What is a Burnished Coin?

"Burnished" in numismatic terms relates to a process that tumbles the coining planchets (before striking) to remove surface staining, flaking and other imperfections to achieve a more uniform, smooth surface into which the design is struck.

The process of burnishing coin planchets involves the use of very small steel balls and ball-cones among with liquid chemicals (cleaners) in a tumbler. The planchets are submersed into the mixture and tumbled for a period of time that differs with the size and the metal composition of the planchets.

After burnishing, the planchets are then heat-tumbled dry then stored for striking. Most burnished coins are re-burnished after striking.

In 2006 the US Mint launched the "W" Gold and Platinum Uncirculated Sets using specially burnished blanks (also known as planchets) in the minting process. The same year marked the first Silver Eagles minted at the West Point Mint using the same process.

A common misconception is that the actual dies are burnished, when it is the blanks themselves that are burnished before being struck with the die.

Burnishing is a process resulting in a smooth matte-like finish. These coins were only made at the West Point Mint and bear the "W" Mint Mark.

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