coins until you have some collecting experience under your belt. Buying toned coins without any experience is the quickest way to make regrettable purchase.

 

Fair enough folks. There is a coin show coming up in March I'll go too and found a coin club that meets not far from my place here in Chicago, downtown. I'll read as much of these boards as I can too so as to not questions that have been answered three times already. Thanks!

 

Generally speaking, I am a great fan of properly graded AU58 coins of certain series and find it to often be an excellent value niche. I've a number of clients who have actually downgraded certain lower MS coins because a superior slider became available, but with that said, the coin in question is, unfortunately, no slider.

 

Fair enough - I don't know from IHCs.

 

Your mailbox is fixin to get full!....lol

 

yes, and no.


Describes, but not in enbough detail.

Buy their grading book in addition.