Going through rolls of nickels tonight, I came across what I believe is a 1963 proof. However, I'm not 100% sure since Philly in 63 produced both proofs and circs. It has the deeply mirrored fields like I would expect from a proof but there is no cameo frosting. I don't believe the cameo's were typical in the 60's and, since it was found in a circulated roll, I don't know (assuming it is a proof) how much affect the circulation has had on it. Are there any specific die markers to assist in proving that this is a proof. I don't want to mis-attribute it to find later that its simply a very early die state. Sorry, I've tried multiple times to get a pic but with my phone, I just can't seem to capture the luster.
Looks good. But the photo is deceptive. It could be plated. Let's see the reverse. If it has FS it's a proof.
Based on obverse pic looks like a proof to me. Fun fact before I really got involved with numismatics one of my first threads was a similar one regarding determining if a nickel found in a bankroll was a proof.
Here are some more pics. I placed a normal 2001 beside it so you can compare the luster without having to factor in camera effects. Also a closeup of the reverse. It has 6 FS but I can't capture them with my camera. (I've got to get some kind of micro-camera for this type of work). Based on the FS, I'm leaning towards proof. This would be my first "non-S roll-find proof".
Awesome! Thanks for the input, folks. I don't believe proof singles were sold as late as the 60's so that means this little fella was rescued from a proof set -- meaning that its 4 siblings are floating around out there somewhere.
In most cases that's a good diagnostic. But there's a much easier one with nickels, that is unique to nickels, particularly older nickels - and that is the quality of strike of the reverse. Try to find a business strike nickel with a fully struck reverse, one where you can see every detail in Monticello. You can't do it because there aren't any.
That is correct, the last year they sold singles was 1942. Starting in 1950 proofs were sold in sets only.
