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The Poe Collection of Prooflike Coins

Category:  Other
Owner:  physics-fan3.14
Last Modified:  10/12/2020


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View Coin   United States 1/2C 1855 C-1 NGC MS 65 BN PL
View Coin   United States 1C 1858 SMALL LETTERS NGC MS 64 PL Total Graded: 7617
Total Prooflike: 9
Percentage: 0.1182%

The Flying Eagle cent is a really short series, but remains quite popular. The coins of 1856 are considered to be patterns, while regular issue coins were only made in 1857 and 1858. Despite this, there are a wealth of varieties and subtle design changes. There are two design subtypes in 1858: the coins of ’57 and early ’58 have Large Letters on the reverse, some of the 1858 coins have Small Letters. This difference is easily seen in the United States of America on the obverse. There is also a reverse design type: High Leaves and Low Leaves. This is most clearly seen by looking at the leaf just to the left of the C and to the right of T in CENT. On the high leaves reverse, the leaf will come up above the level of the base of the C and T (as seen on my coin). On the low leaves reverse, this leaf ends below the bottom of the letters.

Many of the 19th century prooflikes are theorized to have been created when Proof dies were later recycled and used for business strikes. The first few of the strikes will have reflective surfaces, until the delicate mirrors are worn off by the moving metal. The present coin, my 1858, is very easy to identify as one of these “coins struck by proof dies.” Rick Snow has specialized in early small cents, and, using his book, this coin can be attributed as the PR-1. After showing the coin to Snow, he agrees that the coin is a prooflike business strike. The key identifiers are the weaknesses in the strike, and the rounded rims. A proof strike will have sharp, square corners on the rims which this coin does not show.

The appearance of this coin is quite attractive to a specialist, but may not be something everyone appreciates. The mirrors are not extremely strong, but the fields are clearly reflective. The luster is muted (luster is often difficult to interpret on PL coins). There is a subtle and original patina on the coin. Flying eagle cents were made with an alloy high in nickel, so their color is very different from later date cents – the pale reddish/brownish color of this coin is original, and characteristic of this composition. Weakness of the strike, especially in the wreath on the reverse, is minor (the strike is above average for the date – but below a true proof). Minor carbon spots are flecked here and there, and a planchet flaw below the 1 of the date provides easy provenance identification. The coin easily earns the 64PL grade.
View Coin   United States 1C 1908 S NGC MS 65 RD Total Graded: 93303
Total Prooflike: 7
Percentage: 0.0075%

Prooflike Indian Cents are rare. Well, that is a bit of an understatement. PL Indian cents are RARE! When I asked one of the leading Indian cent dealers (Charmy Harker) about PL Indians, she said “They don’t exist.” Well, I refused to accept that as an answer, and kept looking. I knew that NGC had designated at least a couple, so they had to be out there somewhere.

Finally, I found this one. I was at the 2016 FUN show in Tampa, and had gone to pay a visit to Rick Snow and asked him to take a look at my Flying Eagle cent (to determine if it was a proof or actually a prooflike business strike). While at the table, we started talking about my set and my quest for PL coins. He showed me a 1908S in his case, and I immediately knew that I had to buy it. It was priced quite strongly, but it was worth it. At the time, it was in a PCGS 65RD holder, with his EagleEye sticker. He said that this coin was previously owned by QDB himself, in a set that Snow had helped him build.

The coin is bright red, with flashy, deep mirrors. There is a significant amount of cameo contrast on strongly struck devices. A couple of very minor carbon spots, and a couple of minor contact marks are all that hold this coin back from 66 – which is why NGC crossed it to 65+. There is a moderate amount of very fine die polish lines in the fields. For some reason, NGC did not designate this stunning coin as PL on the first try, so I had to send it back for a designation review, where it easily earned the PL.
View Coin   United States 1C 1938 S NGC MS 66 RD
View Coin   United States 1C 1943 S NGC MS 66 PL
View Coin   United States 1C 2004 NGC MS 68 RDP Total Graded: 75918
Total Prooflike: 148
Percentage: 0.1949%

Modern coins have a higher percentage of prooflikes graded, in general, than most classic series. Higher technical standards at the mint, and better polishing techniques, are generally responsible for this. In addition, the mint began chrome plating new dies in an effort to extend their life. Just like the chrome on your car, these chrome plated dies are often polished to a high shine – and hence a prooflike coin is struck. This change occurred in the mid-1980’s, and the modern prooflikes begin (depending on the series), around 1984.

The first of the modern coins in the type set is the Lincoln Memorial cent. Modern prooflikes are often highly reflective, looking more like proofs than many of their classic counterparts. The mirrors are not quite as deep as a true proof, and there is a distinctly “business strike” look to them. They generally have more textured fields than the proofs often display. Cartwheel luster is usually present, and the strike is not quite as good as the double-struck proofs. There is very rarely any cameo effect on these prooflikes – they are almost always fully brilliant. However, comparing the strike of prooflike coins to the normal coins, the prooflikes generally have very clear, crisp strikes. This is because these coins are the true “first strikes” from early dies.

A note on the statistics for this series: after watching the numbers for several years, it seems the ratio of prooflikes is fairly stable. Since I started watching the memorial Lincolns, the total graded number has increased from 55,000 to 75,000 – but the percentage of prooflikes has remained fairly constant (it is only slightly lower than when I started watching them).

My Lincoln Memorial is a bright red, fully reflective Superb Gem. While there are a few 69’s graded PL, 68 represents a great value to price point on the later coins (after 2000). Prior to that, I would recommend a 67PL coin. 2004 is one of the most common dates for PL strikes, with the other most common dates being 1999D and 2003. Perhaps this is why I was able to obtain this one on Ebay for $35 (which is a very good price). The coin is a bright cherry red, and possesses very strong mirrors. There is a light sheen of unidirectional die polish on both sides, but close magnification is required to see it. The strike is full and crisp – the most detailed strike I’ve ever seen on a late-date Lincoln. This is clearly one of the very first strikes from a set of new dies. For a modern Lincoln, this is a beautiful coin.
View Coin   United States 1C 2015 D EARLY RELEASES OFFICIAL US MINT SET NGC MS 67 RD PL
View Coin   United States 3CS 1862 NGC MS 67 PL Total Graded: 9781
Total Prooflike: 31
Percentage: 0.3169%

One of my goals as a collector is to buy coins that make people go WOW. It is great when I can impress a collector. Dealers, who often see so many nice coins, are often harder to impress: there are very few coins that will impress dealers. This is one of them Every dealer I’ve shown this to has paused, looked at it closely, admired it, and reluctantly handed it back (my 1871 Shield Nickel is another coin like this).

Silver 3 cent coins are actually fairly available in prooflike condition, compared to many other series. With a little looking, you can find 62-64 PL coins with more frequency than you would expect, given the number graded. What you will not often find, however, is one graded 67* PL. There are a few graded in the series at 67, and a couple at 68. I’ve had the pleasure of looking at one of the 68s and it was stunning, but the mirrors on mine are deeper. The most common date in prooflike is 1871, 1862 is second most common; 1851O, 1864, and 1872 are tied for third.

My coin has stunningly deep mirrors and a fantastic strike. There is a minor planchet flaw on the obverse which adds character, and very light die polish is evident at the right angle. Cameo contrast is strong, and the coin is nearly entirely free of contact marks. This is a tiny coin, but it packs a powerful punch. There is some disagreement among dealers I’ve shown it to whether it is actually a proof or a business strike. The rims are fairly square and the strike is strong, but the planchet flaw and die polish are uncharacteristic of a proof coin. Either way, the coin is attractive (and CAC agrees).
View Coin   United States H10C 1834 NGC MS 64 PL Total Graded: 5876
Total Prooflike: 35
Percentage: 0.5956%

A brief perusal of a major sale containing a number of half dimes shows several which are often described as “prooflike” or with “prooflike characteristics.” Rarely are these fully prooflike however, usually only showing shallow mirrors or patches of reflectivity. These coins don’t have the deep, reflective mirrored surfaces required for a coin to be called fully prooflike. Half dimes, however, are among the most common early coins in prooflike condition, with a full 35 coins so certified in this short series.

The coin I have added to my collection is a stunning example, with deep mirrors and a razor sharp strike. This coin is in magnificent condition, with few marks of note anywhere on the surface. The coin is further graced by attractive blue toning on both sides, which tends to mute the obverse mirrors some but not much. The obverse mirrors are somewhat shallower than the reverse, but that is only because the reverse mirror is fantastically strong. The mirrors appear to be formed due to die polishing, which is evidenced by polish lines on both sides of the coin. Minor ghosting in front of Liberty’s face and under the eagle’s wing is the only impediments to the mirrors. This effect seems to be fairly common on PL Bust coinage, for some reason. This coin is definitely a keeper.
View Coin   United States H10C 1858 NGC MS 64 PL Total Graded: 14925
Total Prooflike: 30
Percentage: 0.2010%

The half dime is a very small coin. The small surface area means that a larger percentage of them are going to be PL – or so you would think. However, the early Seated series is generally very difficult to find in prooflike condition. The later “With Motto” series is much easier.

The present coin is a fantastic example of the type. Deep watery mirrors are unblemished, with only scattered traces of polish evident under magnification. The strike is strong, but clearly not a proof – weakness in the stars and hair make it evident this is a business strike. Moderate toning is evident under the correct light, but is less obvious in hand than it is in these pictures. I got this coin at FUN 2012 from Dr. Eugene Bruder, a well known dealer and collector of prooflike coins.
View Coin   United States 5C 1867 RAYS NGC MS 65 PL Total Graded: 2088
Total Prooflike: 4
Percentage: 0.1916%

The census reports 4 graded prooflike examples, but looking through the Heritage archives proves that at least one of them is a resubmission (my present example, actually makes two appearances in the archives, in two different slabs with different numbers). All of them are from 1867, and they all grade very high (in the 65 to 66 range). Specialists in shield nickels will tell you that, especially in the early years, prooflike examples are common. However, having looked at enough of them in search of a suitable example for my set, these “prooflike” coins are really coins which have prooflike tendencies, but which rarely exceed semi-prooflike status. They are attractive coins, for sure, but if they do not meet the minimum requirements for the prooflike designation, then they cannot be called prooflike.

My coin is a stunning example of the With Rays type. Gorgeously reflective fields are characterized by die polish throughout. This is a late die state coin, but it is well struck for the type. The shield nickel series is well known for its plethora of varieties, and this one is no exception. It sports a F-04 repunched date, and the repunched 1 is clearly and easily visible in my pictures. All in all, this is a fantastic coin, and one I am very proud to add to my collection.
View Coin   United States 5C 1871 NGC MS 65 PL Total Graded: 6152
Total Prooflike: 2
Percentage: 0.0325%

Prooflike Shield Nickels, like most nickels, are quite rare. I have heard from shield nickel specialists that PL Shields are more common than the census numbers indicate, because many of them had not been submitted. I, however, disagree. I have seen many semi-PL shield nickels, but very few of them have the full reflectivity and noticeably mirrors that are required for the designation. Of the 2 examples graded of the No Rays type, my example is by far the highest graded (the other one is a 62PL). Both of these examples are from 1871, which leads me to believe that an old proof die may have been used, or a die that was initially intended to be proof.

My coin has deep, water mirrors with excellent cameo contrast. The coin is a shimmering gem, and one of the nicest Shield Nickels I have ever seen. There are minor mint made planchet flaws near the rims, but they do not detract significantly from the eye appeal of this coin. As NGC has denoted, this coin has a star for its superior eye appeal (with the cameo contrast) and the deeply reflective mirrors (which just miss being DPL).
View Coin   United States 5C 1883 NO CENTS NGC MS 65 PL Total Graded: 6450
Total Prooflike: 1
Percentage: 0.0155%

While the 1883 No Cents nickel is the most common date of the Liberty Nickel series, it is still an intriguing coin. Rumour has it that a number of the nickels were plated in gold by racketeers, and passed off as $5 coins. Thus, the word cents was added to the reverse to prevent this. These racketeering nickels can sometimes be found with traces of gold plating still clinging to them.

This one year subtype is exceedingly scarce in prooflike. Liberty nickels in general are quite scarce, but being a one year only type, the chance for prooflike coins is that much smaller. Out of the 16 prooflike coins graded by NGC for the entire series, my example is the only one of the No Cents subtype. I have seen a couple other PL No Cents nickels in ANACS holders, but it was questionable whether they would garner the PL designation at NGC.

This coin is absolutely spectacular. CAC gave it the green bean, which really means nothing to me but some people care about it. The coin is mark free, with beautiful deep mirrors and a strong cameo effect. The strike is sublime with only the barest hints of weakness on the lower left stars and some of the vegetation on the reverse. The color is a delicate icy blue, with little to no toning. There is minor spotting in places, but it is insignificant. While prooflikes in general are difficult to evaluate through photos, this is one that you definitely need to see in hand.
View Coin   United States 5C 1902 NGC MS 64 PL Total Graded: 18550
Total Prooflike: 15
Percentage: 0.0809%

Prooflike nickels are very scarce; prooflike Liberty nickels are even scarcer. Because nickel is such a hard metal, it tended to wear dies faster than other metals. Thus, the fragile surfaces of the die necessary for prooflike coins would be degraded faster than other metals. The Liberty head nickels are divided into two subtypes: the first, minted only in 1883, is the no CENTS version. The type shown here, minted 1883 until the series ended in 1912, had the word CENTS added under the wreath on the reverse.

I was quite pleased to add this coin to my collection. It is the highest graded of 2 for the date, and while the mirrors aren’t as deep as other coins I have, it is unmistakably prooflike. The obverse mirrors are clearly stronger than the reverse. The coin has light die polish under the devices especially on the reverse. Minor striking weakness on the obverse stars is made up for by the excellent strike on the reverse. I’m guessing this is a coin which was repolished to mirror finish later in die life, rather than having been created this way. I won it at a Heritage auction for a fair price in 2010. No new PL’s have been graded in the intervening years which means this coin is a truly scarce specimen.
View Coin   United States 5C 1942 S NGC MS 66 PL Total Graded: 55443
Total Prooflike: 16
Percentage: 0.0289%

An interesting subset of the Jefferson nickel series is the War Nickel, made from 1942-1945. Nickel and copper were important wartime metals, and so the mint was forced to use silver for the nickel. These coins were given large mintmarks over the dome of Monticello to distinguish them. Today, they are incredibly popular with collectors. San Francisco minted nickels sometimes exhibit prooflike characteristics due to polishing the dies and placing them back in service. The effect is seen on many different series of coins from the 40’s and 50’s, and can be quite charming. Fully prooflike coins are rare, but semi-PL coins can be found with a bit of searching.

I have added a 1942S to my set. This is by far the most common date for PL war nickels, with 11 of the 16 graded (two of those being FS examples). My coin is tied for finest known. It has very nice mirrors, with the characteristic die polish covering the surfaces. The strike is average (which means it is soft). There is a light patina covering the coin, which, with the reflective mirrors, gives this coin a very attractive look.
View Coin   United States 5C 1946 S NGC MS 66 PL
View Coin   United States 5C 1964 D NGC MS 65 PL
View Coin   United States 5C 1984 D NGC MS 65 5PL Total Graded: 66578
Total Prooflike: 229
Percentage: 0.3440%

The Jefferson is one of the longest running series in the type set (behind only the Lincoln cent). However, the Jefferson did not change composition in 1964, and it did not change reverse in the 1950’s – so overall, the Jefferson and Monticello design is the longest running. The only exception is of course the silver issues of WWII. What this means is that there is a wide range of choices for prooflike examples – the three main eras of prooflike coinage in the 20th century are all represented. These are the S mint coins of the late 30’s through early 50’s, Denver coins of 1968-1972, and modern coins starting in the mid 80s. My present example is the first of these modern coins – 1984D.

Jefferson nickels are one of the series which are often collected by strike, with the reverse being designated as Full Steps. While building one of the other sets I have, the Franklin Half Dollar, I came to realize that a strong strike was important to me. For this type set, therefore, I selected a 5FS example for my set. Across the series, prooflike coins are roughly divided in half between FS and non-FS coins. In the mid 1990’s, the mint changed most coinage to have a shallower relief in an effort to extend the life of their dies. My coin, made in the 1980’s, has the higher relief. I think it makes a much nicer coin, and the strong strike stands out against the deeply reflective surfaces. This is no trace of toning, and the only thing holding it back from a higher grade is that unfortunate mark on Jefferson’s cheek.
View Coin   United States 5C 1987 D NGC MS 66 6FS PL
View Coin   United States 5C 1998 D NGC MS 65 6FS DPL Total Graded: 73229
Total Deep Prooflike: 5
Percentage: 0.0068%

The original Jefferson with Monticello reverse is the longest running series in the type set. The new reverse represents a distinct type (although not included in this Registry set). There were a couple of temporary changes throughout the series – most notably the Silver war nickels, and the 2004-2005 Westward Journey Nickels. What this means is that there is a wide range of choices for prooflike examples – the three main eras of prooflike coinage in the 20th century are all represented. These are the S mint coins of the late 30’s through early 50’s, coins of 1968-1972, and modern coins starting in the mid 80s. I have examples of the earliest and latest eras.

Jefferson nickels are one of the series which are often collected by strike, with the reverse being designated as Full Steps. While building other sets, such as my Franklin Half Dollar set, I came to realize that a strong strike was important to me. However, S mint coins of the 1930s to 1950s are usually quite challenging across all denominations to find with a good strike. Modern coins are usually easier to find with Full Steps. Across the series, prooflike coins are roughly divided in half between FS and non-FS coins.

My early representative is a 1946S, and has the abysmal strike you would expect. The surfaces are fully mirrored, and characterized by strong die polish on both sides (as is expected of prooflikes of this era). It is a beautiful mid-die state coin, with obvious mirrors and plenty of eye appeal. It has almost certainly been dipped, but the strength of the coin (and the mark free surfaces) led to a clear 66PL grade.

For the modern example, I was lucky enough to find one of the 5 DPL graded coins of the entire series. Interestingly, all 5 of these are from 1998D (two in MS-64, two in 65, and one in 66). All five of these coins have 6 Full Steps, the highest strike designation. A modern coin with the low grade of 65 would not normally be the coin I’d choose, but I couldn’t pass up the Deep Prooflike fields! They accentuate the marks, but those mirrors are deep and highly reflective.

I’ll take a moment here to mention that the Jefferson series was changed in 2004 to commemorate the Lewis and Clark expedition, with a series of four reverse designs. After the 2 year program, the Jefferson nickel permanently changed (and represents a new series, in my opinion). Among my collection, although not included in this Registry set, is an example of the Handshake reverse, graded 65PL, and the Bison reverse, graded 64 PL.
View Coin   United States 5C 2004 D HANDSHAKE NGC MS 65 PL
View Coin   United States 5C 2004 P KEELBOAT NGC MS 65 PL
View Coin   United States 5C 2005 D BISON NGC MS 64 PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1857 NGC MS 64 PL Total Graded: 3653
Total Prooflike: 5
Percentage: 0.1369%

The Seated Liberty series is roughly divided into three major types, the first of which being the Stars variety shown here. Seated Liberty coins from the 1880’s are fairly common in prooflike, but the early dates are quite scarce. The present coin is the only example of the date graded prooflike, out of a total of 5 for the type (the other 4 are from 1837).

My coin exhibits flashy fields when turned to the light, with contrasting devices. It appears to have been dipped at one point in its life, and has retoned with the purple color seen here. While I would have preferred a more original example, this piece is quite attractive. The strike is above average, but still shows a good bit of weakness.
View Coin   United States 10C 1880 NGC MS 66 PL Total Graded: 13800
Total Prooflike: 66
Percentage: 0.4783%

The third subtype of the Seated Liberty series, the Legend Obverse type is by far the most common in prooflike. In the late 1870’s and 1880’s, Seated Liberty prooflike coins are actually quite common. Maybe not as common as the Morgan, but they are available with sufficient frequency that anyone interested should be able to pick up an attractive example for a reasonable price. These pieces are generally characterized by strong mirrors and cameo devices. On rare occasions, you can find one from an old collection that exhibits fantastic toning.

The piece I chose for my set shows that exquisite toning, likely from storage in an album. The cameo contrast is slight, but it is more than made up for by the glowing rings of rainbow toning – especially on the obverse. Deep mirrors show off flawless surfaces, and an excellently detailed strike. While higher graded pieces exist, the 66PL has the perfect balance of quality and price. This piece upgrades a 65PL that I had, and comes from the well-known dealer Mark Feld. I was able to trade him my 65PL plus some cash for this magnificent coin.
View Coin   United States 10C 1897 NGC MS 63 PL Total Graded: 19204
Total Prooflike: 38
Percentage: 0.1979%

With a whopping 38 graded, you would think that the Barber dime would be easily available. While it is by no means common, the dime is the most frequently encountered Barber series in prooflike condition (which means that I generally see 2 or 3 examples for sale a year). A surprisingly wide variety of dates are available in prooflike condition, although about half of the population is from either 1892 or 1894.

The coin I bought is graded 63, a point lower than I normally prefer. However, I believe that the coin is undergraded (you know the old saying, ownership adds a point). The fields are full of die polish, and parts of the obverse field display an odd roughness. This roughness appears to be from rust – I’m guessing the dies deteriorated and were polished before being placed back in service. The strike is strong, the mirrors are very reflective. Luster is weak, which probably contributed to the 63 grade. Various parts of the fields exhibit wispy hairlines, which probably also brought the grade down. Overall, this is a solid coin, and I’m pleased to include it in my set.
View Coin   United States 10C 1940 D NGC MS 64 FB
View Coin   United States 10C 1941 S NGC MS 67 FB PL Total Graded: 120115
Total Prooflike: 54
Percentage: 0.0450%

Prooflike coins from San Francisco are available across several series from the late 1930’s through the early 1950’s. These coins are often characterized by rather strong polishing, but they have generally very strong mirrors. These coins are also among the best struck coins from that mint – notorious for its generally weak strike. In the Mercury Dime series, the 1941S is by far the most common coin in prooflike, with specimens ranging up to 68 FBP (that is, 68 with Full Bands and Prooflike).

My coin is a 67 FBP, with only three graded higher at 68 FBP (although the 68FBP sells for many multiples of this coin’s price). The coin has razor sharp band lines and distinct mirrors. It replaces a 65 FBP which I bought at FUN 2010 (the coin which really convinced me to start this set). The present coin is nearly mark free – an absolutely beautiful presentation of this classic series. I’ve seen quite a few prooflike Mercs, but few have been as mark free as this one. To appreciate these S mint PLs, however, you must appreciate the die polish lines that caused them. Lucky for me, I do. I’ve seen deeper mirrors on a number of PL Mercs, but this coin is quite flashy. I got this coin on Ebay.

A real oddity which I was able to add to my set is a prooflike Mercury Dime from Denver, a 1940D graded 64* FB. It doesn’t have mirrors quite deep enough for the PL designation – but it is unquestionably mirrored. I have encountered very few prooflike coins from the Denver mint from this era. The coin does not have the same die polish as the San Francisco coins, so it has a much “softer” appearance. I don’t really know how to describe it otherwise.
View Coin   United States 10C 1942 S NGC MS 66 FB PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1947 S NGC MS 66 FT PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1949 S NGC MS 66 PL Total Graded: 61889
Total Prooflike: 25
Percentage: 0.0404%

The silver Roosevelt in PL is harder to find than you would expect. It was struck during the prime years of the S-mint prooflike era, but only a tiny percentage have been graded as PL. Every one I have seen has been characterized by extremely strong die polish.

My coin is no exception. Harsh die polish covers both sides, which leads to the polished reflectivity I love so much. It is interesting how prooflikes of different eras have such different appearances. This coin is bright white, highly flashy, well struck for a non-FT coin, and fully prooflike. I bought it at FUN 2011. The major shows often will have a couple of prooflikes hidden in a dealers case, but finding them can be challenging.









View Coin   United States 10C 1952 S NGC MS 66 PL Total Graded: 71191
Total Prooflike: 30
Percentage: 0.0421%

The silver Roosevelt in PL is harder to find than you would expect. It was struck during the prime years of the S-mint prooflike era, but only a tiny percentage has been graded as PL. The Roosevelt is considerably less popular than the Mercury Dime, and it is no surprise that prooflikes are correspondingly less available. Every Roosie prooflike which I have seen has been characterized by extremely strong die polish. 1947S and 1949S are by far the most common dates. Interestingly, though, fully struck specimens are much harder to find than on the Mercury dime (roughly 3/4 of the Merc PLs also have FB, whereas less than 1/4 of the Roosevelt PLs also have FT).

My coin is exactly what you would expect from this era. Harsh die polish covers both sides, which leads to the polished reflectivity I love so much. It is interesting how prooflikes of different eras have such different appearances. This coin is bright white, highly flashy, and possesses an average strike for a non-FT coin. It is fully prooflike, with nice deep mirrors on both sides. I bought it at FUN 2011. The major shows often will have a couple of prooflikes hidden in a dealer’s case, but finding them can be challenging. I also have a 1949S coin graded 66PL, which shows strong mirrors, strong die polish, and an average strike.
View Coin   United States 10C 1963 D NGC MS 65 PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1968 D NGC MS 66 PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1969 D NGC MS 66 PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1970 D NGC MS 64
View Coin   United States 10C 1972 D NGC MS 67 PL
View Coin   United States 10C 1972 D NGC MS 67 PL
View Coin   10C 1995 P STRUCK 15% OFF CENTER NGC MINT ERROR MS 66 FT
View Coin   United States 10C 1996 W NGC MS 67 FT PL
View Coin   United States 10C 2005 D SMS NGC MS 68 PL Total Graded: 14747
Total Prooflike: 155
Percentage: 1.05%

Reflecting the general unpopularity of the dime, there are relatively few modern Roosevelt’s graded. However, the number of prooflikes is about the same as other modern series, giving a percentage of graded coins of about 1%. Smaller coins generally have a higher proportion of prooflike coins. As with other modern series, the most common dates are the late 90’s, and 2000’s. Business strikes have a number of PL’s, but the mint’s new SMS coins which have been put in mint sets are generally struck to a higher quality. These coins are technically MS, but are made with special care and attention for collectors. Hence, high grades and high quality are more common. I have an example of both regular business strike and SMS in my set, although the SMS is shown here.

My dime is a high grade SMS 68* PL, although it doesn’t have full torch lines. The SMS coins have more of a satin feel than typical business strikes. The mirrors on this coin are bright and flashy, and the strong cameo contrast earned the desirable star rating. There is a large nick on Frank’s cheek, which I would have though precluded the 68 grade, but the rest of the coin is flawless. I got this on Ebay for a very good price.
View Coin   United States 10C 2015 D EARLY RELEASES NGC MS 67 FT DPL
View Coin   United States 25C 1876 NGC MS 64 DPL Total Graded: 12260
Total Deep Prooflike: 1
Percentage: 0.0082%

Seated Liberty quarters are the hardest prooflikes to find of all the Seated denominations, for reasons I do not know. Of the 50 or so graded for the series, the 1870’s and 1880’s present your best chance of finding one, similar to other denominations. What you will not find, however, is a DPL Seated Quarter. Why? Because I have the only one graded. There is one for the entire series, and I am the lucky owner.

I got this coin from JJ Teaparty in 2012, after someone posted it on the NGC Discussion Forum. I spend a lot of time there, and have made quite a few friends – if you want to talk and learn about coins, it is a great place. Anyways, I saw someone post a link to it on JJ Teaparty’s website, and immediately bought it. No hesitation, no haggling. I was willing to pay whatever it took to acquire this unique specimen. And I wasn’t disappointed. Astonishingly deep mirrors are impeded by slight hazing, but the cameo contrast is strong and deep. Slight marks are scattered across the coin, consistent with a strong 64 grade. Minor patches of die polish and slight striking weakness prove this is a business strike coin – because otherwise you would believe it’s a proof. This is truly a special coin.
View Coin   United States 25C 1900 S NGC MS 64 PL Total Graded: 18498
Total Prooflike: 40
Percentage: 0.2162%

All Barber coinage is difficult to locate in prooflike condition. The quarter is no exception. Despite 40 pieces being graded, these coins are rather difficult to locate, especially in grades of 64 or higher. If you do find one, the odds are that it will be from the early 1890’s (’92, ’93, or ’94), being the first years of the series.

Far less likely, you will find one from after the turn of the century. My coin, a 1900S, is the only one of the date graded PL. The coin is fantastically flashy, with strong mirrors and an exceptional strike. Die polish covers the coin, and a few wispy marks on the obverse keep the grade down. 1900S is a semi-key date in the Barber Quarter series, so finding one in prooflike condition was a great bonus.

Of course, I do also have an 1892, graded 64PL. This coin has a great strike (although not as good as the 1900S). The mirrors are quite strong. Eye appeal on the 1892 is considerably stronger than my 1900S though – this coin has noticeable cameo contrast on both sides. A small patch of marks in the obverse field keep the grade to a 64, but this is a solid coin. Funnily, I had been searching for a Barber quarter for a long time. The 1900S showed up at auction in mid-2014 and I quickly bought it. Less than a month later, the 1892 showed up and was selling for a great price – so I bought it also. Now I have 2, and that could never be a bad thing!
View Coin   United States 25C 1892 NGC MS 64 PL
View Coin   United States 25C 1946 S NGC MS 65 PL
View Coin   United States 25C 1947 S NGC MS 65 PL Total Graded: 115829
Total Prooflike: 38
Percentage: 0.0328%

Again, the silver coins of the 1940’s and 50’s from the S mint are almost exclusively responsible for the prooflike coinage of this type. As expected, they are all characterized by strong die polish. Are you understanding what to expect from this era of prooflike yet? Washington’s are the easiest coins to find PL of this era, except for Mercury dimes. 47S seems to be the most common date, I have seen several PL quarters of this date.

I’m particularly proud of this coin. I had been looking for a Washington for a while, when I saw this coin raw on Ebay. I took a $35 gamble, and when it came I knew that I had gotten lucky. The coin is fully prooflike, and quite attractive. I sent it to NGC expecting a 64PL, but lucked into a 65PL (worth at least 10 times what I paid for it). Well struck, attractive, prooflike – what more could you ask?









View Coin   United States 25C 1948 S NGC MS 65 PL
View Coin   United States 25C 1964 D NGC MS 64 PL
View Coin   United States 25C 1972 D NGC MS 66 PL
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