How to tell a business strike from a proof

[stan jewell]

I really not sure how to tell one from the other. Found this 1968 S mint in a rill of nickels. I have compared it with S mint nickels and cant tell what this 1968 S mint is. So here's my question. Are all S mints a proof or are there other type's of S mint marks ? I know the mintage is 3,041,506. I know the back is on the worn side. Any help on this one would be most grateful. Thank you.

[almostfm]

In the late1960s we were still coming out of the mid 60's coin shortage, and the San Francisco Mint had been pressed back into service making business strike coins including cents and nickels. So in this case, just the mintmark isn't enough to tell for sure. But the pictures are enough, and this is a business strike. On the proof coins of that era, the steps on Monticello will be sharp and straight. On this coin, they're mushy and not complete. My uncirculated 69 S has exactly the same steps as this one, and it came directly from a mint set. I suspect someone gave it a quick polish.

thanks
Scott

[mustbebob]

Proof refers to the coin's method of manufacture. A proof coin would have nice squared off rims as well. A proof coin has sharp details, the high wire edge and an incredibly bright mirror-like surface. The Proof dies were made and the S mint mark added at the Philadelphia Mint in 1968.