Proof Mercury Dimes?

goyankeez

I'm thinking about getting into this nice short series, and am looking for a little info. Is there a book anybody can recommend that deals with these proofs. Maybe not just proofs, but one that has a good section on proofs. I see a few books on ebay, but I'm not sure how much is dedicated to Proofs.

In the pop reports there aren't any that are designated CAM/DCAM. From the ones I've been looking at on ebay, there are some wonderfully frosted reverses, but the obverse always falls short. Is this consistent with what everyone's seen. How rare are these slightly frosted/just miss CAM coins. Here are a few examples on ebay (from the same seller). These look to have all the eye appeal of CAM coins, but just miss the designation. Would you consider these high end (for the series) in terms of "cameoness" or are they fairly common.

Thanks for any comments.

1938 PR 66

1942 PR 65

1937 PR 64

lordmarcovan

I don't know zip about proof Mercs, having never owned one, and having seen only a few.

Those are certainly pretty to look at, though.

oldcameoproofsguy

That 1942 just misses a CAM.

The devices for all denominations of the 1936 to 1942 proof coinage are so watery. It kind of makes me wonder what the mint was thinking during that period.

Another funny thing is in the Registry it gives a weighting of 1 point for CAM and 2 points for DCAM, yet not a single Mercury Head Proof has been graded CAM or DCAM. Just think what will be stirred up if one eventually does get graded.

Placid

I think the seller is good at making coins look there best.

heavycopper

I have 4 proof mercury dimes and only one has a cameo contrast. NGC gave is a PF67 but not cameo. I think the true cameos are hard to find. I asked Scott Travers (coin author) about the proof cameo dimes at the last FUN show. He said they do exist. I've never seen one, but I'm sure he has seen more than me.

I also think the seller is using side lighting to improve the look of the cameo. I would think they will look much weaker when they are in your hands.

The prices have gone way up in the past 2 years too. I was buying mine1940-1942 in PF65 PCGS graded for $125-130 range. Now I seem the on ebay for $300.

coinnerd

Silver proofs from 1936 - 1942 are very rare in full cameo. They do exist. Like some of the others have said, I think this seller is using lighting to enhance the effect. I wouldn't pay a premium for the non-cameo coins. If you shop around you will find them without the hype and extra price.

CarlWohlforth

I've heard of 4 or 5 that did get the Cameo designation so far. I think they are very rare. I expect more to show up over the next year or so, PCGS only started handing out the cameo on Mercs recently.

When I was looking for a proof Merc I wanted a cameo but didn't get one. I then focused on the devices. I don't like the striations which are so very common on proof Mercs. I wanted to find a proof Merc with perfectly clear, deep, watery mirror like fields with absolutely no flow lines. I came close but still haven't seen any with as nice fields as on any other proof denominations I have.

I remember hearing good things about that seller. However I did read him defend his imaging practices. Someone compained to him that he was enhancing his images, that they weren't as cameo in normal lighting conditions as they were in his scans. He replied that his goal in imaging was to bring out the best cameo contrast he could. I think the goal should be to most accurately depict what the buyer will get rather than to flatter the coin.

He describes the fields as being lusterous. Proof coins should not have luster if they have good mirror like fields.

All that said I think he has a very nice trio of Mercs. If the price were right I'd bid on them.

jom

Most proofs from the 36-42 era are VERY rare in Cameo. Out of the 5 coins I think it was the Half that had the least graded Cameo. Not sure about that...look it up in the pop report. I don't believe I've ever seen a Merc (or a Walker for that matter) in Cameo.

jom

coinguy1

We currently own a 1939 PCGS PR67 Cameo (we also had a PR66 Cameo of the same date) and I have seen perhaps 3 other PCGS cameos of all dates. Quite frankly, none of them, including ours, impressed me that much, so far as contrast goes. Regarding those seen on Ebay - I mentioned once before that I had purchased and returned a coin offered by the dealer mentioned on this thread - I firmly believe that he enhances his images to the point where they are not accurate. I will leave it at that.

littlewicher

Have there been any of them graded DCAM?

heavycopper

No, there are no DCAM mercury dimes. Cam is tough enough.

goyankeez

Thanks for all the responses.

On the online pop report there were no data for CAM. I didn't know PCGS had graded any.

Mark- I saw the coin on your website. Great coin, but (as of now) out of my price range. Maybe in a few years.

I hope to get a coin with the eye appeal of a cameo w/o a CAM designation in particular. While I may not be able to afford a "CAM" now, I really like the series, and think it would be fun to collect some well-frosted, one-sided cameos. I've only started to look at these coins, so I'm not sure what to expect yet. I also know very little about pre-1950 proofs, so I'll first be doing some reading on that.

I've heard good things on this forum about jwcameo, eventhough he uses those lighting techniques. I've never bought anything from him, because I would be subject to the 8% sales tax, and he charges a 5% restocking fee for returns. For a pricey item, those extra fees add up.

michael

cameo mercs do exist they are rare but do exist and there are many that are cameos but not cameo enough to go into pcgs ngc holders alsom usually the reverse is cameo
but not the obverse both sides full cameo to go into pcgs ngc holders are rare!! sincerely michael

i believe that there will be a market made or at least some will try to make a market in 36 to 42 coinms that are cameo but just cant make it into cameo pcgs ngc holders either because one sdie is cameo and the other is not or the coin is juat on the edge of cameo
now on 19 cwsntury proofs waht is called cameo merc dimes will never have if the services graded cameo 36 to 42 coinzage in proof like say seated quarters in cameo very few to none would ever gewt cameo most of the cameo coins from 36 to 42 in holders currently are baSICALLY JYUST MADE IT CAMEOS AND NOT JUDGED ON THE STANDARDS THEY WOULD USE for judging a seated quarter for example
is that good or bad?? i do not know but just the way it is

sincerely michael

coinguy1

goyankeez - there should be plenty of nice (non cameo designation) pieces to look at and choose from. Take your time and enjoy! They are beautiful coins and still not "expensive" compared to many other choices.

However, in case you did not already know it, the 1936-1942 proof singles have been heavily promoted during the past year or so (I can't remember the precise time frame) and have appreciated considerably in price. I'm not saying that they are overpriced at these levels, just that they cost quite a bit more than they would have last year.

DoubleDime

Someday I would like to get the Proof 1942 coin. Have 3 of the 6 Proof coins for 1942. For the time being my coin is a PCGS MS-66, still a nice looking piece.

michael

mark is right about the runup in prices but tome they are still overall inexpensive they were severely undervalued and now to me are FOR THE RIGHT COPINS WITH THE RIGHT LOOK still undervalued but you have to buy the right coins wuith the right look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and most all for example merc dimes slabbed coins are not the right look!

66 and higher monster toned coins and/or ones with a rreal cameo are still to me severely undervalued as if you look at many merc dimes buffs and walkers in proof most all are ugly coins

sincerely michael