Question, "Matte", "Satin"

Darth Walker · Mar 3, 2010

Question, "Matte", "Satin"

I have read that some coins are , "Matte" and " Satin"

What "Matte" and "Satin" means?

Thanks

CB

JJtheRollHunter · Mar 3, 2010

Re: Question, "Matte", "Satin"

I believe matte and satin refers to a proof. A matte proof has a dull grainy surface such as pre-WWII coins and a satin proof is almost the same and from the same time period, but looks a little better than a matte proof. Not 100% sure though. Hope this helps.

Coins4Cheese · Mar 4, 2010

Re: Question, "Matte", "Satin"

Matte Finish: A coin with matte surfaces is one struck from dies which have been sandblasted or acid-etched, giving the entire coin a "frosted", non-shiny appearance. They have been traditionally less desired by collectors than the "regular" mirrored surface or "cameo" combination of frost and mirror.

Matte surfaces were preferred by early photographers because they were easier to take pictures of, without those pesky shiny, reflective surfaces getting in the way. Some of the scarcest coins in the British series, for example, are matte coins struck specifically by request of photographers. The matte proof 1937 penny, for instance, has a mintage of four.
____________________________________________________________________________

Satin Finish: One with a surface more closely resembling Roman gold than to Matte, and very close to regular Brilliant Proofs. Most common examples of Satin finishes include some 1921 and 1922 Peace Dollars.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top picture-Satin Finish Coin.

Bottom picture-Matte Finish Coin.