1950-'54 boxed proof sets: Any way to tell for sure if they're cameo?

gyocomgd

The problem, of course, is the cellophane. But is there a way to tell whether any of the coins are deep cameo?
Here are some images from a 1953 proof set I sold recently. The photos leave me, a novice, wondering. I have several other boxed proof sets I'm about to dispose of, but it obviously would make a world of difference if I knew for a fact if the coins were Dcam or not--the Franklins, especially.

keets

i doubt if anyone can give a reliable opinion from the listed pictures. since you are admittedly not able to make the call yourself then my hunch is that they aren't Cameo or Deep Cameo; you would be able to notice some frost and contrast even through the cello pockets. past that, the chief impairment with these early sets is hairlining caused by the packaging. your best course is probably to visit a shop or show to sell them or get the best possible pictures you can and list them at the BST or on eBay. good luck.

Cameonut

It is hard to tell the amount of cameo through the cellophane. But from the pics above, I would say that none of the coins are cameo.

Just like the later flat packs, it is possible to get a general "read" on cameo contrast in the packaging. Careful examination with proper lighting can let you know whether a coin has contrast.

I have been fortunate to find a number of cameo/deep cameo pieces from these early sets. In all cases, I could tell they were cameo before removing them from the cello. Deep cameo pieces are a bonus when you get lucky enough to find them.

Even harder is determining whether a coin is gem or not. The cello is just thick enough to keep hairlines and other minor problems from being detected.

badger

I keep a few of the cellos around to compare coins. I place a raw cameo coin into the opened cello and compare to the coin in the original cello. It gives an indication. If cameo contrast is not obvious through the cello, it is probably not cameo.

Badger

WoodenJefferson

A lot depends on the deteroiration of the cello itself. I've had 55's in box set where the cello was a milkish white, you could tell the date and see the devices but as far as cameo...good luck. I have had some success by holding a focused light source angled from the top and let the light bounce off the surface as you turn and rotate the coin in the cello. Watch for reflective/dull contrast shift, iffy at best...nothing I know that is a definet with out removal. It's cool to take a more common set like a 1961 and find a cameo Franklin nestled in the old yellowed cellofane.