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 Replies: 20 / Views: 14,801 |
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Valued Member
United States
456 Posts |
I am a type collector. I try to find high quality examples (mint state, if affordable), generally of the more common dates, unless research indicates that the best examples tend to come from less common dates. Several ebay listings for mint state coins describe the coins as "frosty." I have three highly regarded internet dealers I often buy from. I don't remember ever seeing one of these dealers using the term. I have two coins I would like to put forth as examples. Both are straight graded ms63 by PCGS. Both are bright and lustrous, and I have assumed both were dipped ( properly). One is an 1891 Seated Liberty quarter. The other is an 1877-s Trade dollar. I think both coins are very nice. I think the Trade dollar has exceptional eye appeal, and I am planning to send it to CAC to evaluate for approval. Under a 5x lens, the 1891 quarter appears lightly covered in what looks like the finest dust imaginable. It is finer than any powder.. it is easier to see in the fields than on the design elements. Under 5x the Trade dollar has some, but not nearly as much, "dust" as the quarter. The dust covers the fields, but not as thickly as the quarter. Is what I am seeing the "frost" I have read about? If so, do most freshly minted coins have it, or only some? How desirable is it really? I have an ms65 Morgan dollar that just has a little here and there, but still achieved a gem grade. And what effect does dipping have? I would assume that just as dipping strips away some luster, it would also strip away the dust or frost or whatever I am seeing. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3323 Posts |
I think the term "frosty" usually refers to proof-like qualities, the devices having a contrasting finish as compared to the fields.
For the "dust" you're seeing, it could actually be dust. If you are comfortable using DI water or acetone on your coins (without wiping!) you may find that it will come off.
Edit: I should say that I would probably just leave the dust in place unless you think it could cause problems.
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
Edited by Bump111
10/26/2018 6:15 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1005 Posts |
On proofs the frosted devices stand in contrast to the mirrored fields which are perfectly smooth. If I remember correctly, the frosting on the devices is caused by some kind of etchant applied to the die to create the "dusty" surface texture you mention.
For business strike coins, I don't know but it could also be that the dipping you mention alters the surface texture resulting in the dustiness you saw. I would not crack the coins just to see if it comes off.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
I think frosty is in contrast to lustrous. Lustrous is a cartwheel luster surface, frosty looks like, well, frost. The devices on cameo proofs are frosty, but the fields on circulation issues can be frosty too. Frosty surfaces show contact marks more easily. Coins can also have a glossy or proof-like finish. The kind of luster on a coin is mostly determined by the condition of the die when it was struck and the state of preservation. A poorly preserved coin will lose its luster and become dull looking. Dipping will remove all types of luster and result in a dull coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
Dipping will remove all types of luster and result in a dull coin. Only if you do it wrong and over do it killing the coin. When done properly it doesn't |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8715 Posts |
Quote:
Dipping will remove all types of luster and result in a dull coin. IMHO, not really. Quote:
Only if you do it wrong and over do it killing the coin. When done properly it doesn't  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
First of all a frosted coin is only on a gem uncirculated silver coin . This coin has no toning ,or black oxide . It is very white and frosty . My kind of coin . Quote:
Dipping will remove all types of luster and result in a dull coin. ONLY if you do it wrong ! Oh yeah I forgot about proof coins as I'm not into proofs .The devices on most modern proof coins will be frosted .  Edited by T-BOP
10/27/2018 07:35 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
The frosty description actually looks like frost on coins. I think the best way to describe it would be speckles of luster that appear on original mint condition coins and some AU coins. Think of the look of grass after an overnight freeze. I'll post some pictures in a bit.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
A story in pictures (my opinions only) Frosty white, like you'd just put it in the freezer for awhile and taken it out into the air. There is full luster.  Frost often has hints of ice-blue. (PCGS MS65)   I consider this coin semi-prooflike but others might call it "dusted" with a bit of frost around some of the devices and legends too.  Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis Edited by paralyse
10/27/2018 1:31 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
 This is one of my CC Morgans. In this picture the frosty luster is more noticeable on the right around the word 'America'. See all those pretty speckles? That's what folks are referring to when they use the term frosty. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
Mike, that's a great example!
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
Pretty speckles that sparkle. Say that 5 times fast.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5029 Posts |
Great info and some beautiful examples shown  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Think silver eagle, THAT is more of what a "frosty" coin looks like. NO contrast, no PL but with cartwheel luster and white color. It does not refer to cameo frosting.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Never knew that. I'd just not buy one that looked like that.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36491 Posts |
The term "frosty" use to mean a nice full luster original coin.
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Replies: 20 / Views: 14,801 |
Posted 10/26/2018 6:35 pm
