  A preliminary $BVRIJHK$ analysis of the white dwarfs SSSPM J2231$-$7514 and
SSSPM J2231$-$7515 is presented. Although both stars were reported to have
$T_{\rm eff}<4000$ K, the analysis here indicates $T_{\rm eff}\approx4250$ K
for both SSSPM J2231$-$7514 and SSSPM J2231$-$7515. Given substantial
scientific interest in the coolest extant degenerate stars, it is necessary to
distinguish sub 4000 K objects from the bulk of cool white dwarfs. This
analysis reiterates the importance of near infrared observations in
constraining the spectral energy distributions and effective temperatures of
the coolest white dwarfs and briefly discusses their possible origins.
