Posted 11/29/2025 9:42 pm
It is a different class of matte specimen dollar, struck with a more silky, smooth finish instead of a lustrous matte finish, their most defining factor is a sharp square rim like you'd normally only see on a mirror specimen dollar. They were issued in matte specimen sets and are basically matte dollars with a more satin proof appearance and fuller strike.
The name rim mule is a bit confusing, it was applied based on the argument that these coins were struck with unfinished mirror dies..I do not fully buy this description since any die would have a full rim and the completemess of it depends on strike pressure as opposed to the intended finish of the coin.
Ultimately these are special and scarce coins regardless of the terminology used to describe them(I prefer to call them satin specimens) and they are distinctly different from a matte specimen in appearance and quality. My best guess is they can be found in a few of the earlier sets produced, before the Mint came to terms with the fact that they had to produce a lesser quality strike to meet the desired mintage figures..
The two coins shows in the PCGS population report were submitted by me, the SP64 came out of a cardboard box original set and the SP65 is Ex ICCS SP67, originally from a full matte set originating from a noteworthy collection. The first example certified was the Belzberg collection example graded SP64.
The name rim mule is a bit confusing, it was applied based on the argument that these coins were struck with unfinished mirror dies..I do not fully buy this description since any die would have a full rim and the completemess of it depends on strike pressure as opposed to the intended finish of the coin.
Ultimately these are special and scarce coins regardless of the terminology used to describe them(I prefer to call them satin specimens) and they are distinctly different from a matte specimen in appearance and quality. My best guess is they can be found in a few of the earlier sets produced, before the Mint came to terms with the fact that they had to produce a lesser quality strike to meet the desired mintage figures..
The two coins shows in the PCGS population report were submitted by me, the SP64 came out of a cardboard box original set and the SP65 is Ex ICCS SP67, originally from a full matte set originating from a noteworthy collection. The first example certified was the Belzberg collection example graded SP64.
Feel free to call me Will.
