Hey guys. Well, I pulled the enhanced coin out of the box this morning after packing it away for a few weeks. I know a lot of us feel that the enhanced version is just a proof coin in disguise so along with it I also pulled out a 2013 proof ase for comparison. When you examine both coins in hand you observe that the fields on both coins are highly reflective and mirror like, but, when you reflect something off the surfaces of the two you begin to see a difference in the reflective nature between the two coins. The reflection off of the proof gives back a clear and concise image of an object. There is absolutely no distortion. Not so with the enhanced coin. That reflection comes back a little hazy and less defined. I used my finger to reflect off of both coins and with the proof coin I could see the details of my fingerprints and on the enhanced coin they were barely discernible. So in conclusion, I don't think the enhanced version is a proof coin at all. Proof like, maybe, but there is definitely a difference in the way both coins are manufactured. Hopefully someday the mint will divulge how they produce the enhanced version. I sure as heck would like to know. Remember, 'proof' is not a grade, it's a method of manufacture and the enhanced coin isn't cutting the mustard (so to speak) in this regard. Just a humble collectors opinion..........
There are several differences between any Proof Like coin and a Proof coin. With Proofs the dies are polished to a much finer degree, the planchets are also polished, whereas with business strikes they most often are not. Proofs are always struck at least twice, often more, and business strikes are only struck once. Proof dies are only used to strike so many coins, business strike dies strike many more.
I put them in the same category as the "reverse proofs", because (correct me if I'm wrong) the same technology is used to produce the "enhanced uncirculated" coins.
No, a Reverse Proof is a true Proof. The only difference is that on a Reverse Proof - the devices & legends are mirrored instead of the fields, and the fields are frosted instead of the devices and legends.
I agree. I also agree with Green, I think these coins are best called PL, which is a pretty well understood term in numismatics.