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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 2298099, member: 112&quot;]As I said previously, there are many who do believe that. But anyone who tells you that, well, they&#039;re just plain wrong. So no, I most certainly do not agree.</p><p><br /></p><p>Just think for a minute, use your common sense. New dies have no die wear on them - none, not even the tiniest amount. But yet a coin struck with new dies has cartwheel luster. This simple fact alone proves beyond any doubt that what you said above simply isn&#039;t true, and cannot be true.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>You&#039;re trying to use the standard dictionary definition of the word luster - </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/luster?s=t" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/luster?s=t" rel="nofollow">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/luster?s=t</a></p><p><br /></p><p>noun</p><p>1.</p><p>the state or quality of shining by reflecting light; glitter, sparkle, sheen,or gloss:</p><p>the luster of satin.</p><p>2.</p><p>a substance, as a coating or polish, used to impart sheen or gloss.</p><p>3.</p><p>radiant or luminous brightness; brilliance; radiance.</p><p>4.</p><p>radiance of beauty, excellence, merit, distinction, or glory:</p><p>achievements that add luster to one&#039;s name.</p><p>5.</p><p>a shining object, especially one used for decoration, as a cut-glasspendant or ornament.</p><p>6.</p><p>a chandelier, candleholder, etc., ornamented with cut-glass pendants.</p><p>7.</p><p>any natural or synthetic fabric with a <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lustrous" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lustrous" rel="nofollow">lustrous</a> finish.</p><p><br /></p><p>&nbsp;- in regard to coins. But in numismatics luster has a very different, and very specific, definition. I quote from the ANA - </p><p><br /></p><p><i>luster, a.k.a. mint luster - The glossy mint bloom on the surface of an Uncirculated or high grade coin. Although normally brilliant, with time luster may become dull, frosty, spotted or discolored. Knowledge of specific characteristics for individual issues is required to recognize exceptional luster, which varies from issue to issue. Synonym: mint bloom, frost.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p>So no, everything that reflects light does not have luster - not as it applies in numismatics. Well circulated coins do not have luster. And in some cases, even some coins graded as high as XF do not have luster, though some do have at least some luster remaining. </p><p><br /></p><p>In ANA grading standards the requirement for remaining luster varies from coin type to coin type. This is spelled out in black and white in the ANA grading book. The TPG grading standards are however more liberal, for them even some AU coins can have no remaining luster.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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