I came across this unbelievably clean 2006-P Kennedy in a Mint wrapped roll. So unbelievable that PCGS labeled it a satin finish. Aside from the surface texture, is there a design element or diagnostic that differentiates the two? I noticed the die cracks at the top of the head and bottom of the neck are also on the PCGS plate coins for the regular strike. Are these found on the satin finish?
I know the satin and regular strike production processes used different die preparation, presses and pressure. But did they use different dies? Could the die cracks seen on this coin be the result of a mint set press die getting transferred to the bag and roll production line? Rolls: These rolls feature Kennedy half-dollars in circulating quality and are struck on our main production floors at the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver . Unc Mint Sets: Uncirculated coins are minted on special presses and struck with greater force than circulating coins.
Probably due to over use, but truly, I don't know. Die cracks usually show up after a die has out lived its' usefulness.......
From the best I can tell they go by the finished product look of the coin. There very likely is some crossover from some getting a satin that weren't in a mint set and some of the mint sets getting MS, but as far as I can tell they just go by the finished products look.
As far as I know, NO. It may be that this was a coin rejected for the satin finish mint sets due to the die crack and they just dumped it in with the bag and roll coins. Could also be an "overrun" that wasn't needed for the mint sets.
