Is this Accented Hair a cameo?

Russ

What do you guys think?

Russ, NCNE

LucyBop

it sure looks it, but your very sneaky!

kranky

Doesn't look like that cameo frost, it's more chrome looking. I'll say no.

mbbiker

No it looks DCAM

Russ

<< <i>but your very sneaky! >>



Why do people always say stuff like that?

Russ, NCNE

TommyB

Is this the one you picked up a week or so ago by way of auction? Looks great to me.

Coulport

Sure is but you need to wait for the expert to post his opinion on these things.
Seems he owns the free world supply.













OH!
Never mind.

Russ

<< <i>Is this the one you picked up a week or so ago by way of auction? >>



TommyB,

You'd have to be more specific than that. I think, though, that you're thinking of the two sets I posted pictures of recently. If that's the case, no, this isn't one of them. This coin isn't even in the same league as those two.

Russ, NCNE

MadMarty

<< <i>Why do people always say stuff like that? >>



because you are!!!

DHeath

No, but danged close. IMHO


Edited to add - that of course is based on my knowledge of the photographer's skills and lighting.

LucyBop

Sneaky Sneaky Sneaky!

Russ

Now, Don, are you saying that because Lucy said I was sneaky?

Russ, NCNE

BSqr

russ,

People have mentioned frost. Is frost a pre-requisite for CAM/DCAM?
If cameo = contrast of the foreground devices to the background field then it looks like a DCAM to me.
Have you modified that image in any way?

robertpr

Absolutely positively undoubtedly definitely NOT a cameo. Sorry dude.

Russ

<< <i>Have you modified that image in any way? >>



Just cropped and resized.

Russ, NCNE

robertpr

BSqr, frost is a requisite for cam/dcam. Frost or monster frost will give a coin cam, while monster frost with deep fields will deliver a dcam grade. Mega frost with shallow fields nets a cam grade. Light frost with medium to deep fields nets a cam grade too. Shallow fields will not necessarily disqualify a coin from cam if the frost is strong enough, but lack of frost will disqualify it regardless of how deep the fields are. One sided cameos will earn a *(star) designation at NGC, as well as coins that are almost cameo but not quite. NGC gives these a star for their premium value.

LucyBop

you big sneak!

Russ

<< <i>Shallow fields will not necessarily disqualify a coin from cam/dcam >>



Robert,

If PCGS is doing the grading, shallow fields most certainly will keep the coin out of a DCAM holder.

Russ, NCNE

robertpr

Russ,

I knew that! Just typin' too fast. Edited my original post for clarity. Thanks.

BSqr

Robert,

Thanks for the explanation. Now a follow up. If frost is required for a CAM designation then what is it about modern proofs that yields such a high % of DCAM? Most moderns exhibit little or no frost. They do, however, possess deep fields.

Russ

BSqr,

You bring up a very valid point that many of us have discussed! I assume you're talking about late-date stuff, post 1990? You are absolutely correct that they appear less frosty than coins from say late '70s through late 80s. It is my opinion that PCGS too easily gives the DCAM designation for these coins and is too stingy with the designation for the 1964, and the 1968 through 1970. (Speaking about the Kennedy series).

IMO, it's an unspoken double standard.

Russ, NCNE

robertpr

BSqr, I agree with your point about moderns. But the frost IS there, it's just different. I think the graders look at modern coins as being dcam by default and if they see something that would disqualify them as being such, they lower the designation. I think they do the opposite for older coins: they're not cam by default and if they see outstanding cameo qualities they will increase the designation accordingly. So it's easier for moderns to get the designation. Personally I disagree with the dcam designation on most of the non-silver modern issues and think they should either be not cam or cam at the most in the majority of cases. But, look at the coin and draw your own conclusions. I know it's tired, but worth repeating: buy the coin, not the holder.

BSqr

thanks guys, I'm just trying to understand the requirements for CAM designations to help in choosing coins from the 50s, 60s, and 70s to submit for grading.

robertpr

BSqr,

Nice choice. These can be the most fun coins to search out cameos in. The most important advice I can give you is:

-They will grow milk spots when submitted if they've been recently dipped. Many have, particularly on eBay, been dipped just prior to being offered for sale. Many will also grow milk spots within weeks of being unsealed from a flat pack. Keep your coins for a minimum of one month inside a Saflip prior to submitting them to be sure the surfaces are stable.
-Scrutinize the fields as much as the devices. Are the flow lines glaringly obvious or is it a black hole? Many collectors make the mistake of only looking for the frost and ignoring the depth of the fields.
-Save one sided cameo's for a potential submission to NGC, as they do attribute them with a *. If you don't have an NGC membership I'm sure some board member that does have one would be willing to send your coins along with their next batch.
-Haze can be dipped away. Just ask Russ.
-Rolled proofs abrade easily, don't buy rolls.
-Buy "Cameo and Proof coinage of the 1950 to 1970 Era" by Rick Tomaska if you don't have it already. You can find it at His website or at amazon.com.
-Have fun. If you get any PR70's, my birthday is at the beginning of March.

airplanenut

With a little chalk/spraypaint

robertpr

Jeremy, I thought the "pros" use fingernail polish remover to create frost.