How do I tell the difference between Proof & Silver Proof coins?

[dre2xl]

I found a proof quarter from the laundry machine, a 2002 Indiana quarter with the “S” mark. As far as I know, the SF mint doesn’t make regular-circulation coins, and this quarter is far more shiny than the freshly mint coins, so I’m assuming this is a proof or a silver proof coin. How do I tell the difference?

[Mr.Blue_Sky]

From this site

22. What are proof coins? What’s the difference between the various proof sets offered in recent years by the U.S. mint?

Proof coins are specially manufactured for sale at a premium to collectors and sometimes for exhibition or for presentation as a gift or award. Proofs are generally distinguishable from ordinary coins by their mirrorlike fields, frosty devices (especially in recent years) and extra sharp details.

To obtain these qualities, each proof coin die is polished to produce an extremely smooth surface and used for a limited number of coins. Planchets are hand fed to the coin press, where they are struck at a higher than ordinary pressure. Struck coins are removed by hand with gloves or tongs. Modern proof coins are usually packaged in clear plastic to protect them from handling, moisture, etc.

For many years the U.S. Mint has sold annual sets of proof coins. These “regular” proof sets usually contain one proof coin of each denomination minted. In 1983, 1984 and 1986-97, Prestige Sets were also sold. Prestige Sets include all the coins in the regular set, plus one or two commemorative coins issued the same year. Since 1992, the Mint has also offered Silver Proof Sets, which include 90% silver versions of the proof dime, quarter(s) and half dollar. From 1992 through 1998, the Mint also offered a Premier Silver Proof Set. The two types of silver proof sets contain the same coins, with the premier set housing them in fancier packaging.

[Cisco]

It’s been over a decade since I actively collected coins so my memory is a bit fuzzy but I believe what constitutes a proof coin is 1) it being double-stamped, and 2) it never being touched by human hands.

If this coin isn’t in an airtight case then it is no longer proof. Since most people don’t pay ungodly amounts of money for proof sets (about $20 for $0.91 of coins last time I checked) just to open them up and spend them, I’d say this might just be a particularly shiny new coin.
On preview: You’re right that the SF mint doesn’t make regular circulation coins anymore. I never collected anything newer than 1955 (except the occasional proof/uncirculated set) so I have no idea when they stopped doing regular circulation and I can’t find anything online.

[dre2xl]

@Mr. Blue Sky

From this site

Thanks–this is a loose coin, though, so I guess I’ll have to get a jeweler to take a look at it and see if it’s 90% silver or not… I’ve seen proof sets and I can’t imagine what kind of idiot would break open the plastic covering and spend it and to have it somehow end in my hands through a laundry change machine.

[dre2xl]

@Cisco

It’s been over a decade since I actively collected coins so my memory is a bit fuzzy but I believe what constitutes a proof coin is 1) it being double-stamped, and 2) it never being touched by human hands.

If this coin isn’t in an airtight case then it is no longer proof. Since most people don’t pay ungodly amounts of money for proof sets (about $20 for $0.91 of coins last time I checked) just to open them up and spend them, I’d say this might just be a particularly shiny new coin.
On preview: You’re right that the SF mint doesn’t make regular circulation coins anymore. I never collected anything newer than 1955 (except the occasional proof/uncirculated set) so I have no idea when they stopped doing regular circulation and I can’t find anything online.

Thanks. I wasn’t planning on selling it, I was planning on keeping it as a memory of good luck. FYI, here’s a picture of it next to the shiniest “normal” quarter I could find: http://www.w4jdh.net/~emelia/coins.jpg

[Cabbage]

An easy way to tell a silver quarter from a non silver quarter is to just look at the edge. If you see any of the copper core on the quarter’s edge, it’s not silver; otherwise, it’s 90% silver. (At least that distinguishes pre-1965 silver quarters from the copper-nickel quarters made 1965-present; I’d be willing to be that the same is true of silver/non-silver quarters made today).

[Ilsa_Lund]

Yep, that’s a mirror proof coin.

[dre2xl]

@Cabbage

An easy way to tell a silver quarter from a non silver quarter is to just look at the edge. If you see any of the copper core on the quarter’s edge, it’s not silver; otherwise, it’s 90% silver. (At least that distinguishes pre-1965 silver quarters from the copper-nickel quarters made 1965-present; I’d be willing to be that the same is true of silver/non-silver quarters made today).

Wow, that’s VERY easy… and, nope, it’s not silver proof. D’oh. But it still overcame incredible odds (and stupidity) to get in my hands, so I’m happy all the same. Thanks!