"Phil DeMayo" wrote in message
ups.com...
Michael wrote:

The three requirments below would apply to the unc versions of modern
commems.

Would they?

Do they receive multiple strikes?

Yes.

Are they struck from specially prepared polished planchets like proofs?

Specially prepared is a fuzzy term. Not working at the mint, I can't be
certain about how much polishing the planchets receive, however, examining
the coins would indicate that to the extent that planchet scratches matter
in the final coins, modern commemorative planchets are more finely cared for
than 1950's proof planchets were. Modern proof planchets are likely more
highly polished.

I am under the impression that they prepare the dies the same
then sand blast them with fine granuals to give them the matte finish.
So technically it costs more to make the UNC versions that the proofs.

How so?

Proof dies are also sandblasted to achieve the cameo finish. The fields
are highly polished, the dies chromium plated to extend die life and
each die is used to strike a limited number of coins before being
retired or refinished.

Uncirculated commemorative (and silver eagle) dies are blasted with fine
particles. It was my understanding that modern proof dies are laser etched.

Do you have any proof that all of the above (and more) is done with the
unc dies. If not, how can they "technically" cost more than proof dies?

Anything more than a speculative answer on this one is impossible unless you
are the mint's accountant. FWIW, I believe the chrome plating would put the
modern proof dies over the top.

The UNC Marines dollars is no doubt a matte proof.

Well, that 's up for debate.

The argument started in 1998 when the Mint came out with the Kennedy
Collectors Set which contained an unc RFK commemorative dollar and a
Matte Silver Kennedy Half Dollar.

Packaged side by side it was obvious to most that both coins had the
same finish and some dealers began hyping the unc RFK commem as being a
matte proof. Of course, the finish on that silver dollar was no
different than any other modern commemorative silver dollar.

You can call it anything you want (and possibly be wrong)....but the
Mint simply refers to them as "uncirculated".....not matte proof.

That's probably a reasonable answer. Still, the finish on a modern
commemorative is quite different than that on a coin meant for circulation,
and to collectors who care about the difference some distinctive
nomenclature is probably worthwhile. For my part, I want to acquire a matte
proof eagle. If / when my collecting budget permits me to, I'll compare it
to a modern commemorative and give my thoughts on the finishes.

You, being a dealer, may already be able to give a first hand comparison. I
would be interested in hearing you compare and contrast the coins.

A matte proof buffalo nickel would also be good for comparison, since it's
composition is the same as the outer layers of a modern commemorative half.


IF