How to tell if you got a proof?

[sheepdog_tx]

How can you tell if you got a proof coin, such as a nickel or a quarter? Ive been searching for silver but thinking i need to be checking for other things as well. Please school me brothers.

 

[Eminem]

what up dawg. If it's a proof it will have an s mintmark yo. it will also look like a mirror. hope dat helps brudda

 

[BillyOceansEleven]

At least with halves, I find the proof coins seem to have a slightly wider and shinier rim. I probably don't get them all, but I have pulled a good number of proofs while edge searching for silver.

 

[namster]

Some will disagree...but circulated clad proofs are worth face value.

If you insist on finding them all, date/mint checking is the way to go. The proofs will, in general, have thicker rims if you are edge checking. HH!

 

[BuffaloBoy]

proofs like previously said have a mirrored field and have the "S" mint mark, but don't be fooled, the mint did put circulation strike coins from san francisco mint(s mintmark) 1974 and prior, that is when you can only really rely on the mirrored field. hope this heps,
hh
buff.

also, common proofs(1975-2012) all have the S MINTMARK, if you think it is proof and has the P or D mintmark, it's likely polished and not a proof.

 

[Solid Rolls]

Read this thread, including all the posts.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/c...-beginners-guide-coin-roll-hunting-terms.html
Read it front to back, and twice if need be.
All your questions will be answered.
You're welcome.

 

[Easy]

Read this thread, including all the posts.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/c...-beginners-guide-coin-roll-hunting-terms.html
Read it front to back, and twice if need be.
All your questions will be answered.
You're welcome.

I've read the whole thing and I still have a TON of questions... I imagine others do as well.

 

[sagittarius98]

Earlier proofs (earlier than '68) are from the Philly mint, so the mirrored finish is how you can tell. Later proofs are from San Francisco with an "S" mintmark.