what is the difference between roman finish and matte finish on red matte proof lincoln cents??

michael

david

for example on the 1909 matte proof lincolns there is always referred to as matte finish and then roman finish matte proofs

what is the difference?
is one more beautiful than the other?
is one more uncommon than the other?
how do you tell the difference?


thanks

michael

homerunhall

As far as I know, the Mint only used the so-called "Roman finish" on 1909 and 1910 gold coins. These coins almost look like business strikes. They have a satin luster, not unlike a cherry BU, but their detail is much, much sharper.

Thanks,

David