Orange-Peel Surfaces

LeeG

Here is PCGS's definition:

The dimple-textured fields seen on many Proof gold coins; their surfaces resemble those of an orange, hence the descriptive term. Some Mint State gold dollars and three-dollar gold coins exhibit this effect to some degree.


Have any:



mgoodm3 image

keets

this was the topic of discussion several years ago with Newmismatist offering some good historical background that might still be in the archives. evidentally the Mint had perfected a technique in the latter part of the 1800's for die preperation on Proofs, something different then what we'd call a Matte finish. his examples were some beautiful Indian Head Cents.

much of what's seen is most likely Proof dies used for business strikes or even a stressed die.

calling Newmismatist, where are you???

keets

here's one thread from the past about it.

LeeG

Thanks for the link keets! Based on this thread Peach Fuzz the term Orange-Peel is for Proof Issues only.

robec

Here is a Skyman Jefferson that exhibits some of this effect.

JRocco

I agree that this is very hard to capture in a pic.
This 1899 half eagle is a good example.These pics can only give you a hint.

droopyd

I have an 09 VDB that looks a lot like the coin in post 1 (sorry, don't have a pic) -- it almost looks recolored it's so orange (and in fact it may well be).

pontiacinf

<< <i>Here is a Skyman Jefferson that exhibits some of this effect.


>>



there are many spectacular jeffersons out there that exhibit this, and I LOVE EVERY ONE OF EM

BECOKA

I saw an MS67 Indian Half eagle that looked like it had pristine peach fuzz all over it. It was a cool looking coin.

EagleEye

What you are showing is die wear, not Orange Peel.

Chris Pilliod has found that Orange Peel is caused by the high annealing temperature used to soften for silver and nickel was used on gold and coppper as well. This higher temperature created larger grains in the metal. The grains are much more visible on finely mirrored proof gold and copper.

I originally believed that orange peel was formed on the die during the annealing of the die, not the planchet. Chris proved me wrong. The clue is found in the observation that orange peel does not exist on silver or nickel. It only is seen on on gold and copper, which have a lower melting point.

CalGold

Here are some pics of orange peel fields from some earlier threads on the subject.








CG

mgoodm3

I put my old pic back on, but I see that it has already been posted

Edit: I put a different one up.

fc

jrocco is that coin yours? if yes, what in the heck is the grade?
ms68?