cooper

I may be in wrong place. Please forgive if I am. Can someone please tell me the difference between MS65 and PF65. Yes I'm new to collecting and this forum.

 

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As Peter noted. The difference is in the production method.

 

Proof coins are struck differently then regular business strike (uncirculated) coins Cooper, thus the difference in designation. They may appear somewhat similar but proof coins are struck more than once and exhibit mirrored fields and frosty devices (moderns). Welcome to the forum dear fellow......

 

Welcome to the neighborhood, Cooper!

The term "proof" (PF) refers to a method of production, and "mint state" (MS) refers to the condition of a coin. Proof coins are struck at least twice to produce maximum definition of the devices. Their fields are mirrored with cameo contrast on the devices. Coins are graded from PO1 to MS70 and those coins receiving grades MS60-MS70 are considered uncirculated.

If you want to learn the basics of grading, you would benefit by purchasing the ANA Grading Standards of US Coins. It is available on the Whitman Books site.

Chris

 

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply and educate me. So I'm guessing a PF coin is more valuable than a MS coin?

 

Uncirculated (if very few marks, then it is "mint" state)

Proof (it's shiny)


I know this is oversimplifying it, but it helped me.

 

More often than not, no! Since proof coins are processed by hand, you will find that most (modern) specimens will have (almost) no flaws and are relatively common. Coins struck for circulation that grade MS68-70 are much rarer and can often sell for many, many multiples of their original cost.

Chris

 

Thanks for the Welcomes. I'm getting a good education tonight. I will definitely get the ANA book.

 

Values of proof and uncirculated all depends on a coin. Many times, a high grade Uncirculated coin is worth more than a Proof. Sometimes, the reverse is true. All depends.

 

Personally, I don't prefer to collect proofs because they were never intended for circulation. I would, however, collect proof coins that accidentally made it into circulation.

 

I like proofs c:

Only in 65+ though, unless something stands out or it's rare.

There are business strikes that are proof-like but ways to tell (i.e. proofs often have beveled edges while the others are rounded). Generally it's a dead giveaway though.