Hi All, Can someone explain the easiest way to tell a proof like from a proof ? Do proofs have cartweel luster? Thanks Don
In one word - experience. And yes, all struck coins have luster, including Proofs. The best & easiest way for you to learn to tell a PL from a PR is actually look at them side by side, in person. Once you do that you'll never have a problem telling one from the other again. Go to a coin show and you'll be able to see it for yourself. In the meantime, you can identify a Proof Frankie the same way you identify any Proof of the period. The coin will have mirror surfaces, you can actually see your reflection in them. It will also have a rim with sharp, squared off edges, whereas a business strike or a PL coin will have a rim with rounded over & smooth edges. Those two things are the easiest to see. A PL coin may have semi-reflective surfaces, but the image you see on the coin will be no where near what you see in a mirror, while with a Proof it will be very close to that.
These are not Franklins, but are Kennedy Halves--the SMS is NOT a proof, but a prooflike type surface--the planchet is specially prepared, and the strike is sharp, although a business strike. The 1964 is a proof, and has a different strike profile. In addition, the planchet has a higher degree of preparation to it, and is much more contrasty than a business strike. Hopefully, the picture will show the differences better than my inadequate words--as Doug said seeing them side by side you can always tell the difference.
Thanks for the info GDJMSP and Morgandude11. I just bought a 1962 that was suppose to be a PL but now I think is a proof. I just started collecting Franklins, so I need it anyway. I'm learning as I go. Thanks again.
