What is your definition of "Mint Bloom?"

anablep

I was reading another post that mentioned the term "mint bloom."

I like the term, and was wondering what the word means to you?

Lustrous? Original? Hammered strike? Brilliant? PQ?

Can it still refer to coins 100's of years old or more recently struck coins?

All of the above?

Thanks.

LeeG

This is PCGS's definition:

Mint Bloom
Original luster that is still visible on a coin.
See Also -- luster lustrous

another definition:

Mint Bloom
The term used to refer to the lustrous appearance of a coin immediately after striking.

another:

Mint Bloom
When a coin is minted the surface generally has a sheen or bloom which shows as softly lustrous in light - after circulating this lustre gradually dulls. A polished coin usually has a hard or harsh shine to the surfaces so polishing is easily distinguishable from original lustre or mint bloom. After light circulation the bloom is often lost from the higher surfaces but remains on areas of the coin's surface which are protected such as in the crevices of the design or in the field around the legends. Further circulation finally removes all traces of this lustre.


It's a very hard term to define for me. When a coin has a newly minted, fresh, look to it. These two coins come to mind:




(no longer my coin)

anablep

LeeG: Thanks for the reply. Great 09!

Should cents be red if they are to have mint bloom, by the definitions you gave?

TwoSides2aCoin

LeeG

<< <i>LeeG: Thanks for the reply. Great 09!

Should cents be red if they are to have mint bloom, by the definitions you gave? >>


Thanks and by literal definition: yes.

Edited to add:

Even those these examples have mellowed with age, they still have an original, undipped, look to them.