State Quarter Proofs CAM DCAM

spacecadet

I was looking to purchase proofs of state quarters and would like to know if anyone can help me in distinguishing CAM from DCAM. Also, I have seen sets in PCGS flag holders and sets from PCGS in non-flag holders. Is there an advantage to either holder? Thanks much Would appreciate any help anyone out there can give me.
Jan

CarlWohlforth

Modern Proof coins have fields that reflect like a mirror. The devices are white and frosty. Put that together and you have a coin that looks like old cameo jewelry.

As they are used the dies used to make cameo proof coins wear down. The first few strikes produce the frostiest devices. The last few before they replace the dies may not be very frosty. The frostiest coins are deep cameo, coins with lots of frost are cameo and the others are considered brilliant even if they have a little frost.

Here is an image of a quarter with very frosty devices:

CarlWohlforth

As for the flag they say buy the coin, not the holder. So I would buy the frostiest of my choices

spacecadet

Thank you much. I get it.
Jan

spacecadet

One more question Carl,
I noticed some designations as UCAM. What does that notate. I have also seen some sets for sale of state quarter states listed as "silver." Do I assume that these proofs are made for collectors only since quarters today are copper and nickel or am I really off base here?

melikecoins

UCAM is just another company's(NGC) designation for deep cameo.
The silver sets started in 1992 I think and when the state quarter program started they keep it going to include silver state quarters.
You can get clad proof and / or silver proof set every year from the mint.
They are for anyone with the money.
Glen

CarlWohlforth

The US Mint produces two proof sets every year these days. The regular set contains quarters made from the normal clad planchets. The silver set contains quarters made of silver.

DCAM is what PCGS calls their "Deep Cameo" designation. Other companies may have differing standards as to where to draw the line between brilliant and cameo and between cameo and deep cameo. NGC uses the term "Ultra Cameo" or UCAM for the frostiest proofs.

If you are buying certified state quarters you should go for PR 69 DCAM or Ultra Cam. These are beautiful coins, one would need lots of grading experience and a strong magnifying glass to notice any difference between a 69 and a 70. Overall quality is good so 69s are pretty easy to come by. I would choose either NGC or PCGS. I would probably stick with one because the set looks nicer when the coins are all in the same type of holder.

Personally I only have one or two certified state quarters. I do have all the clad and silver proof sets in original US Mint packaging.