Owner Comments:
Luster is very important, but a very difficult thing for beginners to see and understand. Strong luster is one of the most important aspects of a gem coin, and plays an important part in the eye appeal of a coin. When you hold a coin in the light, you’ll notice that it shines or reflects the light. But if you move the coin just right, the luster appears to move around the coin, in a pattern that we call “cartwheel luster.” This can be tricky, because it takes just the right wrist movement to be able to move the coin and get the fluid cartwheel effect on the luster.
There are two main things that cause this luster: first, when a coin is struck, the metal flows up into the recesses in the die. As the metal flows, the moving metal leaves a telltale disturbance on the surface in the form of microscopic “flow lines.” As more coins are struck, the metal wears on the die; it will wear "grooves" into the die. These microscopic flow lines due to the metal moving, and reinforced by the etching of the die, reflect light in every direction, causing the diffuse shine that we call luster.
J. Dannreuther, in the Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection, 2nd ed., explains it like this:
"Luster is the result of light reflecting from the surface. As a coin is struck, the metal flows into the recesses of the die because of the pressure applied by the coining press. The metal flow is usually in a radial pattern, i.e., outward toward the rim. On some coins, these lines are all but invisible but are still present microscopically. … Mint State luster is categorized in several ways: flat (flow lines are invisible to the unaided eye, as often happens when coins are struck from worn dies), satin (flow lines may be slightly visible but there is little cartwheel effect), frosty (flow lines are usually visible with a cartwheel effect, ranging from slight to heavy), semi-prooflike (light flow lines may be visible but most are not, being replaced by slightly mirrored fields that have a slight cartwheel effect), and prooflike (no flow lines are visible, with the fields now mirror-like, but with virtually no cartwheel effect).”
To illustrate a few different looks of luster, take a look at the coins in my set that I mention. There are several different kinds of luster – first, there is flashy, booming, dripping luster. This sort of luster makes the coin look like it is wet almost, with strong reflection and great luster. The 1950 Franklin half is known for this booming luster.
Next we have average luster. This type of luster definitely cartwheels, and is pleasing to the eye. It’s not booming though, like the coin above. My 1952D is a good example of average luster.
Finally, we have the creamy, subdued luster of my 1950D, which some people describe as “satin.” Some coins just never have the great luster of other dates. These differences are important to a specialist in a series, because when you can find a 1950D with booming luster, you know you have a special coin.
The primary feature of the 1950 is its luster. The 1950 usually comes with a decent strike, minimal bagmarks, but above average luster. This is the last of the well struck P mint Franklins. The first few years produced the coins with the most detail, and after 1950 enough detail on the master is lost that it is noticeable. No mint sets were produced in 1950, so color coins are much scarcer than other years. Many agree that the 1950 is one of the best coins to obtain for a type set, due to the good strike, great luster, and availability. Indeed, the luster on the 1950P is among the best in the series – very flashy, bright, and seeming like liquid water on the surface of the coin. Tomaska also points out that this date is usually free of the high point pitting common on some other dates.
My coin is a typical 1950. The satiny surfaces and shimmering luster are absolutely amazing. The strike is all there as well – the three wisps of hair, Pass and Stow, and of course the bell lines. Given the beginning of the die wear, and the usually weaker strike on the P mint coins, the bell lines are solid for the designation. It is not fully brilliant; there are little spots of toning here and there, and I am guessing this limits the eye appeal enough to hold it back from a 66. I am perfectly happy with the 65 grade on it. I paid $99 for this coin on Ebay in 2006.
Notable events in 1950:
President Truman orders the development of the hydrogen bomb in response to the Soviet Union’s first atomic bomb.
Two Vietcong battalions attack a French base in French Indochina, what we now know as Vietnam.
The VW Bus is introduced.
Robert Schuman presents his proposal on the creation of an organized Europe, recognized by many as the beginning of the creation of the European Union.
Peanuts and Beetle Bailey are first published