Hello all, I've been coin roll hunting for a few months now and have gone through quite a few halves. The other day, I came across one that was "exceptional". I've done a cursory search to see if it is interesting but so far have come up empty. I would like to query the collective knowledge here to see if it's worth keeping. Aside from a scuff on the obverse upper right and running diagonally, the coin is relatively clean. Both the obverse and the reverse have what is best described as a matte-like finish rather than the normal polished look. If anything, I suspect a die anomaly (maybe a worn die). Any input or tips that I could follow up on would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Where did it come from? The 1989 matte finish coins only came in proof sets. Also, it has a D mint mark.
I pulled it out of a coin roll. In my brief search, I saw that some matte finish coins were in proof sets and also struck on a silver planchet. I can confirm this coin is struck on a clad planchet. Thanks for the reply!
the matte finish coins were not struck on silver planchets. they are clad coins available in the regular issue mint sets
I'm sorry to be blunt since you really like the coin, but it's not the 89 matte proof, and it's circulated - much of the hair detail is worn away. It has that matte look to it because the luster has been worn off by handling.
I have no attachment to the coin, just noticed it was different and was wondering if it was special. I agree that it is definitely not a proof coin. Also, I've seen LOTS of worn coins during my hunting - this one looks different. There is a fairly uniform "matte" (sorry to keep using this word, it's the best I've got - it is definitely NOT a mint matte coin) across both surfaces of the coin. While possible, I suppose, I cannot think of a logical way that normal wear can create such a pattern. I'm happy to abandon the idea of this being interesting if the consensus is such. Thanks!
Here is one I have found. Notice where the ear and the hairline come together. On your coin, there is significant wear visible in that spot and on the word trust. I would say the smooth matte like finish is caused by significant wear, not by any mint related issues. I have seen some interesting smooth finishes on coins that have been through fires. The smoke and heat cause some very interesting looks.
From all the small "pock marks" (about the best way for me to describe it) I would guess that it was dipped in a mild acid. Chris
Quite true, thanks for posting the picture. While not obvious in my picture, in person, it looks like the diagonal "scuff" actually extends down to "Trust" as well as the ear-hairline junction you point out. It's possible whatever scuffed this caused the "asymmetrical" wear you mentioned. Perhaps to rule out this added variable, the reverse may be more telling (as there doesn't seem to be any remnants of the scuff). I guess someone could have hit this coin with a sandblaster to create the effect. Seems like a lot of effort for nothing!
Aha, this is a possibility I hadn't considered. Probably the best theory so far. Someone tried to clean it and ended up pitting it. Thanks!
Remember...collect what you enjoy. If interesting effects on coins make you happy to discover...collect them. There are many that are focused on perfection. Many focused on investment. The key is to enjoy the beauty, style, uniqueness, and any other thing that makes your collection yours. I collect some things many will tell me are pointless as they will never be worth anything....well, I am not collecting to make money, I am collecting to enjoy the specific aspects I personally find interesting. For these reasons...Great Find in your searching as you found something that made you go oooh, aaahhhh, cooooool.
I completely concur. In my case, a hobby is almost by definition not a money-making endeavor! This coin is already in a cardboard sleeve and it will remain there. At least now I have a plausible explanation to go along with it. Thanks again to all that responded.
I think Chris is on the right track, but it would appear to be either a strong acid or it set in the acid a prolonged time. People who have tried to recover dates on old nickels know how resistant that composition is to acids. Since the core was copper, it would be interesting to see if the pattern was the same on the edge of the coin. Copper would react more to acids and should be more damaged than the faces.
No doubt, the coin has been processed and I have seen "similar" coins with the same processing. As for all the "matte" discussion, I have no idea where this is coming from. Especially the comments about an 89 Matte Proof? I know that there is a 1998 Matte Finish coin and there are Satin Finish Mint sets from 2005-2011 but have never heard anything with regard to an "89 Matte Proof".
No. It is not correct. Proof, is a manufacturing process different then business strike or SMS Coins.
