How much CAM = CAM?

barrytrot

Ok, I am finally embarking on sending a few raws into get slabbed.

However, I just want to be sure that I am able to pick out the CAM's from the DCAM's from the non-CAM's. Otherwise I'll just be sending in way to many non-worthy specimens.

I'm looking at a few proof sets right now and there is definitely differentiation in the face versus the background. That's CAM right? We'll what's DCAM? How CAM does it need to be.

I'm certain this topic has been overdone so if someone can just point me to a thread, that's cool. I searched for "CAM" and couldn't find a "how do you grade like 'Supercoin'" topic.

Thanks!

Blackhawk

Here's a link to one piece of onformation about it. I think that there are links to cameo grading from this sight.

coincentric

Bill

Russ

The following are PCGS's definitions for the designations:

CAM:

Black Hole Mirrors with Super Nova Devices.
(The above may be granted a CAM designation when the moon is in the correct phase, or in the epicenter of a harmonic convergence).

DCAM:

Above criteria, plus a Ben Franklin (paper variety) slipped to the right person.

Russ, NCNE

presleyh

dcam is only given out on the 5th and 34th submissions if they come in before 7 am on wednesday of the 3 rd week on the month. (unless its raining) then eliminate every other dcam. i think dcam lincolns are a little easier since nobody cares about them anyway. hope this helps.

goyankeez

What years are the proofs, if you don't mind me asking.

barrytrot

I've got a bunch of things.

Everything from modern commems to assorted clads to Morgans. Nothing of great value (unless its super high PR or something) but I just want to cert a few good ones to say I've done it. Then, I'll move on to the raw Morgans that I have sitting here.

The ones I was looking at during my initial post were a few 1983 proof sets. I just popped those out because I had a few of the same type and I figured it would be a good sample set to see if I knew what I was doing. (Which I don't.)

Russ

<< <i>The ones I was looking at during my initial post were a few 1983 proof sets. >>



Generally speaking, those are automatic DCAMs - unless it's a really bad set. From 1978 through 1985 the mint was pretty consistent in producing nicely frosted coinage with solid mirrors.

EDIT: At least for the Kennedy halves.

Russ, NCNE

barrytrot

"automatic DCAM".

Yeah, that's what I heard.

However, there is a ton of differentiation between the amount of "CAMiness" (not to be confused with SFII).

This one I'm looking at has the total mirrors and white Kennedy.

Then this other one is white with mirrors but looks much darker.

Ok, maybe I'm just seeing different grades?

I have a variety of "sample" coins but for the life of me I'm not able to match them up with the grade.

Are there short cuts to being able to say, "yep this is PR68 DCAM" and this is "PR67 CAM".

goyankeez

Here's a good page to compare levels of cameo contrastR&I Coins Info

Also, a coin may have a DCAM obverse and CAM reverse, and PCGS will designate it CAM. Others are borderline and may go either way. Silver cameos are easier to see, because of the white devices. Some silver DCAMs are awesome white and black spectacles. Metal content will affect what one cameo will look like compared to another. Good Luck