So, I was debating the new finish the Mint is putting on proof coins. It is more "rough" than the old ones. Was not sure if I liked it until I took a good look at the Silver Proofs...wow does that finish pop. I am becoming a fan of the new proof finish...what do others think?
No. They've escalated their "pseudo Cameo" finish to the point of really cheapening the product as these are not "TRUE" cameo coins. I expect that sometime in the near future they'll figure out its cheaper to simply put white paint on whats left of the relief of the devices. Or worse yet, only have painted devices on a flat planchet. On the upside, painting the design on would eliminate the perceived dipping problems! BTW, the ONLY reason they've chosen this method of applying the laser etched surfaces is that the coins are so LOW in relief that producing a true cameo coin is next to impossible!
Not following why this would be "pseudo cameo". Please explain. What is difference between this and a "true" cameo? I look at proof coins as display pieces...and the new coins display great.
Just based on the looks, I'll have to go with the "old" method. It almost looks like the new finish is going to gradually fall off. hehe
The new surface looks tacky, and will probably produced fewer cameos from the grading services. I also noticed that they've modified the profile giving Kennedy a deeper cleft between the chin and lower lip, added a "bump" on the upper bridge of the nose and made the brow stand out giving Kennedy a somewhat stern appearance. I don't like it at all. Chris
I believe the design change was in the 95 timeframe. I do not think there is a recent change as well. I used a pre 95 Kennedy, so there is a difference in design on the coins....my fault there.
Its not a true cameo but a "manufactured cameo". True cameo's are the result of freshly prepared dies. The older the die, the less cameo. Artificial cameo's are the result of "laser" etching a "grainy" surface into the die. I personally prefer the older, smoother cameo's over the grainy artificial cameo's.
Okay lyds...excuse my ignorance, however, I need more clarification. Traditional die polishing leading to smooth dies created a smooth cameo finish. Modern die polishing using laser etched dies creates a rough cameo finish. Both are die preparation, just different method (for better efficiency or effectiveness), and both would lead to better cameos early and less cameo later. Still not seeing why one is "fake" or "artificial"...just seeing different and possibly one produces more cameos between polishing/etching/die replacement. Please provide more info on the process that is leading to fake or artificial. I too, do not like doctored coins and fake/artificial would be doctored, even if completed by the mint. Right now though, it seems real with an opinion of looking fake...kind of like what chridular said...it looks like it will fall off.
Thank you all for sharing this. I did not know they changed over. I kinda like the new finish. It seems more detailed, kinda like the old "Accented hair" JFK's from 1964. I suppose, I will have to get one in hand someday, in order to make a sound judgement on the matter.
