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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Tom B, post: 1917922, member: 11854&quot;]Proof coinage is often found with two types of lines on it. </p><p><br /></p><p>The first is mint-made and would be die polish lines.&nbsp; These lines are actually <i>raised</i>&nbsp; from the surface, but in images it can be tricky to determine if a line is raised or incuse.&nbsp; These die polish lines are from polishing the dies used for coin production and generally will be found in the fields and will not be seen on raised devices.&nbsp; However, one can always find exceptions to any generalized rule.</p><p><br /></p><p>The second cause of hairlines is from inappropriate or rough handling of the coin.&nbsp; Recall that these 19th century proof pieces were not sold in flexible film, hard plastic, cardboard holders or capsules, but were instead often sold in small envelopes or with tissue.&nbsp; Proof surfaces are rather delicate and any rubbing or scuffing up against them will impart hairlines.&nbsp; Since the fields are typically quite flat, these hairlines stand out very well.&nbsp; Additionally, years of collectors and non-collectors handling, examining, storing and selling coins takes a toll on raw pieces with fragile surfaces.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hairlines are likely the major determinant for grade among most classic coinage types.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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