Suspect proof Russian Kopeks

The first one is 1915, and is 100% mirror and frosted. Can't think of anything but proof. (The grainy look on part of it, is reflection off me, I assure you it is super duper mirror)

The second one which is only one picture, is a 1914, and it doesn't look like a proof at first, but there are two very clean mirror finish spots under the wing of the bird. So I thought maybe it was just a dirty proof or error?


Can anyone verify if these are or not, and offer a grade on them please?

1915


1914

 

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I`ve seen polished verified non-proof 20 and 15 kop. of this type, they looked a lot like proof. I don't think its possible to say anything from those photos, you`ll need a high resolution professional ones, including edge.

 

The answer lies in the edges and whether or not they are square.

 

Which edges are proof? And are the edges only like so on proofs? (Would help for identifying some of my old worn coins with nice edges from Russia)

Here are two pics a little bigger, sorry as to lack of quality but I am using a cell phone. I picked this up out of a Bin of silver world coins at a pawn shop, so it definitely was touching other coins, and getting ruined day by day from the contact.

 

Nice PL but not proofs.

 

I don't have my books handy, but I don't believe they struck proofs in 1915.

 

Common date proof 1915-1917 exist. In re:to the edges, the squared off is a "usual" case scenario, and mainly for US coins. After research, I think the 1915 is a proof, I have about 10 total russian silver 20 kopeks, and that's

 

Continued
..... That's the only one like it, I have a known proof that looks very similar, even to the frosting wearing, and some spots that don't look proof on it from handling, and age, but it is certified as a proof. I found it in my drawer last night, so this leads me to believe 1915 is a proof, and 1914 is a toss up. The only thing that will deter this in my opinion is if Russia had Restrikes in P/L quality. However as far as I can tell, there are none such coins. The likely scenario I believe is that it was in a proof set, and someone broke the set up and sold it separate, which is not uncommon for people who don't know anything about coins to do. I actually met a guy who had several proof sets from random countries he inherited, and he took a hammer and smashed the plastic casing, and popped coins out, and then sold them to me separate. (Once I realized this, I told him not to do so, and to sell me the whole sets) I ended up getting 3 more proof sets from him not busted up.

 

Based upon the photos I believe the coins are both business strikes. The 1915 20 Koppek appears much like a 1915 15 Koppek business strike in my collection. They are certainly pretty coins in high grade.

 

Since I do not collect special strikes, I tossed this coin on Ebay, I didn't label as proof. I just labeled as 20 kopeeks Uber rare Uncirculated. Grading is my own opinion, Bidding starts at $145.00 no buyout no reserve. 7 watchers right now, just waiting for one to bite. 3 day auction. I hope if I sell it, that I can then purchase the rest of the 20 kopek set that I don't have from that KM # and frame them. So either way, its a awesome coin, in awesome shape for 100 years old soon, and is either P/L or proof, and should command more than standard book I think.

 

Agree 100%. Many of the business strike issues have a cameo affect from the period, and pieces as high as MS67 are not that unusual though I don't know if the population reports confirm that since it is in general a very common coin.

 

Proof-like pieces for these types can be found at least as early as 1861. One thing to look for in proofs, aside from what has already been mentioned, is an especially sharp and high profile central design. This is in general for most proof coins from most countries. The coin posted here is not a proof by any means.

 

Well I hate to disappoint you all. However, the coin show was today, Saturday 8/30/14. The coins (Both) 1914, and 1915 are now certified proofs. For those that say no dice, well you need to learn to identify. I love the ones saying they "know" for sure they are not, and I just got Anacs certified for under $35.00 total on both coins. Anacs team tossed up 100X magnification on both, and said they both are proofs. Anacs said that the 1915 is an exemplary specimen of the common date proof with minor cleaning and wear from an improper holster, and the 1914 is severely worn and damaged because of a silicon residue on the surface. Either way, Ebay auction has been cancelled, and I am selling to a private buyer supposing they follow through.

Anacs graded them both at 50+ P

I am not interested in bragging, but I enjoy seeing how mahy people said they are not proofs they know for sure, and then they turn out to both be proofs.

 

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

I know it may be hard for you to believe a mirror finish coin, with obvious frosting, in fantastic shape for 100 years old could be a proof....... Or maybe it's because it was not yours. I dont know. Both are gone, and an additional 3 more non certified ones with them. Total price isn't important. But I made more than the change I spent.

Please review what constitutes a proof and you will get your answers.

Thanks all for input.

As far as I'm concerned: Thread closed

 

Troll alert.

 

It seems like you are...
Thread done. Coins gone, end of story.
You can believe what you choose to.

 

"Anacs team tossed up 100X magnification on both, and said they both are proofs."

This is the part that surprises me~ why such an extreme magnifications to distinguish a proof coin. It couldn't be the surface they were evaluating as the coins were impaired proofs ( 50), so what were they using that magnification for?

Please remember that you asked for the help, and the members gave their best. I do not believe that anyone, even those ANAC graders could have judged whether proof or not from the photos. Even though I didn't comment ( as it would have been repetitive, I would have been with the nay-sayers, and I am still not convinced by ANAC. Having in hand is 100X more accurate.

Forum policy is not to close threads, but unless you keep commenting, it will die.

Lets all quit with the spam crud!