Expert: Dan Moore - 2/9/2008

Question
I have a fairly large collection of coins that I inherited. I have some questions with regards to a book of Kennedy half dollars. Dates from 1964-1998 s. I can tell the proofs right away from the other coins, also the 1979S proofs V1 and V2) Each coin has marked underneath (a Danscko album) it year, mint, proof, BU,40%, etc.....first question, how do you tell the difference between a 1997S proof and a 1997S silver proof?
( I have 1991-1998S proofs along with the corresponding years S Silver proofs, that is to say coins in slots marked as such)
Second question is how do you tell the difference between 1976S proof and the 1976S 40% proof. I'm looking to sell these but need to get a little more knowledgable about them, Thanks for any info you can pass along
Barbara
PS I have lots of other coins I'll be inquiring about

Answer
Barbara,

Before you handle any of the proof coins, you need to get a pair of white cotton gloves.  The surfaces of the proofs are very fragile and if you handle them improperly, they can get easily marked, scratched, or fingerprinted, and will lose most of their value.  Try to handle these coins (and all uncirculated coins as well) by the edges only.

OK.  First take a few regular quarters from your change, stack them together and examine the edges of the coins.  See how they all have a copper stripe all the way around the edge?  That copper stripe is what you need to look for on your proof halves.  If your coin has the copper stripe, then it's a regular proof.  If it does not have the copper stripe, then it is a silver proof.  This applies to both the 1976 and 1990's proofs.

I hope this helps,

Dan