1960-S Canadian PL Vs Business Strikes

Business strikes mostly were dropped into bags and show bag marks. Look in the legends especially for these. PL strike were supposedly handled with more care. There is less mirror finish on a business strike, the planchets for PL strikes were polished before striking. The rims of a PL strike are more angular and the reeding of a PL strike goes all the way to the edge of the coin. Look for square rims on a PL, more rounded on a business strike.

Also the PL strikes should have frosted legends and devices/portraits.
This frosting should pop out in contrast to the mirror like fields.

Thanks so much guys. I have been mauling over a few silver dollars I have laying around looking at similarities/differences. Some seem very obvious after looking over all the things you pointed out, while others seem less obvious, especially ones that have toned some.

Here are pics. They're not the best but I hope it gets the point across. The PL has a shinier, mirror-like finish to them. Business strikes don't have those mirrors. You'll know when you see a PL from the mirrors. Shine a light on it, it's going to reflect like polished metal (but don't polish your coins).

This is a cameo PL (unfortunately I only have impaired ones and the field is no longer perfect, but notice how the portrait doesn't mirror)


PL without cameo (most PLs you see will be like this, shiny all over)


Cameo business strike (they're not common, but a lot of 1975 nickel dollars like this one has a light cameo if you look out for them)


Business strike no cameo (again, the vast, vast, vast majority)


And a comparison of the sides. They are the same thickness, but the PL has a more squared off rim and the reeding reaches the corners, making it look thicker than if the reeding doesn't reach there.



You're welcome wildflower. I found the page through an old topic this forum. It doesn't seem to be linked to much even though I think it's a good page.

Great information SlurExe97. I have to say that I see many silver PL
coins from the 1960's in the junk bins even at my LCS that are
frosted, not ultra heavy cameos or anything but certainly with
much contrast from the mirrored fields. Nickel dollars from the
70's may be different. I agree that not all PLs are frosted.
Love that picture side on showing the reeding.

Here is a 1963 PL 50 Cent piece I got out of the junk bin, nice
and frosty devices and legends with mirror fields.





The OP referred to PL and MS silver dollars from the
1960's, I have 2 1963 dollars one PL and another a
business strike (Brilliant Uncirculated, maybe MS-62).
The fields of the PL are very shiny as compared to the
slightly hazed BU bag marked coin.

1963 Dollar Proof Like




1963 Dollar Business Strike

Wow, your comparison photograph of the PL square edges, the reeding reaching a sharper corner is extremely helpful!

Do you know, this defining feature of PL carries though to what year?

Very Nice Don and thank you. Those 2 1963s are even starting to get close to that line where I was referring to. I'll see if I can get some decent pictures of a couple that are PL vs a higher MS with less bag marks that appear very similar.

Dennman, that PL of mine is impaired, and I don't know if the flat bit is originally there or it got damaged somewhere along the way.

Excellent pics SilverDon, I knew you would have something to add. I can't afford silver dollars now so I'm showing what I have - nickel dollars from different years. I don't think PL/business strike quality has changed in the 70s.

wilddflower, the edge can be a quick way for me to tell PL or business strike. I don't know until what year PL is but proof coins start at 1981 (I think?). Maybe ask SPP.