how to know S proof

[rdb7]

do you guys use a magnifying glass to see the 'S' ?

i could barely make out if it was an S or a D or a P or just not there

may have missed some of the 'S's as after a while i just resorted to checking the sides for silver

 

[jrf30]

As I go through the coins, I can nornmally see the frosted head of Kennedy pretty easily. That tells me to look at the mint mark harder, and then I see the S. I find mine with the frosting though not the mark.

 

[rdb7]

interesting... i'll have to search and see the frosting on this site so i know what to look for


thanks

 

[jim4silver]

interesting... i'll have to search and see the frosting on this site so i know what to look for


thanks

RDB7,

90% of the time you will not miss a proof. The mirror-like finish will stick out. Even on some of the scratched up ones you find, the finish to me looks more brilliant than the best brilliant uncirculated coin you find.

If you are searching the rims, I find the proofs to sometimes have very bright "copper color" to them that you sometimes see with newer BUs or NIFCs.

I did find an 80's era proof once that was only discernable by the S in that it was in such bad shape I could not see the finish.

Jim

 

[rdb7]

Jim, i did notice the occassional bright copper and thin appearing rim... when i checked.. they were always like 1998 or 2000 year coins.. i just assumed cuz they were newer

 

[packerbacker]

This is what a proof would look like. Mirror finish background and "frosted" head. Same basic look on tails side.

 

[rdb7]

thanks packer.. so the head and the background will have a slightly different finish that's noticeable? ie.. there's now wondering if it's a proof or not?

 

[packerbacker]

It's more than slightly different. The background will be brilliantly shiny, mirror-like to the point you can almost see yourself in it. The "frosted" head will be dull but rich-looking. Very attractive coins. If you get one that has been roughed up you may not notice the difference as easily. Good luck

 

[rdb7]

cool thanks for your help

 

[jrf30]

That was a good picture of a proof. And if you put a regular half next to it, even if the background is shiny, the head would ALSO be shiny. When you put them side by side you can see the difference pretty easily. That shiny head tells me right away it is not a proof.

And I agree that the mirroreed background is also easy to spot once you have worked a few boxes. It is sharper on the proofs.

Look for contrast. That will give it away.

And good luck

 

[LJ]

What stands out to me when searching coins on the proofs I find from the intial edge check is the thickness of the coin/reeded edge and the deep reeds on the edge.

Just thought I'd throw that in...............good luck.

 

[TxTim]

What stands out to me when searching coins on the proofs I find from the intial edge check is the thickness of the coin/reeded edge and the deep reeds on the edge.

Just thought I'd throw that in...............good luck.

True!
The earlier proofs 64 and earlier are tougher - but the thick edge and mirror background will give them away!

 

[coinmojo]

What stands out to me when searching coins on the proofs I find from the intial edge check is the thickness of the coin/reeded edge and the deep reeds on the edge.

Just thought I'd throw that in...............good luck.

I second this.

The edges usually are pretty sharp in contrast and thick and may have a deeper tone to the copper. but the longer they have been in circulation the less noticable they become.

I have found many proofs wile dumping my "edge searched rejects" in the coin counters hopper because of the mirror like finish. but these are usually pretty tattered at that point and probably not worth the effort of keeping them.

When I edge search I always pull the shiney edges and of course the silver/white or yellow edges first and examine them. this will usally net me NIFC's, Proofs and Silver. (note: a box of new coins can give me fits) Than while holding the roll of loose coins in my left hand I let the coins waterfall/cascade into my right hand and visually scan the coins as they drop 1 by 1 into my right hand and also listen for that wonderfull sound of silver as the coins contact each other on the drop. If I see a mirror like flash or hear the silver ring I stop and examine. If none of that happens they get thrown into my dump bag. It takes me about 5 seconds to search a skunk roll like that after unwrapping it. Takes more time to unwrap a roll than search it.

ALSO many of he 1987 NIFC's also have a thicness like proof coins do.

Mojo

 

[tanner]

if you have to ask then you probably havent found one...youll know when you do