An MS coin would typically show:
A brushed look on the fields. MS Morgan dollars show this effect quite well for reference.
The details on the obverse may be lacking details on the top of the stars, as well as on the wheat leaves.
The denticles may appear mushy and not squared.
The hair on Lady Liberty may not show exceptional detail.
The proof coin should be free of bag marks, if properly cared for.
The proof coin
Under a flashlight, the reflective fields of a proof coin should almost be blinding. It may not resemble watery fields, but it should look highly reflective.
There should be noticeable difference in the strike, a lot more details on the coin, especially on stars, hair, wheat stalks and denticles. The coin should not have any strike weakness on the coin obverse or reverse.
I suggest search heritage auctions for a few 1883 proof nickels and comparing those to what you have in hand.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/proof-liber...umbnail-071515
I understand that this coin has been on at least one other forum. Have they been able to assist at all ?
Do you believe the coin to have a chance at having a variety ? If so, what is it? A repunched date ? If it has a variety, there is a huge spreadsheet available at
http://shieldnickels.net/
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