Proof -Vs- MS In The Early 50's

It might just be me but working on my dime dansco I could easily tell the difference between proofs from the 50's no problem.

timer,

There is no comparison ... kind of like apples and oranges. They are created using totally different processes.

Proof dies and planchets used for proofs get special preparation. The polished planchets are struck several times to insure a high contrast between fields and devices. Dies and planchets used for circulation strikes don't get these additional steps and the result is less contrast.

The proofs from the 50's and 60's (for the most part) don't have the "cameo devices" you see on modern proofs, but they indeed have mirrored fields. If you are concerned about getting an MS circulation strike instead of a proof, check photos of proofs to learn the die markers. The dies were different than those used for circulation strikes.

When dealing with pre-1973 proofs there is often NO contrast between the fields and the devices. In fact the devices have the same mirror finish that the fields have.