Yes, lots of things are obvious but that doesn't make them fact. I like lively discussions and learning. Of course different metals have different properties. But as detailed in the link, mint luster is a product of the strike by the dies. As the dies age, the mint luster usually gets a little stronger as coins are produced because of the strength of the die flow lines. So, you believe mint luster is the result of the metal composition and not the condition of the die (the die state)? Can you please direct me to some information supporting your opinion? I really do like learning. Let me ask again, what's your take on the information in the link on mint luster? Are they missing something?
I went 64. Anacs has been grading pretty conservative lately. These IKE's are sometimes graded lenient due to planchet roughness but not bag marks.
no - mint luster is do to the stridations of metal flow when the metal is under pressure from the dye. The metal flows in an outward direction, creating the cartwheel affect in the crystal form of the metal. Clads are much more resistant to this affect than soft silver alloys.
IMO the luster looks fairly nice. but, not what you would expect from a gem or better. Don't mind what looks like small bag marks on the high points of the coin. That is the rough surface of the planchet that wasn't removed in the striking process. What you do want to look for is the larger dings and luster grazes that displace metal. This is the contact after the strike, and ultimately what the TPG is grading. When I grade these coins. I look for luster and eye Appeal first. Second would be contact, third would be the planchet roughness.
So you are saying the information in the link is wrong? The mint luster can get stronger as the dies age. I agree metal flows across the face of the die. But it is the die flow lines created in the die face that produce the mint luster (according to the link). The die flow lines on the die (not the flow of metal from the planchet) is what creates the mint luster. There is absolutely no mention of any type of metal contributing to the mint luster in the link. Clads may be resistant but mint luster is still formed on clad coins and the strength of the luster is because of the die state of the coin as explained in the link. Did you visit the link and read the thread? Here's the link again for anyone wondering what the info is I'm referring to. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/luster-a-guide-for-beginners.58435/ to quote the thread- "Now, what causes this luster? When a coin is struck, the metal flows up into the recesses in the die, filling out the details and causing raised areas, which we see as devices, letters, etc. As it flows, the metal wears on the die; because the metal flows the same way each time, it will wear "grooves" into the die. I say "grooves" because I can't think of a better way to describe it - in numismatic parlance we call them flow lines. These microscopic lines reflect light in every direction, causing the diffuse shine that we call luster. Because luster is caused by wear on the die, later die states often have better luster. A brand new die will occassionally even be prooflike - having a mirrored surface and no cartwheeling luster. These prooflike coins are highly prized by collectors. As the die wears, the flowlines become etched into the die. The striking of coins wears the die down, often softening the details, until finally you get a late die state coin. By this point, the flowlines are strongly etched into the die, and you will sometimes get incredibly flashy luster."
I agree and some of the dies didn't last very long even on softer metal. Any thoughts on the info in the link?
I never said any of this, I said that the first thing I look for is luster and eye appeal. Then Contact/circ and last planchet roughness. It doesn't matter the age of the dies. If the planchets are in bad shape, no amount of striking pressure is going to remove the roughness.
Accept my apologies for the misunderstanding I caused because I find myself looking for the same things in coins. My bad for the misunderstanding because I should have quoted this reply (since this is what I was referring to):
Congrats on the grade. I like these holders from ANACS. You can see the coin while they are in any storage box without removing them because of the grade on the upper curved part.