1885 3 Cent Nickel -- Advice Needed

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Author	Replies: 4 / Views: 1,410
Tilby New Member United States 3 Posts	Posted 06/05/2013 11:07 pm I have inherited a small coin collection from my father. Included is an 1885 3 cent nickel. In doing some basic research I see that there is a significant value difference between a "proof" and a "business strike". So -- how do I tell the difference, or is that not a realistic task for a novice? I would assume I need to authenticate the coin with a grading service if I want to sell, and if so, which service would you recommend? I was looking on the PCGS site and see that their fee for grading a "Rarity" is pretty expensive, but I do not see what they classify as a "Rarity" --. Does anyone have any experience there? Thanks for any help and guidance you can provide. Report this Post to the Staff

GoldenChest Pillar of the Community United States 814 Posts	Posted 06/05/2013 11:11 pm A picture would definetly help us with your dilema. Oh and Report this Post to the Staff
hesgut Pillar of the Community 1028 Posts	Posted 06/06/2013 12:46 am If the coin is high grade then it should be possible to determine if it is proof or a business strike from the pictures, although it is somewhat difficult on some 19th century types. If the coin is well worn, it may be extremely difficult to make that determination. There were almost no business strikes of that year and proofs did circulate. It probably is a proof, and I'm guessing it will be VF-AU condition, as that is where most proofs from that era (that aren't currently in slabs) are. Edited by hesgut 06/06/2013 12:47 am Report this Post to the Staff
Tilby New Member United States 3 Posts	Posted 06/06/2013 07:23 am Thanks for the responses so far. It is high grade, but toned rather than being white/silver as I have seen with other on-line postings of the coin. I will try and upload a picture today. To me, it does not have the "look" of a typical proof coin, but then again, I don't really know what a proof from the era would look like today. Report this Post to the Staff
Conder101 Bedrock of the Community United States 17884 Posts	Posted 06/06/2013 10:52 am Quote: although it is somewhat difficult on some 19th century types. Unfortunately the nickel Three Cent is one of those types. High end proofs are easy to tell but typical quality proofs are hard to tell from MS pieces. One thing about the TPG's, when they get a questionable piece that is high priced in MS and much lower in proof they will often hedge their bets and lower their exposure by automatically calling it a proof. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 4 / Views: 1,410

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