Kennedy Question -- Oh, Russ ---

FrattLaw

I just picked up a 67 SMS and a 70 Proof set, both Kennedy's are DCAMS, the question is should I have these slabbed? Are they worth anything if they're not 69s? The 70 has 2 small dots in the mirrors which might make it a 68 unless the graders are a little more lenient with this year. I have a 68-S 68DCAM that is no where near the quality of this coin. And the 67 has no spots, but the mirrors aren't as deep as a normal proof, will this hurt the grade.

Help is much appreciated.

Michael

Russ

If the '67 SMS is really a DCAM (and, they are VERY tough to do), than it's worth slabbing at any grade. If the 1970-S will grade at PR67 or higher (and it's a DCAM), it's worth submitting.

Edited to note that the major reason it's hard to make a DCAM in the SMS coins is precisely because of a lack of depth in the mirrors, so pay very close attention to that.

Russ, NCNE

FrattLaw

The 67 SMS looks like numerous other DCAMs I have made, frosty cameo, all the letters are nice and frosty. The only questionable area is the where Kennedy's nose meets his cheek and eye. A very slight break, that's all and you really have to look closely. Otherwise, nice mirrors, no haze, spots or toning.

The obverse is just as nice. Even the FG is frosty!

Will the mirrors not being as deep as a normal proof keep the grade lower?

As for the 70, there's no doubt in my mind that this is at least a 67. The SMS 67 should go 67/68.

What are the current prices for these coins?

Thanks again,
Michael

Russ

<< <i>Will the mirrors not being as deep as a normal proof keep the grade lower? >>



No, but they may keep it out of a deep cameo holder.



<< <i>As for the 70, there's no doubt in my mind that this is at least a 67. The SMS 67 should go 67/68.

What are the current prices for these coins? >>



The 1970-S in 67DCAM, $25 to $35, in 68DCAM, $60 to $80, in 69DCAM, around $400. I like the 1970 in 68DCAM (I have eight of them) because the 69DCAM pop (currently 118) has barely moved over the last year and there are no 70DCAMs.

For the 1967 SMS, a 67DCAM would be about a $1000 to $1300 coin. In 68DCAM, they rarely come up for sale, but the last one that did went for $6900. It wouldn't go that high in current market, though.

Russ, NCNE

FrattLaw

Wow! I gotta get out the loupe again and take another look. I can't believe a SMS could be so much.

Thanks!

Michael

Russ

Michael,

It is only that much if it is a DCAM which, again, is extremely hard to make. Take a look at this coin:



That one just makes the "CAM" designation.

Russ, NCNE

FrattLaw

Well, I guess based on the rarity of this type of coin, PCGS is quite picking which coins get the CAM vs. DCAM designation. My 67 is very similar to that coin. The mirrors might not be strong enough to get it to a DCAM.

But for $10, I guess I should give it a try. Worse that happens is that it comes back a 66 CAM and I break it out and stick it in my Kennedy Dansco album.

The 70 is a nice coin though. It should go DCAM, what grade I don't know. The spots are small, but are on the Obverse in the fields to the left of his portrait. I figure it might go 67. But then again, the 68 68DCAM I have sucks compared to this coin, so who knows.

Can either/both of these coins be given a light dip to clean them up? Or should I use MS70?

Thanks again,
Michael

Russ

Michael,

Without having the coins in hand, it's impossible to say whether or not they'd benefit from a dip. Some do, some don't, it just depends on the nature of the surface contaminants. I have to actually examine the coin in person to know.



<< <i>But then again, the 68 68DCAM I have sucks compared to this coin, so who knows. >>



One thing I learned the hard way is that, at least in proof Kennedys, it does no good to compare with other PCGS graded material when trying to make a grade or designation determination. They have been wildly inconsistent over the years and much of their earlier slabs would not make the grade today.

Russ, NCNE