'09 proof buffalo!!!!

I am going to jump in here with some comments that may get the pot stirring, but what the heck!

I have been watching these comments about Matte finish vs. non matte finish and I just have to make a few comments....(oh boy, I bet Greenie is covering his eyes now shaking his head). These comments are not to incite anyone, but so that we all may learn and prosper....for isn't what this site is all about???

Before I commented on anything, I did some research. As always, I am a student of the arts and if anyone can share some more information and enlighten me, it is always welcome. I also encourage everyone to do their own research before commenting on anything as well. Not only will this make you a smarter person than you were before, but now you can educatedly share that info with the group. Some people may not care about this information, but I think the information will help explain about this particular coin we are collecting. I am going to attempt to explain how the buffalo proof coins along with all our modern commemorative proof coins have an underlying matte finish before they are made into "Proofs".

What do we know about Proof coins? Proof coins are a method of manufacturing, not a condition. Right? Well, we can also say the same about a Matte finish coin that this is a method of manufacturing and not a condition. A Matte finish coin is a process of manufacturing by which the dies are treated or blasted with particles of various stuff such as aluminum oxide and/or silver dioxide thus creating a grainy or frosted look. This process, as we have learned from a contest that I held a while back, occurs prior to the striking of the coin unlike the burnishing of the coin which still occurs before the striking process, but on the blanks of the coin instead of the dies themselves. So other than the specially treated dies, the other thing that I have found that separates the matte proof coin from the matte unc coin is the amount of times the die strikes the blank/coin and the amount of pressure that is used to bring up the raised field of the coin.

So know we somewhat understand a little better on what is a matte proof coin and what the difference is between a matte proof and a matte unc, but how is this different than a regular proof coin?

Well, by all accounts from what I have read, only one thing changes and that is after the dies are blasted by whatever elements they are using, the low point or field is highly polished on the die to create a mirrored appearance. By treating the die in this special way, the coins it produces have a different appearance. Modern technology allows the high points on the coin design to be acid treated (on the die). The background (field) design of the coin die is polished, resulting in a mirror-like look on the coin it strikes. This gives the finished coin a frosted look (frosting) on the raise parts of the design, with a mirror like finish on the background. This contrasting finish is often called "cameo". (Thank you to the ANA website for that last little bit of knowledge)

So it is my understanding that when making a proof coin, the dies are treated with chemicals or other process that gives it an initial matte finish, then the dies are further processed to give them their mirrored finish. Unlike a UNC coin, there are multiple steps in order to create a proof coin.

Therefore, it is my conclusion that the buffalo proof coins are proof coins with an underlying matte highlights. But for what its worth, I have no idea what the mint was talking about when they threw in the "matte" finish quote. I just liked talking about this topic for my own knowledge and clarification.

So that is my story. I hope that if anyone has any other info they would like to share or correct, please do. This is the part of the night where I say that I am way past my bed time and I am off to sleep so that I can wake up and earn some more money for that proof buffalo that is coming out on Thursday.

 

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They just need a Gold 1 oz 3 leg buffalo now..

 

Gold Prices Down

Average London AM fix over the past 5 days (pricing period for tomorrow's release) is $1,049.45 thanks to gold coming in at $1,035.50 this morning, meaning that on release the Buffalo coin should be $1,310. Although Gold could continue to get smoked so timing is still tough to call...

 

Sigh.... the whole point of my original comment was that the mint did not make any quote about anything matte regarding the coin!!! just the BOX it comes in. Numismaster was the site that made the comment about a proof having a matte finish, which is not correct as you pointed out in your article.

 

on a lighter and more happy note, gold is dropping like a freaking rock today.... maybe 50$ less for buffalos by next week..... could be good and bad.

 

Love that coin....Gimmie

 

Wow the mint blows... London AM gold fix over the trailing week was definitely under $1,050, but they're still pricing the Buffalo in that bracket anyway (@ $1,360). I'm definitely waiting at that price level!

 

just wait for next week. it will be down $50.00.

average london gold price:
thursday am - $1,034.00

 

How do you guys know this won't sell out in hours?

 

because its 1360$

 

And to the best of my knowledge from this thread there is no production limit...

 

yea I doubt they will sell out soon considering a premium of 320

 

experience

 

gold's rising at the moment elaine, any last minute change of plans? :mouth:

 

The price grid states that the average London AM gold fix is the "primary" factor in determining the bracket...but they don't say what other factors may also be considered.

 

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what the hell is this!?

 

yeah they didn't remove that from the update, funny. they had all year to prepare the site for this day.

 

Go figure, Talk about waiting until the last minute!

 

It possibly means that it has been removed for repricing. They typically make them unavailable for awhile while they update prices.

 

Why wouldn't they have repriced the coin prior to making the page live for release of the AGB today? If someone buys at 1360 then it is changed within the hour to 1310 there'll be some angry phone calls out there, no? I think that's the scenario you just suggested, if not, please disregard. :smile