20c - Proof or cleaned?

[FloonDog]

First time poster here. I have a 20 cent piece I'm unsure about. At first I thought it was a proof, but the more I look at it, I'm not so sure. This was sitting untouched for 50+ years, but all the proof 20c coins I can find are well toned, this one is mirrored with only very slight toning visible under magnification. Now I'm thinking cleaned. The black mark on the reverse IS on the coin, not sure what it is. Opinions welcome, thanks!

 

[Mark T]

Not a proof , looks to be over dipped or cleaned.

[noow]

Cleaned or overdipped- the luster looks muted.

[physics-fan3.14]

Yes, it is a cleaned AU coin.

[coinman_23885]

It's definitely a business strike. I agree with your assessment concerning cleaning. I grade it AU details.

[James_OldeTowne]

I agree. It seems to be a polished AU.

[BillJones]

I owned an 1875 Twenty Cent Piece that was similar to this one mnay years ago. It was a sharply struck business strike that had been cleaned.

 

This coin was cleaned long ago, and it's still not the better for it. It's an okay coin, but chances are the grading services won't grade it. The best thing about it is that it's not an 1875-S.

 

Here is a Proof 1878 Twenty Cent Piece you can use to compare with your coin.

 

[FloonDog]

Thanks, I figured as much, but I've not seen enough 20c pieces to be confident. BTW - that is one nice 78 proof. Thanks for posting!

 

Tim