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 Replies: 17 / Views: 3,683 |
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New Member
United States
28 Posts |
To my novice eyes, this fails the 'looks right' test. But I don't know exactly what is wrong. I feel like there are so many things wrong at once that I can't separate them. If I had to guess, my list would be: - Chemically cleaned to get the super white appearance. - Polished to get the 'proof like' smoothness of the open fields. - And I don't know what's going on with the "In God We Trust". The raised letters just look all messed up (maybe from the cleaning that left a halo effect?). And I wouldn't be surprised if someone says that all these apparent issues are actually due to way the coin was photographed. I'd love to hear others opinions so that I can learn from this coin. Thank you, Thurmond  |
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Pillar of the Community
968 Posts |
That is a proof. Can't grade proofs without seeing them in-hand, so I will refrain from grading it.
I don't see any cleaning. I do see a spot near the Y of LIBERTY which will hurt it grade-wise.
Are they your pics? Great start if so.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
Proof
Any relation to Jack ?
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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New Member
 United States
28 Posts |
Not mine - found it on ebay. The fear of God has been instilled upon me from reading about so many ebay purchase horror stories so I'm being cautious and trying to learn to sort the good from bad on my own. Other aspects of this listing that put me off was the lack of a picture of the reverse, and the seemingly endless supply of this particular coin the seller has. It gave me the impression that these coins were being either manufactured elsewhere or being doctored up out plain circulation coins. Thank you for your replies, Thurmond http://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-P-Proo...refresh=true |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
Other aspects of this listing that put me off was the lack of a picture of the reverse, and the seemingly endless supply of this particular coin the seller has. It gave me the impression that these coins were being either manufactured elsewhere or being doctored up out plain circulation coins.
With almost 4 million 1964 Proof Washingtons minted, it doesn't surprise me that someone would have a couple dozen or so to sell at one time. Forgive me for asking this, but how do you know the appropriate usage of the term "Prooflike" without knowing what a Proof looks like? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4409 Posts |
The seller is using a stock photo which means you won't get the coin pictured.
No idea of how the quarter would grade otherwise.
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New Member
United States
28 Posts |
As to knowing the term 'proof like', I've been reading a lot on this website! I've seen many photos of proofs and proof like coins, but I've never held one so I don't really know what to look for as to determining if a coin is truly a proof or proof like. In fact, as quarter collector, I've found a couple quarters from the 1960's that look like proofs to me but I'm not sure. I've put them aside to photograph someday to see what you guys think. The coin in my initial post just looked awfully suspicious to me, as compared to many of the other pixs I've seen of similar vintage proof quarters. I think what is throwing me is the difference in lighting and photography. Thanks for moving my post to the right place - I originally thought it got deleted because of the reference to ebay. I see now in the rules that was a protocol violation since I don't have 50 posts yet. Thurmond |
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New Member
United States
13 Posts |
It's a 5 dollar coin...
Maybe go to the local coin shop, and buy a proof set from the 70s or 80s for a couple of dollars, and examine the coins in hand!
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New Member
United States
28 Posts |
Ok, great. That's the sort of response I was hoping for.
Thanks. I'll try to educate myself more before I come back and ask more questions.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Hi Thurmond,
Your gut instinct was correct. On the bay, look for 'coin pictured is the coin you will receive' or something like that. So it's a good thing that you asked here before you made a purchase.
It really does help to look at coins in person so I would encourage you to join a local coin club and/or go to as many local shows as you can. Not all dealers are willing or able to take the time to talk -- they're there to make money -- but when you do find one that has the time to talk you will learn a lot. Just ask about their best coins or their favorite coins.
And keep asking questions here. This site is really a great place for learning.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1795 Posts |
I agree with Buddy but the coin does look Proof to me if that is the coin you purchased. If stock photo I can't say without seeing your coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
Yep, 5 bucks max. They are easily had in rolls, so it doesn't surprise me someone has lots. I might have a roll somewhere. They're nice silver coins. Like them but don't overpay.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
A few other things. Early proofs look just like that picture for the most part. Almost like they were polished with no real difference between the fields and devices. Cameo and deep cameo (frosty devices) coins did not happen on a regular basis until mid to late 70s.
From 1968 on, proofs were minted at San Francisco so they will carry an S mm.
Stock photos are not bad IF it is a reputable dealer. With a coin like this individual pics, and therefore individual listings, of each coin would be impractical.
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New Member
United States
28 Posts |
Hi Everybody, Thanks you for all your help and comments. This hobby is like a mine field. Its nice to be able to get some guidance. I haven't bought any proofs yet and I've studying all the photo's of 1964 proofs on ebay. Such wild variation in appearances led me to think some of the coins have been tinkered with. But maybe my paranoia is getting the better of me. I absolutely agree with the comments about holding the coins in hand to get a feel for them. I'm finishing my 50 State Quarter set and even with the really modern coins, one starts to see what you guys are always taking about (luster, strike quality, and dare I say, even toning?). Thanks again, Thurmond Some pixs of 1964 proofs to give you an idea the variations I'm grappling with. I know that the variations are most likely due to the differences in photography but that last one just looks suspicious to me.    |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
I know that the variations are most likely due to the differences in photography but that last one just looks suspicious to me. It's the top one which gives me pause. It looks like a Business Strike and not a Proof - you can clearly see the difference in the fields. With that said, you've got the most important part figured factoring in the lighting/photography technique. Photography makes a huge difference, and requires as much of your attention learning as the coins themselves. |
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New Member
United States
19 Posts |
Thurmond, I am pretty new to the forum like yourself, but not new to collecting. It is easy for a beginner to be overwhelmed with all the information out there. In my humble opinion these are the things to start with. First of all I would find a dealer in your area that is knowledgeable and you can trust. I would search the Professional Numismatic Guild website for a list of dealers in your area. These dealers have to adhere to a strict code of ethics to belong to the PNG. Usually, the larger dealers are members of the PNG. Also, there are tons of other smaller dealers out there that are ethical and willing to help. Don't forget, they are business people, so when you learn something new, buy something small. (and no I'm not a dealer) Second, A good knowledge of how coins are made and what they are supposed to look like. Third learn how to grade coins. Pick a series, grade a lot of coins in that series to get a feel for it, and then move on to the next one. Circulating coins are easier to obtain, so I would start there first. Lastly, Counterfeit Detection, especially if you are buying high dollar coins. This will take a while, but several good books are out there. This is a very detailed subject, but is linked to how coins are made and what they should look like. I think gaining this knowledge will set you on the right track and serve you well in the future. Hopefully, this is helpful. |
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Replies: 17 / Views: 3,683 |
Posted 09/08/2014 12:56 pm
