Satin finish: Not such a good idea
Dave Allured
United States Mint Uncirculated Coins Get a New Look in 2011
Satin finish to be discontinued; brilliant finish reinstated
WASHINGTON - The United States Mint today announced that it is
discontinuing the satin finish on numismatic uncirculated coins produced
for the United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® and other products.
Instead, beginning in 2011, uncirculated-quality coins will feature a
brilliant finish.
The United States Mint began using the satin finish for its uncirculated
coins in 2005 to be consistent with other products in its portfolio,
such as commemorative coins. The satin finish, however, highlights
surface marks that inherently result from the coin-handling systems.
Although the United States Mint modified the process to improve the coin
appearance, there is no cost-effective way to completely eliminate the
coin-on-coin contact that causes surface nicks. As a result, the United
States Mint will revert back to the brilliant finish used on
uncirculated coins prior to 2005. This change will result in more
aesthetically pleasing coins with a finish that does not highlight
surface flaws. It will only be featured on uncirculated-quality
one-cent, 5-cent, dime, quarter-dollar, half-dollar and dollar coins.
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