1888 V Nickel, Proof Or Not?

Liberty nickels can be a bit tough to discern whether or not they are proof or business. I just recently dealt with this same issue on an 1899 and have handled many high grade V-nickels. My opinion on this piece is multi-faceted.

Although I am looking at a picture through plastic I think that this coin does have the characteristics of being a proof. Unfortunately, this particular coin would be worth more in this condition as a business strike than a proof.

There is an additional problem. Many of the really good fakes of Liberty nickels actually look more like proofs (in luster) than business strikes. This coin has me slightly worried. It may just be some distortion from the plastic, but some areas of the metal fields flow in ways I'm not liking. Also, the proof Liberty nickels were more consistent in their strike than business. Some areas of that reverse in the motto and wreath look a bit too soft to me.

I said "slightly worried" because if I'm put on the spot I would call the coin true and probably give it a PF-64, but it might be worth getting it certified.

I agree, we need to see pictures out side of the flip.

The coin looks like a proof but something about the graininess of the surfaces is giving me pause and it is not the frosting that I am talking about. As already mentioned by hesgut, the strike seems a bit soft in areas. So I am not sure what to say.

Here is a link to high res photos. Hope these help:
http://ray1234.smugmug.com/Other/vn...13329_GKQhQ9

I think it is counterfeit.

in comparing with my chinese counterfeit I see similarities in the lips and LIBERTY that make me think this is a fake coin

After seeing the new images and having some time to think it over, I am going to change my previous vote (which had reservation at the time). I believe this coin is a fake. The details are simply too soft.

Here is a picture of a good cast fake of the same coin. This particular example doesn't have the proof-like appearance, but the quality of strike is similar.

"In personally don't see anything to warrant a fake."

A legitimate proof Liberty nickel has substantial hair detail above the ear and below the crown. In other words, the body of the hair has lots of waves. However, the images of this piece show dead spots in the hair where the engraving appears to have stopped. This is one of the hallmarks of a counterfeit.