1964 matte cameo sms coin 0

[Ratzie33]

Dark matte finish obverse with light cameo, teardrop four, die polishing line between o(f) and (A)merica on reverse. Struck better than a proof with thick lettering and strong devices. Light cameo Matt reverse. Outstanding finish that may define the series if my fellow numismatists might agree.

Edited January 25, 2021 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

A razor wire rim with no bevel suggesting multiple pressing

[Ratzie33]

A definitively straight g in FG initial, and carbon grey flecks on the lower and upper obverse near the rim.

Edited January 25, 2021 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

For all who are unaware a matte finish is a stronger application of the satin type, using a sandblasting and pickling of dies, a more intensive process yielding by degrees an exceedingly more beautiful outcome.

Edited January 25, 2021 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

A light cameo is defined as a contrast between devices and fields(backgrounds) in the case of sms finish a dark grey matte background contrasted with a lighter grey bust.

[Ratzie33]

In the case of the reverse a vanilla grey matte finish, certainly lighter, yet still non-reflective, contrasted with dark grey eagle and devices.

[Ratzie33]

Notice how the center Ray emanating from the eagle head and banner picks up the light reflectively, but the background or field does not reflect. This is a matte finish though lighter than the obverse.

[Ratzie33]

Look at the wire rim reflecting light above the C in AMERICA. Yet the field does not reflect.

[Ratzie33]

Realize the perfect placement and directional seated rotation of every star surrounding the eagle on the reverse.

[Ratzie33]

Here is a closeup of that die polishing line emanating from the lower crossbar of the F to the A. The die polishing line actually extends into the trunk of the F past the red line following the lower bar of the F.

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

Here is the dangling 4. The finish alone should spell it out though... I drew the flat top portion of the arrow even with the cross let so you can see how much farther below the teardrop extends.

[Ratzie33]

Observing the 4 in its entirety you can clearly see the die dangling anomaly

Edited January 25, 2021 by Ratzie33

[Ratzie33]

There is a clear separation of the dangle on both sides of the terminating cross let.

[Ratzie33]

Here I’ve highlighted the teardrop in blue for the seeing impaired 

 

Edited January 25, 2021 by Ratzie33

[RWB]

Well....if you add a slice of "pasteurized process cheese food" and a slice of bread you'll have a bologna 'n' cheeze sandwich....sorta.

The half is just a normal coin.

[Henri Charriere]

1 hour ago, RWB said:

The half is just a normal coin.

Maybe so, but its composition is special, its condition numismatically desirable and provenance above reproach. 😉

[RWB]

And the more pictures are posted the more reproachable it becomes....

[Oldhoopster]