Hello. I have question to you guys and need your professional help. Please tell me, what do you think about this Columbian Half Dollar? I bought it from polish seller as proof coin. I know that only 5 proof version was produced (1893) and I was sceptical, but when coin arrived, I have some positive doubts. Surface is like mirror, but it doesn't look polished. And I must say, that only flat surface is reflective, rest of coin is matte. I know, that I have 1 to 500.000 chance to get proof version, but there is always hope:) I read at internet, that there were some "business strikes" produced and they are proof like. I send many pictures, because I want to show you best I can this half dollar. Sorry for pictures in holder, but I cannot release this coin at this time. So please tell me, what do you think, it is just regular strike or proof like? Is there any sense to send this coin to TPG? From Poland it is very expensive, so I wanted first hear your opinions. Thank you guys.
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could be business strike from proof dies i do not think this is a proof coin and the surface is questionable to my eyes from this pics with regards to having been dipped.
wait for others to come along who will know better
Thank you for first opinions. Please tell me, what makes, that you think it is not a proof coin? I thought that when surface is like mirror, without "circle shine" it is proof or proof-like coin. But unfortunately, I have problem with recognizing proof coins:) There is any way to tell with sure, that coin is regular MS or MS PL or PR? Here is two new pictures and movie. Thank you once again.
Quote: Like the Isabella proof offered earlier, Columbian halves were struck in very small numbers as proofs (103 pieces) but there are a great many prooflike imposters who have posed as proofs to the unwary or unknowledgeable over the years. ...
I really can't tell from your pictures (hopefully Commems will drop by) but based on the low numbers I am doubtful it is a proof. Hopefully I am wrong!
I think that the most common designation of a proof coin, is it's reflective fields. Proof coins must reflect a readable image to a distance of 6-8 inches. Contemporary coins such as Morgans, have a commonly used scale : Semi-Prooflike (SPL) - 1 to 2 inches, devices must be frosted Prooflike (PL) - 2 to 4 inches of reflectivity Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) - More than 4 inches Ultra Prooflike (UPL) - At least 8 inches
Being a contemporary coin to the Morgan, proof issues would be made in the same manner. While the fields of the coin are shiny and the coin is circulated, a coin in that condition would have retained it's proof like qualities.
Here's hoping that commems comes along and discounts our opinions and you actually have found ourself a proof version
I don't think this is proof-like either, there at the first sign a large scratch/hit at 9 and 11 pm at the edge of the rim, noticeable black spot in center of Columbus hair.
Thank you guys, now I know much more, but also I have more questions to you:) Don't get me wrong, I am excited, but also confused, because I don't know what do think. I want to show you the best I can, which makes me think it may be PR / PL coin, not usual MS coin. Denco, if I correctly understand you, reflectivity could be helpful here. So I recorded movie, to show you how reflective is this coin. I held the coin more then 10 inches from my camera and when you look at coin, you can see quite sharp image of my camera, my huge eyebrow:) and brick wall, behind me. Wall was about 2 meters from coin. Please look at this movie carefully and tell me what do you think. I recorded it in HD, so you can watch my movie in full screen. If you still think it is not PR/PL coin, unfortunately I must take this sad truth to me:) Thank you for your help and patience.
Here is what Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins 1722-1989 says about the 1892 and 1893 Columbian halves in proof:
"The proofs show [not] only mirror fields but broad flat rims with sharp inner and outer edges, all central details brought up including ends of Columbus's hair and complete seams on sails as well as complete lines on globes, hull, and waves. There may be two pairs of dies. Many deceptive early business strikes exist."
I have handled at least one proof in my life. Here is an 1892 proof that appeared in Heritage's January 2014 auction:
Comparing your coin with the certified proof, I just do not see the same level of detail in the hair, and particularly on the ocean waves, although the surface is certainly reflective and prooflike. But that does not make it a proof; it just means that it is shiny and possibly an early strike from business-strike dies that were newly polished when this piece was made (or possibly a dipped coin as someone mentioned). I also don't see the same sharpness at the inner and outer rims. Now, your photographs are good but not great, so perhaps there is more detail present than you capture. But for my money, I don't think it's a proof.
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Posted 03/07/2014 10:29 am
Very shiny, very nice looking coin, but not a proof.
