How do I determine if a coin is a proof?

[mrbadexample]

Hi all,

As the title says - how do I establish if a coin is a proof? I've bought a double florin from a well known internet auction site. It wasn't sold as a proof, but there's something about it that makes me think it might be. It's quite dark toned, and has obviously been handled more than you would expect of a proof, but the fields still have a mirror-like quality. I'm fairly sure it's not due to cleaning.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxBRenK8v0n-MUUxWGtSa0FqZjA/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxBRenK8v0n-LTRJMmhtZl9WSlU/view?usp=sharing

I'm not sure these photos will help much because I can't capture the reflective quality of the fields.

Opinions or advice appreciated!
Thanks,
MBE

[Figleaf]

I don't think there is an easy answer to your question, but I am pretty sure an auction house would not describe it as proof. They might or might not go for ex-proof. Bottom line: does it matter?

Peter (who replaced proofs by unc coins when he could)

[mrbadexample]

Bottom line: does it matter?

Well, kind of. It could potentially make a difference to the value if it's a proof, or it could potentially annoy me if it's just been cleaned.