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I bought 3 1961 proof sets today with cameos. Unknown to me one half is a DDR,........ specifically.

SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
....................... the "Big One".

The main reason I bought the sets is that one set has a monster dime that I would say is DCAM and the other two sets have what appear to be Cameo halves. The dime has two sided frost on the devices and deep black mirrored fields. The obverse frost is off the charts thick and white. By far the best 1961 proof dime I have ever seen. It will upgrade my best 1961 proof set significantly.

I looked at one of the halves and to my astonishment "E Pluribus Unum", "United States Of America", "Half Dollar" and portions of the left side [as you look at the coin] of the bell are doubled. Strikingly so.

I looked through past threads on 1961 DDR halves and looked at pictures of the "Big One" contained therein. I looked at my new coin multiple times with a 10x loupe and compared it to the photos. Much to my surprise, my new half does appear to be the "Big One". Further, the coin has no hairlines or other blemishes so it should grade at least a 66. In addition to the DDR, you have two sided frost and black mirrored fields.

Can you say "early Christmas present"image

Also the half in the third 1961 set appears to be a Cameo, but it is not a DDR.
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Comments

  • WingsruleWingsrule Posts: 2,977 ✭✭✭✭
    image

    or should I say

    imageimage

  • bingo.....................pics
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congratulations... great find... Cheers, RickO
  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,250 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice Score ! (From one who has found a number of DDR's in '61 proof sets).

    It should make your year (2011) and keep you interested in hunting for more.

    Congrats! A very rare find.

    “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

    My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!

  • Awesome!
  • WingsruleWingsrule Posts: 2,977 ✭✭✭✭
    I had one of those once and sent it out to a potential buyer fro review. The postage (at that time) was $19.19. If you looked at the label upside down, it read 61.61.
  • RichieURichRichieURich Posts: 8,359 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Now THAT is one great find! Congratulations!

    Do you think you can get your 1961 DDR half in a Cameo holder? Very rare in Cameo. I have one that I believe is cameo but is not slabbed as such.

    An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.

  • 57loaded57loaded Posts: 4,967 ✭✭✭
    congrats!

    wow. i know you scour proof sets wherever/whenever you can.

    you should look at all of their 08-W ASE and check reverses while you are picking!?
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 19,642 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Cherrypicking a 1961 DDR half in PR66 is SUCK!™ territory, especially if you get a Cameo on it.
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for the props. Today has been a good day.

    With respect to whether the coin would get a Cameo designation, it might.

    The mirrors on both sides are deep, watery black with no blemishes, haze, etc. The obverse frost is thick, smooth and white on all devices. Clearly at a Cameo level. The reverse frost is not as intense/thick as the obverse frost is. All of the reverse devices are fully frosted. It just comes down to whether the reverse frost is thick enough to warrant the designation.

    In any event, it is a gorgeous coin. It looks better than the PF66 example of the 1961 DDR half present in CoinFacts.
  • Walkerguy21DWalkerguy21D Posts: 11,114 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wow, nice find!
    Successful BST transactions with 170 members. Recent: Tonedeaf, Shane6596, Piano1, Ikenefic, RG, PCGSPhoto, stman, Don'tTelltheWife, Boosibri, Ron1968, snowequities, VTchaser, jrt103, SurfinxHI, 78saen, bp777, FHC, RYK, JTHawaii, Opportunity, Kliao, bigtime36, skanderbeg, split37, thebigeng, acloco, Toninginthblood, OKCC, braddick, Coinflip, robcool, fastfreddie, tightbudget, DBSTrader2, nickelsciolist, relaxn, Eagle eye, soldi, silverman68, ElKevvo, sawyerjosh, Schmitz7, talkingwalnut2, konsole, sharkman987, sniocsu, comma, jesbroken, David1234, biosolar, Sullykerry, Moldnut, erwindoc, MichaelDixon, GotTheBug
  • That is a rare coin, well done
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,470 ✭✭✭✭
    Merry Christmas Kevin! image

    Is it too early to say that you suck?
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 31,499 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Definitely a "YOU SUCK!" winner!!!!!!

    TD
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Need pic...image


    Hoard the keys.
  • ModCrewmanModCrewman Posts: 4,027 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As I intimated to you via PM, that's an incredible find. For those who haven't checked the pop reports, there is exactly ONE of the DDR designated as CAM at PCGS, a lone PR67 CAM with no DCAM's. PCGS Guide shows a non-CAM PR66 at $4,500, and PR67 at $10,000, and a PR66 CAM at $8,000 and a PR67 CAM at $10,000...no values are offered for DCAM's. Not a bad find out of a $25(?) proof set.

    Based upon my experience with Kevin's evaluations I've seen previously, I would agree that it is likely a cameo, and would hereby offer support for the motion...in other words, SanctionII - "You Suck!" image
  • segojasegoja Posts: 6,112 ✭✭✭✭
    You get the

    YOU SUCK AWARD!
    JMSCoins Website Link


    Ike Specialist

    Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986

    image
  • Congrat's on a great "cherrypick"!!!image
  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,885 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wow. This will take on more meaning with pix and/or a grade.

    I'd love to see the coin.
    Lance.
  • AngryTurtleAngryTurtle Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭
    From a Franklin (Business strike and Proof) collector
    You Suck!
    imageimageimage
  • guitarwesguitarwes Posts: 9,237 ✭✭✭

    Wow man, that's a great find. You inhale vigorously. You inhale multiples of vigorously if it CAMs at the TPG's.

    Congrats on the find! Persistance pays off, a little luck throw in ain't bad either.
    @ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work.
    Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭
    I have never been lucky enough to fing one of those.. BTW..

    image
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I spent some time last night looking at the three proof sets in more detail.

    The 1961 dime is amazing. It had very light haze on it that I removed with a bath. The appearance of the dime improved without the haze. The fields on both sides of the coins are a deep watery black. The obverse frost is the thickest I have ever seen on a 1961. The frost is so thick it looks like it was artificially applied after minting. The reverse frost is heavy, quite nice, but not close to the level of the obverse frost. The dime upgraded my best 1961 dime.

    The third proof set has a nice cameo half that is not a DDR. I have not removed the half from the cello and may just keep that set intact.

    The other set had the DDR half. I cut it out of the cello and it now resides in my best 1961 cameo proof set. The DDR half and the dime have improved the quality of the set tremendously. I compared the DDR half to other 1961 halves I own that have frosted devices and mirrored fields. The frost and mirrors on the DDR half looks very similar to these other halves. I will eventually have the DDR submitted for grading.

    The DDR half leaves me one half dollar shy of having a 16 coin set of Franklin Cameo proofs [the 14 regular coins plus the 1961 DDR and the 1956 Type 1]. The only cameo that I am missing is the 1956 Type 1. I have found a few Type 1 1956 proof halves, including one with a Cameo reverse. I just need to find a 1956 Type 1 that is a 2 sided Cameo.

    It is nice to be able to be admitted into the club of other forumites who officially "Suck" image
  • gripgrip Posts: 9,962 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Got a picture of the DDR?
  • shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am totally disappointed in this crew...awarding the coveted YOU SUCK!!! without pics, oh the humanity!!! image
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC


  • << <i>I have never been lucky enough to fing one of those.. BTW..

    image >>



    how much did it cost to get them guys to pose?
    image

    Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,890 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congrats! I've been looking for that one for a long, long time, and still haven't found it!
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • DHeathDHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭
    image
    Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
    and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    For those interested in what the coin looks like, I will try to take a decent digital picture of same and get it posted.

    However, you can look at the R&I Coins website and see a photo of a 1961 DDR NGC PF67 half that is listed for sale. The pictured coin on the R&I Website looks very much like the one I picked up earlier this week. I assume that the R&I photo was taken under optimal lighting conditions that accentuate the contrast between the fields and the devices. When I place my new coin under optimal lighting it looks like the photo of the R&I coin.
  • ModCrewmanModCrewman Posts: 4,027 ✭✭✭✭✭
    All should take note...SanctionII is attempting to photograph some of his own coins...now we can start beating him up for photos of these finds he keeps telling us about (if it turns out he's any good at it). image

    Once again...outstanding find Kevin.
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I took some digital photos of 1961 DDR half tonite and sent them to Modcrewman via email. He will post them for me, probably tomorrow. The pics of the reverse show the doubling very well.
  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 12,875 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Happy New Year!

    You suck man.
  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    can't wait for the pics!
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • yosclimberyosclimber Posts: 4,572 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is a link to the example for sale on the R&I Coins website:
    http://www.randicoins.com/store/pc/1961-DDR-FRANKLIN-NGC-PF-67-27p1503.htm
    The description sounds similar to Kevin's example - full cameo obverse, moderate cameo reverse.

    And here is an example image from one of the 1961 DDR threads on this forum (originally from Heritage Auction archives):
    image

    Additional images (including the above) are shown for this variety (Pr DDR-003) at:
    http://www.franklinlover.yolasite.com/doubled-dies-1961.php
  • determineddetermined Posts: 771 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I spent some time last night looking at the three proof sets in more detail.

    The 1961 dime is amazing. It had very light haze on it that I removed with a bath. The appearance of the dime improved without the haze. >>



    Acetone? Or ?? Just for educational purposes I'm curious what you used.

    And congratulations! What a cool and financially rewarding find!
    I collect history in the form of coins.
  • It seems there should be more of these in cam since these are only known in early die states.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Well... I guess I have to pull my Franklin set out and recheck it.... been a while since I looked at it.. like about seven years. Cheers, RickO
  • ModCrewmanModCrewman Posts: 4,027 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Drum roll please..."Without further ado, Ladies and Gentlement, I provide affirmation that Kevin does indeed SUCK!"

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    PS - I'm now very afraid because he was uncertain whether the half would CAM. If he's having doubt about this coin, I'm very frightened just how much of a monster the rest of his set actually is!

    PPS - He is also now mostly without excuse for not sharing photos of his coins with us. image

    PPPS -
    image
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,470 ✭✭✭✭
    Excellent!
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
    while many of us have reaped our rewards for diligently searching 1950-1970 Proof Sets, this is one of the bigger scores that i can recall. and it couldn't have happened to a more deserving member, even if he is a lawyer!!! image
  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,250 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I am so happy that it took a discovery of this magnitude to finally get Sanction to post a photograph! Now we can urge him to post more of his finds....

    Anyway, that coin has more contrast than any I have ever seen in person (and I have found a few and seen quite a few). Very rare with contrast and so hard to find in any grade.

    Finds like these give us all hope that there are more treasures to find in proof sets.

    Great find Sanction!

    “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

    My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!

  • Congratulations! That is a super half you uncovered. Will you send it to the plastic factory and cash in your big find?
  • Congratulations! I know there's another board member that found one in a sealed set but it's just amazing to me you found one in an opened set! The funny part is that you weren't even looking for it. Thanks for sharing your find with us!

  • My god that is a monster
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Glad to have photos posted.

    What appear in the photos to be hairlines are something else [at least I think so based on my inspection of the coin under a loupe]. They may be die polishing lines that were not eliminated when the fields of the die were polished. They were transferred to the coin when it was struck. The lines are frosted and appear to be raised.

    However, even if they are hairlines, I am quite happy with the pickup.

    The dime in the photos is the DCAM [at least the obverse] dime I posted about previously.

    Thanks for all of the props folks, I have been blessed this holiday season.
  • kazkaz Posts: 9,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Those are great, what a way to finish up the year. Congrats!

  • Yeah, you suck..........Happy New Year.........image
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 11,660 ✭✭✭✭✭
    To the top. Edited the thread title to state that photos are posted (as suggested by modcrewman).
  • gonzergonzer Posts: 2,986 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sheer delight! The core of collecting; finds like this.

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