1887 threepence

[Nick]

I know that many Victorian silver coins appear to have been struck on highly polished flans and as such are often offered as proofs. Given that there were little over one thousand proof 1887 threepences struck, it is highly unlikely that I have a proof, but I would welcome your opinions.

The pictures show two 1887 threepences, both prooflike in appearance. The first picture has the coins square on to the camera, whereas the second has the coin surfaces angled toward the light source.

I think that the coin on the left is probably from a specimen set, or just an early strike. It is the one on the right that is perhaps a proof.

Nick

[Nick]

[Peckris]

Both are very attractive coins Nick, but neither appears to be a proof. But you can do a check yourself - one of the defining qualities of a proof is a sharp edged rim, all round.

Unfortunately the 19th Century is awash with coins that are 'prooflike', i.e. mirrored fields. Many of these - especially if accompanied by a strong well-defined strike - will be early strikes and therefore should command a premium over the regular 'bog standard' strikes. But only a modest premium in Britain compared with the States where they go ape over early strikes.

Some early strikes are even struck on ordinary blanks using proof dies, causing great difficulties to modern collectors and dealers. It's my opinion that yours aren't proofs, but see what others say.

[Nick]

Both are very attractive coins Nick, but neither appears to be a proof. But you can do a check yourself - one of the defining qualities of a proof is a sharp edged rim, all round.

Thanks Peckris, I think you're right. Having found a decent picture of a proof threepence on the 'net, the rims are much better defined and uniform all the way round than on my example.

Nick

[RobJ]

Both are very attractive coins Nick, but neither appears to be a proof. But you can do a check yourself - one of the defining qualities of a proof is a sharp edged rim, all round.

Thanks Peckris, I think you're right. Having found a decent picture of a proof threepence on the 'net, the rims are much better defined and uniform all the way round than on my example.

Nick

Can you not also tell if it is a Proof Issue if the edge is Plain as opposed to Milled?

Or does that not apply to all Proof Issues?

Edited February 7, 2011 by RobJ

[Nick]

Can you not also tell if it is a Proof Issue if the edge is Plain as opposed to Milled?

Unfortunately not, both proof and currency threepences are plain edged.

Nick

[RobJ]

Unfortunately not, both proof and currency threepences are plain edged.

Nick

Ah, OK.

Very nice coins all the same.

[Peckris]

Both are very attractive coins Nick, but neither appears to be a proof. But you can do a check yourself - one of the defining qualities of a proof is a sharp edged rim, all round.

Thanks Peckris, I think you're right. Having found a decent picture of a proof threepence on the 'net, the rims are much better defined and uniform all the way round than on my example.

Nick

Can you not also tell if it is a Proof Issue if the edge is Plain as opposed to Milled?

Or does that not apply to all Proof Issues?

Some proof issues of some coins certainly do have different edges than the business strikes - but you've got to go back (I think) to the earlier 19th Century and earlier, to see those. Most modern era proofs have the same edge, but they are sharp and even and well-defined.

[RobJ]

Some proof issues of some coins certainly do have different edges than the business strikes - but you've got to go back (I think) to the earlier 19th Century and earlier, to see those. Most modern era proofs have the same edge, but they are sharp and even and well-defined.

Ah, I see.

Thanks for the information.