Is 2009 the Last Year of Satin Finish for US Mint Uncirculated Coin Sets?

A widely viewed home shopping program focused on coins has repeatedly claimed that 2009 will be the last year that the United States Mint will use the "satin finish" for coins included in the annual Uncirculated Coin Sets issued for collectors. This rumor has spent some time in circulation around the internet, with the only source being the aforementioned television program.

Is there any truth to the rumor that 2009 will be the last year of satin finish?

According to Michael White of the United States Mint Office of Public Affairs, there is no truth to this statement. The satin finish will continue to be used this year.

The US Mint began using the satin finish for coins issued in the annual Uncirculated Coin Set or Mint Set for 2005. Over the past few years, the satin finish has also been used in special collector sets issued by the United States Mint, which include uncirculated coins. This has included the Presidential Dollar Uncirculated Sets, the Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set, and the Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal Sets.

The special finish has been described as follows: Unlike circulating coins, uncirculated coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and feature a satin-like finish.

The first 2010 satin finish coins should be issued in the Millard and Abigal Fillmore Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal Set tentatively scheduled for release on March 26, 2010. This will be followed by the 2010 Presidential $1 Coin Uncirculated Coin Set released in April and numerous other products released throughout the rest of the year.