care to guess if this silver dollar is proof or business strike?

[michael]

can you tell from the photo if this coin is a proof strike or business strike

 

and please give your reasons based on the scan why you think it is either a proof or business strike

 

 

michael

[CarolinaCollector]

First, the coin has mirrored fields and a strong strike but neither of these alone are indicators of a proof coin. What I look for is the "squared-up" lettering (business strikes have lettering that is more rounded) and I also look for evidence of a partial "wire-edge" on the rim. This coin seems to have both, so I would guess it is a proof.

 

Most early proofs came from one or two sets of dies and are documented in the numismatic literature. The best way to avoid a guess, is to check your coin against this information.

[kryptonitecomics]

I agree I thought proof and for the same reasons...the fields, the detail or full stike and the edge looks complately square to me. Nice contrast between the fields and devices. I am not an expert at seated coinage, but from the scan I would guess Proof.

 

In hand, I might think differently, but it looks good from the scan.

[CarlWohlforth]

My guess is proof for the reasons CarolinaCollector states. The denticles appear perfectly struck as do the Eagle's feathers. Nice looking coin in any case!

[spy88]

 

Michael,

 

I'm assuming you wouldn't ask if proof or business unless we might be fooled by the pic. Therefore, I'm going to guess its a proof . It just seems too finely detailed for anything else!

[Tradedollarnut]

Most likely a proof since it has a 100% full strike and full reflectivity in the shield stripes on the eagle.

 

However, an image can fool in many ways. It could just be the angle and the contrast that make it appear prooflike and there are many circ strike coins that are fully struck [tho they are scarce].

[Merc]

Flat squared off rims, full complete denticles around rim, mirrored proof fields. I just need to see the sharp squared off reeding. Then there is no doubt it is a proof. Overall I'd say it is a proof.

[michael]

everyone is totally correct man you guys are good on here

 

it is a proof and for all the reasons stated by everyone in their posts

 

you guys are good really good

 

 

 

 

michael

[TomB]

It definitely looks like a proof, as many have mentioned, but it also looks to have quite a bit of patina clinging to its surfaces and that is quite delightful as the coin is so otherwise untoned that one might think it was stripped.

[michael]

and tomb you sum things up really well

 

michael

[Hoot]

Absolutely fantastic coin! Great posts summarizing its proof characteristics.

 

Thanks Michael! Hoot

[Bruceswar]

I could really care less.. which it is.. it is a great coin!!!

[SilverDollarMan]

Kinda new, but I would say proof also.