Before cam?

KlectorKid

What label was PCGS using before they designated cameos? I found a nice coin that looks CAM for sure... or compared to some cams looks much better. Link Link2

coinguy1

KlectorKid,

Before PCGS and NGC began using the "Cameo" and "Ultra/Deep Cameo" designations, they simply noted the grades (without any designations) on the grading labels.

There are lots and lots (and still more!) "Cameo" and "Ultra/deep Cameo" coins out there, that were graded before those designations were recognized/noted by NGC and PCGS. If/when they are resubmitted, they will receive the designation.

That is why the currently listed/stated "Cameo" and "Ultra/Deep Cameo" populations are so misleading in many cases. Some issues aren't nearly as scarce as one would believe, simply by looking at the population reports.

mbbiker

I don't know when they started putting cam on holders but that is one nice coin you got there.

KlectorKid

Thx for the information, Do u think the coin shown is CAM?

KlectorKid

Its not my coin sadly, but I might be able to buy it and right now it is at no CAM prices

coinguy1

KlectorKid - the coin looks cameo but I wouldn't think it would be worth much of a premium, as such. It might bring an extra 10% or so because of the contrast.

dpoole

Looks like a Cameo to me. Very nice coin, KK!

Conder101

We had a thread on here awhile back trying to determine when PCGS started using the DCAM designator. The oldest slab that was turned up was a PCGS 4. They were used between 1990 and 1995. Unless some one turns up an even older variety slab we can say that they've used DCAM for about 7 to 12 years.

coinguy1

Condor,

I don't believe that the Cameo and Deep Cameo designations have been used on pre-1950 silver, gold and copper proof coins for more than a few (2 to 4) years. I left NGC in January of 1998 and those designations weren't in use at that time. I will see if I can get a more precise time period.

CarlWohlforth

That 3 cent piece looks marginally cameo in that image. I am not sure it would go cameo. I bought one with noticably stronger cameo contrast. It didn't seem like I was paying a premium for it, I bought it at auction where a dozen or more were being sold, all graded around 66 Cameo.

keoj

I think that the designations are series specific. For Trade Dollars (the series that I collect), I agree with the comment of 2-4 years..... I actually that it is closer to the 2 year mark. More and more folks are turning in the old slabs for review and getting CAM designations. I know one old time collector that recently had a pile of Trade Dollar proofs reveiwed and got about 30-40% come back with CAM designations. Thus the reason that paying high $$$ for the holder designation can be very risky, who's to say that 30% of the entire population might get a CAM designation some day, paying premium money without seeing the coin is high risk.

keoj

Conder101

Yes on the pre 1950's it has only been a year or so. I posted without having looked at the coin and the other responses never refered to pre or post 1950. I made the erroneous assumption from mbbikers post that it was an absolute question, "When did they start putting CAM on holders?".