Specimen Vs PL Strike

PL isn't really a strike. PR or PF (Proof) is a strike. PL is just a regular MS or in very rare cases a high-AU coin which has fields that resemble a proof coin because the dies were polished a lot on that coin and it still retains that original mint luster. A PL coin has devices that can be easily contrasted with the fields and where the fields are like mirrors and that you can reflect objects in. PL also can become a DMPL in rare cases.

Now, a Specimen coin, is different entirely. It's a specially issued mint-State coin that was never meant to be circulated and very, very rarely is. A Specimen coin has grey-ish colored silver fields, not reflective ones like a PL Coin. A specimen coin is designed to create contrast between the devices and the fields resulting in a very-clean looking coin.

Here are examples of each:

Specimen:



PL:

@DBM: Looks like I have did some more research and looks like PL is a Canadian coin designation. I said PL but I guess I meant Cameo.

I guess it's because I've sworn off post-George V Coinage for the past year or so and mainly only deal with Edwardian and Victorian Coinage for my date sets.