Mint to Discontinue Satin Finish Unc Sets 2011

[bsshog40]

Seen this posted ATS. I like this idea!!

 

United States Mint Uncirculated Coins Get a New Look in 2011

 

Satin finish to be discontinued; brilliant finish reinstated

 

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint today announced that it is discontinuing the satin finish on numismatic uncirculated coins produced for the United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® and other products. Instead, beginning in 2011, uncirculated-quality coins will feature a brilliant finish.

 

The United States Mint began using the satin finish for its uncirculated coins in 2005 to be consistent with other products in its portfolio, such as commemorative coins. The satin finish, however, highlights surface marks that inherently result from the coin-handling systems. Although the United States Mint modified the process to improve the coin appearance, there is no cost-effective way to completely eliminate the coin-on-coin contact that causes surface nicks. As a result, the United States Mint will revert back to the brilliant finish used on uncirculated coins prior to 2005. This change will result in more aesthetically pleasing coins with a finish that does not highlight surface flaws. It will only be featured on uncirculated-quality one-cent, 5-cent, dime, quarter-dollar, half-dollar and dollar coins.

 

[cpm9ball]

I'll bet the real reason was because the dies deteriorated faster than they anticipated, and they had to produce so many more dies that it ate into their profits.

 

Chris

[pendragon1998]

Brilliant finish shows just as much as a satin finish.

[astrostu]

I saw the PR yesterday about this, too. I'm kinda glad. Makes me feel better in my OCD that there isn't yet another finish to need to get.

[Schatzy]

I am so glad that they are gone now!!

[Conder101]

This was mentioned several months ago, they are just making it "official".

[RWB]

Collectors in general asked for the standard "uncirculated" coin, and did not like the "satin" pieces that much. The dies were more expensive to make and handle also.

 

I expect there will be improvement to the uncirculated coin appearance due to small changes in the handling process.