Hey Russ - Were there Satin Proofs in 1964?

FC57Coins

Take a look at the one on the right - very low reflectivity versus a regular proof - and very smooth field. Both of these are ICG PR69's - go figger - whatcha think?

Russ

There were SMS coins, but that isn't one of them. It's a proof that looks to be from a later die.

Of course, I could be wrong and you just won the lotto.

Russ, NCNE

FC57Coins

Well - no - you're right - it doesn't look like an SMS, if anyone has a 1950 Franklin proof - a lot of them looked like this - the field is defintely muted on the obverse, a little more reflectivity on the reverse. Interesting - anyway - thought I'd ask - thanks!

osirisMMII

The '64 Kennedy proof can be found with a number of different field "finishes" - from incredible mirrored pools to average mirrors to, as you describe, satin finishes, which to me almost resemble a typical '65 - '66 SMS finish. The fields finish doesn't seem to affect the grades for PCGS and NGC slabbed coins so I don't see any reason to think that ICG neccesarily "screwed-up" here (if they did I have numerous examples of high-grade PCGS coins that are screwed-up also!). Stories I've heard about the varying finishes include the "satin" finish is caused by well worn dies in need a polishing and also flow lines were created by worn-out presses unable to exert a full strike on the planchet. Makes you wonder....... they did produce a helluva lot a proofs that year......... I kinda like the look of the flow lines myself - creates lotsa luster, you can see the mirrors in there, and the light dances nicely around them