What causes “luster breaks”?

dan1ecu

Are luster breaks considered to be damage, just like scratches or digs? Can luster breaks be caused by the minting process, or are they always a result of how the coin is handled?

Thanks,

Dan

nwcs

Luster breaks are not damage in their own nature. However, the things that caused luster breaks may be damage. As you indicated, scratches and digs break luster. Very light wear (au58 and 55 class) can also break up luster. And die preparation can affect luster, that is how the dies were polished and finished affects how the coin looks. Also, cleaning can impair luster which causes breaks. And there are probably many other ways luster can be broken.