How can I tell difference between cameo ,sms,and proof Lincoln pennies?

MCguire19701

I am a newbie to this this is my first post I found a 1968



and a 1982 D in the same role they both look like Cameo or deep Cameo?I will post the pictures I have this is the best pictures I could get without the microscope thank you for any advice you can give me

robec

Your 1968 Lincoln is a regular cent made for circulation. 1968 was the first year the Lincoln cent Proofs carried the S mintmark, the mark for the San Francisco mint . All proofs before that (1909-1916 and 1936-1964) were minted without a mint mark and were struck in Philadelphia.

No proofs were minted in 1965, 66 and 67. During these years they minted a product called Special Mint Set (SMS). These were mostly inferior in quality to proofs, but netter in quality to coins made for circulation.

The proof Lincoln’s from 1936-64 had brilliant mirror fields. The early strikes created a cameo effect. The more theat were struck from the die the more the cameo effect would disappear, giving Abe’s bust a brilliant appearance instead.

In most cases the SMS Lincoln’s also had a mirror finish in the fields, though not quite as much as the Proofs. The earliest struck coins also had the Cameo effect.

In regards to Lincoln’s, Cameos are only used in reference to Proof and SMS.
The 1982-D Lincoln is not a proof so won’t be designated as a cameo.

The coins made for circulation were brilliant but didn’t have the mirror fields that came with SMS and Proofs.

Regular 1968-S made for circulation.

Proof 1968-S

Proof 1968-S Cameo (this particular one is Deep Cameo)

TomB

Howdy and welcome.

I would strongly suggest against getting a microscope to view and/or image coins. A microscope has almost no utility in numismatics. As for being a new collector, I would highly recommend buying A Guidebook of United States Coins, otherwise known as "the Red Book" and reading that. A quick read through the book will give you the basics on how to grade, what coins were issued when and from what mints, original mintage figures, basic prices and some history. You just need to buy one and keep using it for years and years. Also, you can check out PCGS CoinFacts for free to see tons of information on most any US issue.

https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts

Tom147

So, in essence what Robec and TomB are saying, neither of your Lincolns are cameo or deep cameo
( DCAM ) Once you see a cameo or DCAM coin you'll know it. Get on eBay, type in PCGS Lincoln cameo or DCAM. You'll see it.

emeraldATV

@TomB
"A microscope has almost no utility in numismatics".
@emeraldATV
In Numismatics, maybe.
"In grading, just think of it as the Swiss Army Knife and it's options."
Just my thought.

MCguire19701

I want to thank everybody for giving me advice I really appreciate it. this is very helpful information. thank you for welcoming me. this is a great community

MCguire19701

Do you think these are worth sending in to be graded?
The 1982 has a filled in D is that considered a re-punch mark?

ChrisH821

Proof, SMS, and Circulation coins are methods of manufacture. Cameo is a descriptor that refers to the contrast between frosted textured devices and mirrored fields.


Proofs are coins specially struck under higher pressure with specially prepared dies, on specially prepared planchets. Cameo can describe a proof coin if the devices(raised elements) are sufficiently "frosty" against smooth mirrored fields(the empty space).


SMS(Special Mint Set) coins are sort of the "proof sets" of 1965-1967 when the mint did not produce Proof coins as a cost reduction strategy. They are still higher quality than circulation strike coins but not up to the standard of proofs. Cameo can also describe SMS coins


Circulation strike coins are what it says on the box. Coins minted in huge quantities and high speed meant for use in circulation. Normal coins.


Your coins are normal circulation strikes, and they look like they have been through some hard times, not worth grading at all.