This Coin Is A Proof. How Do We Know...?

I should think not, from a photo alone. I would imagine records exist of die markers for every proof ever minted, though. Just about every coin minted has had its' own obsessive specialist at some point down through the years.

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Originally posted by TypeMaster
I agree, but with so many of these coins available on ebay as proofs and I am looking to build a US long type set in proof only (as far as I can go) I have never opted to purchase one from the auctions that stated proof without verified documentation.....

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Here's a picture of the real McCoy for ya....
http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dol...r_dollar.htm

Now - do you really think that there should be a lot of these on ebay, when only 300-600 were made? Compare that to 293,000 business strikes, I'm betting this isn't a proof. Not an expert tho, just a skeptic!

ebay is determined to maximize their income, and to that end they are compromising the degree to which they're willing to control the quality of the sellers using their service. I suppose the accurate argument can be made that to do otherwise would be contrary to their insistence that they're merely a venue. That is, of course, a copout, but that's their story and they're sticking to it.

You are obviously too perceptive to be taken by the typical ebay coin scammer, but there are actually a few good dealers left there, individuals who can back their claims with due diligence. I understand your desire for documentation, as that would add a unique aspect to the collection. There may, however, be cases in which price and availability prohibit such a thing, and you will then be at the mercy of the dealer's veracity. Any seller worth their salt will cheerfully share their attribution process with you regarding a potential purchase. Such information would be a matter of public record, hidden somewhere in a book at worst, and easily verifiable.

My point here is to suggest that you maintain an open mind to the possibility of a real rip on ebay. It does still happen. You might have read elsewhere in this forum about the Zerbe Die 1921 Morgan I submitted to NGC through Bryan's auspices - that coin was part of a lot which paid for itself on resale, and my only investment in the Zerbe coin (coming back MS63PL and deserving of DPL IMO) is the grading fee.

I sincerely doubt that's the case with the coin pictured here, though.