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 Replies: 16 / Views: 12,968 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
849 Posts |
I hope this is posted in the right area. I am trying to understand the difference between Specimen vs Proof. Especially as I look in the Charlton Catalogue at the Loonies that were issued after 1996 in the not issued individually years. I see prices say, for SP67 and PR67. How do these coins differ from each other visually - that is, if I have one and it looks different from an MS coin, how do I know if it is SP or PR?
If the reasoning is complex, a link to an article would help.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
693 Posts |
Hello punman. Specimen loonies have brilliant devices on a lined background (vertical lines). Proof loonies have frosted devices on a brilliant background. Regular loonies vary in their luster, from brilliant all over to having mint bloom, but they look distinctly different from specimen and proof coins.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2366 Posts |
The frosty queen with mirror fields is proof. Specimen appearances have varied over the years (for example the specimen nickel dollars from the 70's and 80's can be confused with the prooflike ones) while proof has not.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
849 Posts |
With current era coins are specimen coins usually the choice over proof or is there no consensus? Would an MS coin of the same grade usually be preferred over both specimen and proof if available?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
548 Posts |
MS coins are always preferred over anything else because they are made to be circulated, so it is harder to find one in a high grade condition, which is what keeps us all looking through our pocket change. Specimen, Proof, and Proof-Like are essentially made to be collected, but completionists will like to have an example of each for each year.
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Valued Member
Canada
457 Posts |
To add to the confusion you also have the un-circulated circulation coins that come out in sets like the birthday, x-mass, tooth fairy etc.
I'm not sure if anyone would know that they are from these sets once they have been removed.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
849 Posts |
So if collectors generally prefer MS, why does the mint make Specimen and Proof? I'm sure the general public does not care and if the collectors don't prefer them, then why are they even made?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
548 Posts |
The same reason the mint makes anything: people buy them. Probably 99% of the populous pays no attention to their change, but that last 1%...
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
Here are pic's of this years Canadian Halves. Proof , Specimen and business strike coins.    |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
602 Posts |
Wow. I just learned something.
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Valued Member
United States
406 Posts |
A picture is worth, like, at least a buck-fifty ...  Best Regards, George |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3234 Posts |
Interesting to see how the specimen coins have changed in their finish...
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1700 Posts |
Please correct me if I am wrong: specimens are not very different compared to proof-like coins. The frosted proof coins from the RCM from the recent years really have degraded quality. |
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Valued Member
Canada
133 Posts |
Specimen and Proof Like (Brilliant Uncirculated) were the same strike (Brilliant relief on a brilliant background) and hard to tell them apart until 1996.
In 1996 & 1997 both the Specimen and Proof-Like sets had a Specimen finish (Brilliant relief on a parallel lined background)
In 1998 until now, the Specimen and Proof-Like sets are different.
1998 - 2010 The Proof like sets were a BU finish (brilliant relief on a brilliant background) and in 2011 they changed to a regular business circulation strike.
1998 - 2000 Specimen coins were a brilliant relief on a parallel lined background.
2001 - 2009 Specimen coins were a brilliant relief on a raised lined background.
2010 - 2013 Specimen coins were a brilliant relief on a laser lined background.
Proof coins have always been frosted relief against a mirror background.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
548 Posts |
Excellent explanation, thank you.
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Valued Member
Canada
148 Posts |
I became fond of the specimen finish in 2002 with the set containing the family of loons loonie and the continuing special loonies every year since. The other denominations provide a nice collectible set at at least half the price of the proof set, but each to their own.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 12,968 |
Posted 10/18/2013 10:55 pm
