Hello, I'm new here. I inherited a 1922 Peace dollar, and it appears to be a little different. What I need is a good detailed description of what I've seen referred to as "Matte, or Satin" finish. I feel the satin finish would mimic actual satin. IE: perpendicular fine screen pattern, ??? The matte finish might just be a random pebble finish in micro scale. I've seen images of the satin finish on the Net, but the resolution is not nearly enough to do a comparison. I'm originally from "Sweet Home Chicago", but retired to Puerto Rico 11 yrs ago, and there are no coin dealers to do a "show & tell". Before I submit to NGC, or other I would prefer to have a little more confirmation in my mind. If anyone has the time & patience to help, I would be be most appreciative. Thanks, Jim
Howdy Jim - Welcome to the Forum ! All Peace dollars have what is usually described as a satin finish. The only differences with what you are talking about are with the Proof coins. There are Satin Proofs and Matte Proofs for 1922, both exceedingly rare as there were only about 10 made, combined. Your odds are better for winning the lottery, twice, than they are for you having one of these Proof coins.
The matte or satin finish you mention would apply to a "proof" coin minted in this particular year. Red Book defines matte proofs as having a granular, sandblast surface instead of a mirror finish. Would be nice if you could post some pics and welcome to the forum.....
Trying to describe the differences between satin and matte with words is like to describe the difference between blue and green with words - pretty much impossible in other words. It is something that must be seen, in person, to be understood. And if you are just looking at pictures, 999 people out of 1,000 won't be able to see it at all. But if you want to look, here are pictures - http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dollars/peace_dollars/1922_peace_dollar.htm And there is no such thing as a Peace dollar of any date, Proof or business strike, with a mirror finish. And I don't care what any book says. It is merely the author of the book trying to describe something with words, that cannot be described with words.
