What is a "burnished" coin?

derryb

Since 2006 the Mint has been offering W mint mark burnished versions of business strike American Eagles. What exactly does "burnished" mean?

Mint video on proof coin production reveals the answer at the 1:00 minute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZMAY-53a-A

blitzdude

As per the Big A:

IDENTIFYING A BURNISHED COIN
Numismatists use the term burnished to describe the coins’ unique finish. Burnished coins appear matte and less shiny when compared to a standard bullion coin. This is the result of polishing the blanks before they are struck. Some collectors believe burnishing adds longevity to the design. It is important to note the U.S. Mint identifies burnished coins simply as uncirculated coins.

The U.S. Mint’s burnished Eagle coins are produced in limited quantities only at the West Point Mint in New York. For this reason, the coins include a “W” mintmark beneath the reverse image. In recent years, the U.S. Mint has expanded burnishing to some limited-quantity designs, including the popular America the Beautiful series.

https://www.apmex.com/education/numismatics/what-is-a-burnished-coin-and-value

derryb

@blitzdude said:
It is important to note the U.S. Mint identifies burnished coins simply as uncirculated coins.

Fixed it for the Big A: It is important to note the U.S. Mint identifies burnished American Eagles simply as uncirculated coins.

Also, doubt many, if any can eyeball the difference.

As the linked video shows, American Eagles are not the only burnished blanks struck by the mint.

blitzdude

@derryb said:

@blitzdude said:
It is important to note the U.S. Mint identifies burnished coins simply as uncirculated coins.

Fixed it for the Big A: It is important to note the U.S. Mint identifies burnished American Eagles simply as uncirculated coins.

Also, doubt many, if any can eyeball the difference.

As the linked video shows, American Eagles are not the only burnished blanks struck by the mint.

Sold a load of them. Never paid much attention other than the W mint mark. Yielded $32ozt on a load of foreign silver today when it's completely tanking to the gutter. Maybe someone even wants to pay more for burnished. CrAzY!.!

djm

The original W mint marked Eagles were called Burnished Eagles because they were struck with Burnished Dies.

derryb

Actually they are struck on burnished planchets and with normal dies. The mint has dropped referring to them as burnished and the two top TPGs have been inconsistent with the use of the work burnished on the American eagle label.

It's possible the mint is now burnishing all of its coin blanks and there is no longer anything "special" about burnished coins. We know from the video link above proof quarters are "burnished."

ricko

Thanks for the information/video.... Not an interest of mine, but good to understand the details. Cheers, RickO

bronco2078

overpriced !