Log in or Sign up
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
US Coins Forum
>
Luster: A guide for Beginners
>
Reply to Thread
Message:
<p>[QUOTE="physics-fan3.14, post: 623968, member: 19165"]Okie, I understand what you're getting at now. A proof is actually much easier to notice polishing or cleaning on, because the mirror finishes are very sensitive to disturbances. On modern or cameo proofs, the devices do actually appear to have luster. Just wanted to point that out. A proof coin will have several characteristics which differentiate it from a business strike coin, without ever looking at the luster - because a proof (by definition) is struck at least twice, the details are much stronger on a proof coin. The rims are also squared and sharp, as opposed to the rounded edges of a normal business strike. </p><p><br /></p><p>Because the planchets for proofs are burnished before striking, it is unlikely that polishing after striking will produce the same mirrored finish. Especially in the recessed areas, or protected areas inside letters, for example, the polishing will not be able to get into every crack or crevice on the coin.</p><p><br /></p><p>If a proof coin is cleaned by wiping or any mechanical removal of surface corrosion, toning, etc., is attempted, the mirrors are quickly ruined. Many early collectors would do just that - wipe their coins clean occassionally. This is why many proof coins are "hairlined" - and their grade suffers accordingly.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="physics-fan3.14, post: 623968, member: 19165"]Okie, I understand what you're getting at now. A proof is actually much easier to notice polishing or cleaning on, because the mirror finishes are very sensitive to disturbances. On modern or cameo proofs, the devices do actually appear to have luster. Just wanted to point that out. A proof coin will have several characteristics which differentiate it from a business strike coin, without ever looking at the luster - because a proof (by definition) is struck at least twice, the details are much stronger on a proof coin. The rims are also squared and sharp, as opposed to the rounded edges of a normal business strike. Because the planchets for proofs are burnished before striking, it is unlikely that polishing after striking will produce the same mirrored finish. Especially in the recessed areas, or protected areas inside letters, for example, the polishing will not be able to get into every crack or crevice on the coin. If a proof coin is cleaned by wiping or any mechanical removal of surface corrosion, toning, etc., is attempted, the mirrors are quickly ruined. Many early collectors would do just that - wipe their coins clean occassionally. This is why many proof coins are "hairlined" - and their grade suffers accordingly.[/QUOTE]
Your name or email address:
Do you already have an account?
No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?
Stay logged in
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
US Coins Forum
>
Luster: A guide for Beginners
>
Home
Home
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Activity
Recent Posts
Forums
Forums
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Posts
Competitions
Competitions
Quick Links
Competition Index
Rules, Terms & Conditions
Gallery
Gallery
Quick Links
Search Media
New Media
Showcase
Showcase
Quick Links
Search Items
Most Active Members
New Items
Directory
Directory
Quick Links
Directory Home
New Listings
Members
Members
Quick Links
Notable Members
Current Visitors
Recent Activity
New Profile Posts
Sponsors
Menu
Search
Search titles only
Posted by Member:
Separate names with a comma.
Newer Than:
Search this thread only
Search this forum only
Display results as threads
Useful Searches
Recent Posts
More...