1897 Cuba Souvenir Peso question/True View added

coinkat

Some of you here likely have greater knowledge than me on these Gorham Silver minted coins. My question is very basic...

Is there a Matte Proof in silver for the 1897 Souvenir Peso that does not have the PAT97 on the portrait truncated base?

I have looked and have not found anything definitive. In looking at some of the surviving population, there are some that look to be sharply struck with a matte appearance as opposed to others that still have somewhat of a satin look that feature greater luster.

I know there are bronze matte proofs. I suspect there is a reasonable probability that these exist.

Many thanks for any thoughts you share

coinkat

Anyone?

coinkat

The coin above is what prompted the question. This coin exhibits a matte appearance with sharp enough details to raise the question as it whether it is in fact a Matte Proof. The coin was graded AU details-cleaned. So either the coin is not a Matte Proof or the Matte Proof question was simply not addressed. I thought there was a reasonable probability that the coin may not straight grade but obtaining a Matte Proof was worth the risk.

So the question of whether this coin is a Matte Proof still exists in my mind. It seems the easiest answer would be to know whether this variety even exists as a Matte Proof. I have not found the definitive answer.

Any thoughts now that there is more to work with?

7Jaguars

Not my series but have seen a few matte proofs, at least of Royal Mint manufacture. It does have a matte appearance, though interesting that hair above ear softly struck (though perhaps explained by the private strikes). It appears that there are different methods of "matte" production, esp whether to dies, pre-strike blank/planchet treatment and post strike "preparation". A puzzler & would hope they sought some expert opinions prior to grading.