France different versions of the same coin - example [Risolto]

Hello,

how does a beginner coin collector or someone who is not an expert, tell these two apart?

N#30

N#20807

I mean, it perfectly possible to buy either one in proof condition.

From the listing I would say by the thickness (2.2 mm vs 1.6 mm) but I'm not sure how they can be the same weight and have a thickness that different with one being .900 silver and the other .950.

Could this be an error in the database then?

Looking at other 100 Franc I suspect the 1.5 is off. I submitted the change request to remove it.

Which leaves no answer to your question.

Do you have a magnetic slide? You can compare coins of various purities to see how they slide.

https://en.numista.com/forum/topic46742.html

Or try a ping test with coins of various purities.

Or find a jeweler with an xrf scanner.

Or just assume you have the more common version.

Bonjour,

La différence est dans la qualité de frappe, celle-ci N#20807 est en qualité dite “Belle Epreuve” (BE = Proof) il y a un effet miroir: 

👍

As best I can tell, the first one was not struck in proof, only the second.

If you do not know how to tell the difference between UNC and Proof, you can go to a coin store at look at examples of each.  Generally speaking, the fields (flat area) of a proof have a mirror finish.