Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;900fine, post: 972994, member: 6036&quot;]Very good question. To truly understand the answer, one must understand that the definition of a proof, and minting techniques thereof, have changed over the years. When we go back far enough in US history, the notion of a proof gets muddled a bit.</p><p><br /></p><p>For instance - there are &quot;proofs&quot; so old they predate the construction of the US Mint building ! I&#039;m talkin&#039; about certain 1792 Half Dismes. They are often referred to as <b>specimen strikes</b>, as they don&#039;t fully measure up to modern standards.</p><p><br /></p><p>There are also &quot;proofs&quot; of Draped Bust dollars of 1801, 1802, and 1803. Again, since they don&#039;t measure up to today&#039;s standards, they are sometimes referred to as &quot;novodel&quot; dollars.</p><p><br /></p><p>By any name, they are magnificent coins. Unbelievable coins.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yesterday, I was chatting with a major copperhead who bought Dan Holmes&#039; <b>1793 Wreath Cent MS65 Prooflike</b>. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie9" alt=":eek:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />&nbsp; Is it a proof ? Maybe. Again, I choose not to split hairs on the definition. All I know is I spent about 10 minutes meditating over it. Again. I spent about 30 minutes gazing upon it last year, when Dan&#039;s coins were still in the Lot Viewing stage.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hoochie Mama !!! <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie8" alt=":D" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in