Orange peel fields?

dan1ecu

I’ve seen the term used several times. Does this refer to color or texture? Is it a desirable thing?

Thanks,

Dan

FrattLaw

I think it refers to the texture of the field when the die begins to wear down and a pitting occurs, hence it looks like the rind of an orange. I know it occurs in the Peace Dollar series but I'm not sure what other series it occurs in. I can't imagine that it would be desirable, but we should wait for more expert opinions then mine.

Michael


MW Fattorosi Collection

cladking

So far as I know, orange peel always refers to the effect of a highly eroded die.
It appears on most series of coins and is prevalent on some like 1966 quarters.
Frequently there will eventually be die detioration doubling caused by the wear
of the metal "bouncing" around the design elements.

itsnotjustme

I saw this on many mint set coins... I think they were from the late 1980s.

lawman8735

hi CK
I just recieved my proof SAE 2005 from the mint, is there a name for the effect I see on the field of the obverse of one I have. The field portion looks to have a wavy mirror look to it. looks different from the others. from what I can tell it doesnt look smooth like the other proofs
any advice?
Thanks
LM

Rob790

I have usually seen it used to refer to an early die state of pre 1936 proof coins. It occurs when the dies are hardened by dipping them in oil immediately after being heated to a very high temp (around 1450 F). The steel undergoes a structural change and the fields get a wavyness to them that is brought out after a light mirror polish. After some use or more polishing, the orange peels are worn away. So when you see orange peels, it indicates an early die stage for proof coins from this era. People use this term differently but this is the way it is mostly used.

mgoodm3

Thery are a sign of early die state on early proofs. I'm told that it comes from a slight contraction of the die that happens during hardening

JrGMan2004

Orange Peel Fields is often a misused term. Orange Peel refers to early die states on proof coins. This is caused during the preparation of the dies. To harden the dies, so they will hold the design during striking, the die is heated up, and then quickly quenched with water. This causes the steel of the die to contract, causing this "Orange Peel" texture on the surfaces. Eventually the dies would be lapped, and it would remove the orange peel. On early proofs, this usually occured after about 100 strikings. It is also hard to mess with a coin with orange peel surfaces, without it being obvious (This is just hearsay that other people have shared in their experiences), so an early proof with orange peel surfaces, is a thing to be desired Do not confuse Orange Peel surfaces with die erosion. That is a different thing, and not the appropriate term, though often misused...

INXS

Related thread on ASE's.

LINK

michael

poorguy

michael

orange peel

JrGMan2004

I shudder everytime I see that pic of Mark's!!!!

ER

WOW!