Proof?

[Master Jmd 82]

is a proof coin a coin with 'HP' below the head?

[william 0]

is a proof coin a coin with 'HP' below the head?

No. Proofs are special collectors pieces struck with dies that have been polished and have a mirror like finish to them.

This is a proof coin. The picture isn't brilliant, but you can see that the fields are reflective.

Proofs used to be trial strikes, for testing the dies but they aren't anymore.

Edited April 16, 2004 by william

[Master Jmd 82]

ok, thanks

[Emperor Oli 0]

I'm guessing your coin is George VI: The H.P stands for T. Humphrey Paget, the engraver. On the reverse of the sovereign and all the others with St. George slaying the dragon, there is a tiny B.P below the dragon: This means Benedetto Pistrucci, the engraver of that design.

[william 0]

What is this coin Master JMD? After looking in Spink, quite a lot of George VI proofs are rare and/or worth quite a lot.

[Emperor Oli 0]

Well it's not a proof is it? Because he thought a proof was one with "H.P" below the head. So it is just a normal George VI coin.

[Master Jmd 82]

i was sorting out my shillings, and wondered what the 1950, 1951 and 1953 proof shillings looked like...

[william 0]

Well it's not a proof is it? Because he thought a proof was one with "H.P" below the head. So it is just a normal George VI coin.

Oops!

[Chris Perkins 228]

i was sorting out my shillings, and wondered what the 1950, 1951 and 1953 proof shillings looked like...

They look like proofs....Master JMD, it's difficult to try to explain what a proof looks like, if you've never seen one. You need to buy a couple so that you know.

You are also very unlikely to find any proofs among piles of circulated coinage.

[Half Penny Jon 0]

There are other proof shillings etc. for most years. They are called V.I.P proofs and currently retail at £300-£400 each in FDC.

Jon.

[Emperor Oli 0]

I wonder if anyone has any Churchill VIP frosted proofs? A snip at £400 (Spink 2004)

[Half Penny Jon 0]

I don't know. However, I wouldn't pay that much for it considering that it is the most despisable coin ever.