Show us your Circulation Cameos! (CircCam)

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 2:35AM

During a recent discussion of TomB's 1803 Draped Bust half, I coined a new numismatic phrase (I think): "circulation cameo".

This refers to a coin with darker-toned fields and light devices, like a cameo effect, but unlike a cameo proof, the circulation cameo achieved this cameo effect through wear on its high points. I have seen a number of Draped Bust silver coins with this look, and I like it. Even a silver coin that is so darkly toned it's almost black can be pleasing if the portrait and devices are a lighter color- the contrast of light and dark is pleasing to the eye.

OK, so maybe you don't like my new term, but such coins needed a short descriptor of some sort.

One example I can think of is a Draped Bust half I used to own on my Holey Coin Vest, which I later sold to Cladiator and which later achieved fame as the 1806 O-129 discovery coin. It's definitely an example of a "circulation cameo", though not as pronounced as one I currently own (and have no picture of yet).

*2019 edit to fix the pictures below, since the old 2006 images had died. Original text above unedited. In fact, most of the pictures in the earlier posts of this old thread have gone blooey, but if you read the more recent stuff towards the end, there will be more to see. Sadly, that linked article about the 1806 O-129 discovery has since vanished from the Internet.

ziggy29 · September 26, 2006 2:39AM

richardshipp · September 26, 2006 2:40AM

I think this counts and I like the look as well, although I'm going to wear out this picture posting it

Cladiator · September 26, 2006 2:42AM

I really like the new term LordM. I've struggled with trying to describe this look on several occasions and it always ends up being too wordy. Circulation Cameo....has a good ring to it. I'll post one or two tonight when I'm home.

123cents · September 26, 2006 2:44AM

jmj3esq · September 26, 2006 2:45AM

Its not mine, but I think it fits the catagory:

richardshipp · September 26, 2006 2:51AM

<< Its not mine, but I think it fits the catagory:

>>

Leiana · September 26, 2006 2:52AM

I think I have another that I will post later.

-Amanda

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 2:52AM

Ziggy- I love that dime!

seanq · September 26, 2006 3:13AM

I once put together a complete set of Barber Dimes with that black & white "circulation cameo" look, I think a well-matched and well-circulated set of any Barber coinage is very attractive. The only image I have readily available is this 1905-micro O:

Sean Reynolds

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 3:29AM

Excellent example of the "circulation cameo" effect!

It really looks good on Barber coins.

OK, my scanner wasn't working so I got out my camera to shoot the Draped half I mentioned. To my surprise, I actually got a better picture than I would have with the scanner, which is rare for me. (Of course I had to scale it down some.) Despite using nothing but natural sunlight and having some shadows, I think it turned out OK.

I think you can see that both sides of this coin, but particularly the reverse, are show good "circulation cameo" contrast.

PS- if this 1806 half happens to be a previously unknown Overton variety, somebody let me know in advance, OK? I'll share the wealth.

I studied it for about ten minutes using the book (which Cladiator bought me so I'll never let another discovery coin slip through my fingers), but using Overton is still a little like Chinese algebra for me, with all the abbreviations and stuff.

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 3:40AM

This isn't quite as good an example of a circulation cameo (heavy on the circulation, light on the cameo), but it's got some. If somebody were to polish this coin and remove the dark/light contrast, you'd barely be able to see any of the design, and think of how ugly it would be.

Right now it's got... character.

michael · September 26, 2006 3:45AM

for ALL of the above

as new and re-entering collectors and collecting starts to mature and move backwards in their collecting pursuits these early reminders of our coinage will only grow stronger in desire and demand among EVERYONE!!

Shamika · September 26, 2006 3:46AM

I like this thread.

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 3:58AM

I predict "circulation cameos" will be all the rage now that there's a term to describe them, and dishonest folks on eBay will spray-paint coins black and then buff the paint off the high points.

Then you'll have to watch out for artificial circulation cameos. Beware of ACC!

michael · September 26, 2006 4:03AM

i like!!!!

oh my

my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my my

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 4:06AM

Ziggy's 1845-O dime is my favorite in this thread so far, even though it's not a strong circulation cameo. It just "speaks to me", somehow.

kmuhles · September 26, 2006 4:15AM

Do you have to use 3-D glasses to identify this type of cameo?

ziggy29 · September 26, 2006 4:24AM

<< Ziggy's 1845-O dime is my favorite in this thread so far, even though it's not a strong circulation cameo. It just "speaks to me", somehow. >>

It's actually a bit more "cameo" in hand, particularly since this image understates the contrast.

This is a very tough date to find in problem-free VF (and darned near impossible in EF), so I was thrilled to snag this nice VF last year for my Seated Dime set. I was amazed to get it under the values listed in the price sheets.

seanq · September 26, 2006 4:32AM

Look how much nicer the reverse of this arrows & rays [Edit: quarter] looks with a little strategic circulation wear.

Sean Reynolds

AlixTCat · September 26, 2006 4:35AM

What about the Artificial Circulation Cameo©? The ACC. You know, the coin bought black and the devices rubbed until they are light?

Great! Something else to worry about when CC's catch on with collectors.

Jonathan

lordmarcovan · September 26, 2006 4:39AM

Wow, Sean, that's a cool clip on that '53 quarter. I thought it was damaged at first glance.

kmuhles- cool avatar! I would go kayaking, too, if I could paddle through a sea of giant Standing Liberty quarters like that!

seanq · September 26, 2006 4:41AM

<< Wow, Sean, that's a cool clip on that '53 quarter. I thought it was damaged at first glance. >>

It's much more convincing in the hand than in the scan. I have an 1862 seated quarter clip on the way which also qualifies for this thread, I'm about bouncing out of my chair waiting for it to arrive.

Sean Reynolds

Leiana · September 26, 2006 7:10AM

-Amanda

Tonedbuff · September 26, 2006 7:17AM

Best I can do...

DennisH · September 26, 2006 7:27AM

I love the Circulated Cameo look of Morgans in VG-VF. Here's one of my personal favorites:

JxnBoy · September 26, 2006 7:33AM

Not the best pic, but the best I have available. One of my absolute favorite coins.

morgannut2 · September 26, 2006 7:42AM

While I like the "CC" term, it's more likely the phrase devices "framed" by darker tone....or whatever

will continue to be favored at least in auction catelogues. They'll worry that people think you mean impaired

Cameo Proofs.

Something I doubt the neat coins in your excellant collection will be mistaken!

DNADave · September 26, 2006 7:44AM

wam98 · September 26, 2006 7:48AM

.

lordmarcovan · September 27, 2006 11:08AM

Ahh, some excellent examples. I never realized how much I prefer CC coins until now. (Circulation Cameos, that is, though I like Carson City coins, too.)

OKbustchaser · September 27, 2006 12:27PM

Here are a few that I think qualify on at least one side.

Baley · September 27, 2006 12:32PM

Wha, something like this

MFH · September 27, 2006 12:43PM

As close to a cameo look I have in a circulated coin...

ccr · September 27, 2006 12:53PM

Bunker · September 27, 2006 12:55PM

Baley I think you may have a C-DCAM

millennium · September 27, 2006 12:56PM

Here's a half cent I have that might qualify as a circulation cameo:

DUIGUY · September 27, 2006 1:22PM

lkenefic · September 27, 2006 2:35PM

...perhaps???

USCGCraig · September 27, 2006 9:20PM

Tyler Child's Barber Half set is entirely CC. His halves are gorgeous and sell for premiums above non CC halves. I believe Mike's 07-P VF30 might be an ex-Tyler Child piece.

Can someone help me post a link to his Registry set?

Bunker · September 27, 2006 9:25PM

MFH that is a beautiful Barber half...man would I love to have that one!

lordmarcovan · September 28, 2006 2:52AM

<< ...perhaps??? >>

Leo: definitely!

MFH · September 28, 2006 9:11PM

<< Tyler Child's Barber Half set is entirely CC. His halves are gorgeous and sell for premiums above non CC halves. I believe Mike's 07-P VF30 might be an ex-Tyler Child piece.

Can someone help me post a link to his Registry set? >>

Craig,

That 1907-P in VF 30 came from Gil Aguiar out of an Ebay auction. A certain young Virginia doctor was most upset with me that I out sniped his snipe at the last few seconds of that auction .....

I wish I also had the capabilities of attaching a link to this Forum, heck, I'm just pleased I am able to finally attach images.

USCGCraig · September 28, 2006 9:42PM

Now that I have 60 of the 73 Barber Halves in my grade, I think I might treat myself and start getting them Tru-Viewed. I have a few Tyler Child's in there I would love to share but just don't have the photographic skills/equipment/time to do so. I'm sending in a submision with crossovers and a Presidential Review and hope to get another 5 or 6 XF45's I need.

Does anyone know if PCGS accepts coins at shows for Tru-View only? I don't want fast service and fully expect them to take the coins back to California. It would just be a bit easier to take them to a show and drop them off then it would be to ship them.

Anyone going to Baltimore in November?