| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
gothboi30
Penny Collector Member
USA
286 Posts |
 Posted - 12/27/2008 : 19:12:43
|
|
Hi everyone. I pulled a 1972s Lincoln memorial penny out of a bwr this evening. It's in EXCELLENT condition, and I'm considering submitting it to PCGS for grading and slabbing. Is there any way to tell if it's a proof coin? According to You must be logged in to see this link. just over 3 million 1972s proofs were minted. I'm hoping there's a way to tell whether this is a proof coin or not. There's a coin dealer selling a PCGS66 on ebay right now for $115, and it's not listed as a proof.
|
|
|
Neckro
1000+ Penny Miser Member
Saudi Arabia
2080 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2008 : 20:02:04
|
| I dunno, but I think Proofs are expected to be in high quality. But circulated are not, so when they grade high, it's often more rare then a proof in excellent condition. My opinion. |
Trolling is an art. |
 |
|
|
fb101
Administrator
USA
2856 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2008 : 22:55:48
|
| It can be difficult to tell after it's been in circulation, but a proof coin should literally have a mirror finish to it. A good proof you could comb your hair looking into it. Before spending cash on the grading though, I'd invest a few bucks in a Photograde or an ANA guide to coin grading. It has to be UNC before it can be MS-66, and if it came from circulation that is in question. |
 |
|
|
|
Computer Jones
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1112 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2008 : 22:58:38
|
Proofs have a very distinct contrast between the brilliant shine of the background and the "frosting" of the raised portions.
Once you see a few you won't have a doubt if it's a proof.
To grade high it should have no scratches and no fingerprints. |
There's profit if you melt things!!
8{> |
|
|
|
oober
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1304 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2008 : 09:10:16
|
The quickest way to tell if the coin is in proof condition is the "read test"
stick some reading material approx 3" in front of the product, if you can read the material clearly in the fields of the coin it is proof quality.
Its either 2" or 3", but thats the quickest test. I read it somewhere too lazy to find the link right now. |
|
|
|
Cerulean
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
993 Posts |
Posted - 01/02/2009 : 08:22:07
|
| The S mintmark was used twice in 1972, once for circulation strikes and once for proofs. Almost 377 million circulation strikes were made that year, and only a few million proofs. Odds are you have a circulation strike. That's still a good thing, since the S-minted cents 1968-1974 are going to be the key dates of the memorial cent series. Trust me, you will know if it's a proof. |
Sorting Map
2010 First Finds Contest
Are you a Buffalo Hunter?
Wanna take seignorage away from the Fed? Spend *any* coins!
We cannot afford this government.
Cerulean's Standing Offer: $3/lb shipped for foreign coins |
|
|
|
Lemon Thrower
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1588 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2009 : 07:16:40
|
| $115 for a 72-s LMC? That's a lot higher than I would have guessed. |
Buying:
Peace/Morgan G+ at $15.00
copper cents at 1.3X
wheat pennies at 3X
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Question about proof coins
Forum Locked
