Difference between a Proof, DCAM, and Cameo?

Ogden

First of all what is the difference, and then is this the intent of Mint?

Thanks
Ogden

cypher

Proof:a specially produced coin made from highly polished planchets and dies and often struck twice to accent the design. Proof coins receive the highest quality strike possible and can be distinguished by their sharpness of detail and brilliant, mirror-like surface.

Cameo vs Deep Cameo: the constrast of the devices and the fields of a proof coin that determine the cameo appearance. For a proof that shows no difference in the devices and field, you would say that there is no cameo appearance and a proof getting a grade of 69 would be said to grade PR69, or some say PR69 Straight, meaning no cameo. For a slight cameo appearance, one in which the devices have somewhat of a white appearance against black fields, you would grade the coin Cameo, and thus a PR69 would be PR69 CAM. For outstanding frosted white devices on dark fields the proof is said to have a deep or heavy cameo appearance, and thus for PR69 the grade would be PR69 DCAM or Ultra CAM, depending on the grading service.

Russ

Cameo is the contrast between the devices (raised portions) and the fields (flat portions). A brilliant coin will have little to none, a cameo coin will be clearly contrasted, and a deep cameo will be very contrasted. There should be few to no breaks (brilliant patches) on the devices in order to achieve the cameo designation, and no breaks at all to receive DCAM.

In addition to the degree of "frost" on the devices, the depth (blackness) of the mirrors plays an important role. In the above examples, the middle coin is a CAM, the right coin is a DCAM. The major difference is the depth of the mirrors.

Also, the contrast must exist on both the obverse and reverse of the coin. A coin with a DCAM obverse, but only a CAM reverse will not make the DCAM designation. A coin with a CAM or DCAM on one side, yet brilliant on the other will receive no designation at all.

Russ, NCNE

Ogden

Thanks and Russ if I can guess the designations of what you posted from left to right., proof, cameo and then Dcameo. Is that right? Appears DCAM is mirror like. Is that correct? Incidentally Russ ever since I have seen your postings on AH Kennedy's I have been trying to buy one without success. You said you just put one up for sale on Ebay. Can you give me the link? I would love to have one.

Ogden

Russ

Ogden,

Correct and correct on the coins pictured.

I just listed the DCAM pointed tail Roosie on eBay, not an Accented Hair Kennedy.

Russ, NCNE

relayer

Ogdon,

If you want a PCGS AH I just listed one on eBay. 1964 Accented Hair No Reserve

jhar

Ogden, all of the coins that Russ posted for you are Proof Coins. The CAM and DCAM designations refer to the amount of frost on the devices that is a by-product of the proof striking proccess.