Lincoln Proof Question. - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 8 / Views: 1,489
Avshater22 Valued Member United States 337 Posts	Posted 01/05/2015 10:45 pm What is the easiest way to tell if a cent is a proof or just BU for the proofs with no mint marks from the late 50's early 60's. I sent one for the secret Santa and had no idea it was a proof I just though it was BU. Curious because I have some more cents that look similar to the one I sent and want to make sure I separate the proofs from circulation strikes. Report this Post to the Staff

BadThad Bedrock of the Community United States 19972 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 12:16 am Quote: Mirrored fields (in almost every case). Lincoln Cent Lover! VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/ Report this Post to the Staff
skyshark124 Pillar of the Community United States 1109 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 02:56 am Yeah, pretty much the rule would be, if it looks very mirror finished or reflective like a polished surface might, it's a proof. If it's got a nice luster but is not mirror-like or polished looking, it's likely a BU coin. Report this Post to the Staff
John1 Moderator United States 56855 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 06:49 am What about a BU coin that has been buffed/polished. Aren't proof coin dies made with sharper devices then non proof?,that would be a diagnostic right? John1 Report this Post to the Staff
CopperCastle Pillar of the Community United States 1132 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 07:34 am Quote: What about a BU coin that has been buffed/polished. This raises a good point. In cases such as this I imagine one would look for signs of cleaning. Is the luster unbroken? Break out a loupe & check for whiz lines, crisp (or lack thereof) details.It wouldn't hurt to have a verified example to compare it to during the process. Report this Post to the Staff
Dar Pillar of the Community United States 1476 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 4:27 pm Not sure but there should be 'some' difference between the fields and the devices. Fields being more 'mirror like' then the devices. Then again it would depend on the year as well. I think there was a period when the proofs were 'satin like' instead of mirrored. Is that correct? Report this Post to the Staff
SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 4:42 pm The difference of the sharpness if the rims and their intersection with the fields should be definitive once you study enough of each. Report this Post to the Staff
just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 8:48 pm In some instances it does get rather tuff. At a flea market I saw a guy demonstrating an auto polish. He used pennies and they all ended up looking like proofs. Report this Post to the Staff
jimbucks Pillar of the Community United States 4692 Posts	Posted 01/06/2015 8:58 pm On early coins the squareness of the rim could be used as a diagnostic to signify a proof. Not sure on the modern cents -- a more educated member can chime in on that. Report this Post to the Staff
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