theres some local auctions of some more important (gold ect) coins coming up soon and one of them posted looks proof on the obverse. its graded XF by a dealer i know that they had grade and authenticate all the coins. so anyway my question is how long can a proof remain proof looking before it looks like anything else after being circulated and does this look like a proof or am i losing my mind? THESE ARE NOT MY PHOTOS and i cant get better ones until the auctions take place.
Look in the protected areas (e.g., inside the 9 and 0 in the date, and inside some of the letters) and you should still be able to see mirrors if the coin is a circulated Proof. Also look at the edge of the coin. If it is a Proof coin the edge will be sharp and square. If it is a Business Strike the edge will be rounded or beveled. Plus the reeding should be full and sharp if the coin was struck as a Proof. Another thing to look for is the numerals in the date and the letters. The tops of the numerals and letters will be flat if the coin is a Proof but rounded if it is a Business Strike.
the dealer these auctioneers paid to examine/grade these coins is extremely knowledgeable and wouldnt of graded it if he didnt think it was authentic. i will also be able to examine them all in hand 1+ hours prior to the bidding so this is not like ebay.
Suit yourself, and take whatever risk you wish. I'm an ex NGC grader and can't tell for certain from the images that the coin is genuine.' In answer to your original question, however, the coin does not appear to possess the squared rims that I would expect on a Proof, even if it had been circulated.
Breen says the 1907 proof has the date to the right and low rising up as you go left to right. That doesn't seem to match this coin.
