I have noticed that one of my 2010 Silver American Eagles has a completely different looking finish than any and all of my other ASE's. It appears to have a frosted finish. I don't want to say it has a dull finish, because it looks great to me, but it is clearly different than any other i've seen. Anyone ever notice this? I searched this on google and noticed somone mentioned this on one other forum, but no one knew the answer to it. I posted this in the bullion thread but got no responses.
I just received my second roll of 2013 ASE and this batch has the satin finish. The diameter of the satin finish batch is slightly longer (.1 mm) than the first batch and the thickness is slightly less (.1mm). The average weight of the satin finish batch is 31.15 while my first roll (not satin finish) is 31.25. On the satin ASE you can almost see a rainbow toning when turned under a light and if looked sideways the coin's color is bleach white. My question is why do business strikes ASE from the same year have different finishes? Are they dipped in a chemical to produce the finish and somehow one batch might have more of the chemical layer?
My 2013 looks polished bright, but I have a 2008 that caught my eye, looks satiny, no rainbow but it sparkles. Not sure how well you can see it but it's sweet in hand. It's white, thats not tone just the cheap light.
Yes, you're not crazy. The new frosted finish is apparently used on all US coins and has been used since 2010. Check out your other proofs for other series and you will see the same thing. I notice it, but have no explanation for it. Maybe we can ask someone at the Mint.
I have a couple 2012's that have the same thing. I'm thinking some blanks spend a little more time in the deburring tumbler than others. I'm totaly guessing, but it would make sense.
