DCAM shades of gray

mt_msla

So it's slightly aggravating that a DCAM designation has shades of "frosty" and "not quite so frosty." (I want full frosty thanks.)

These three coins were all photographed at the same time, in the same fashion, under the same conditions. There is a definite difference in-hand and in-photo between frost and not-frost.

Out of the bottom 3, I'm going with number 3 as my favorite. It shows the best contrast between mirror and deep frost.

oih82w8

Frosty 90%'ers...love 'em!

I need to get a good image of 90% Kennedy PR68CAM

SanctionII

Creating, implementing and marketing a system ("1-70" grade scale; "+" next to the numerical grade; designations of "Brilliant", "Cameo", "Deep Cameo" and "Ultra Cameo") which communicates to an audience (collectors, dealers, investors and the general public) objective lines of demarcation (measurable with mathematical certainty no less) has taken decades and more of time and effort.

However such a system, when utilized on a coin by coin basis, creates results that make one shake their head and think "WTH". Take a look at the photos of the three 1964 proof half dollars posted in this thread. All three are graded 66 DCAM/UCAM.

Are these coins really "the same"? From how they appear in the photos, no they are not the same. They are qualitatively different and they demonstrate that the current system is not the final say as to the coins in the TPG holders. The system provides a starting point from which hobbyists can begin their own evaluation of a specific coin.

"Buy the coin, not the holder"; "get to know your series"; and "knowledge is power" are sage concepts which will serve one well as he or she plays in the hobby.

ColonelJessup

New designation ne plus Ultra CAM

HighRelief

Must be the lighting but I do not see DCAM anything in your pictures. The third one seems to be the closes to it, but I would just call that cameo.

mt_msla

Well, for one thing, my photos aren't juiced like they do on ebay. The pics I took were not edited in any way. But for giggles, take a look back up top at coin number 2, and then see what was advertised below.

Also - these coins were made prior to the mint taking specific measures to ensure DCAM like your more modern '92 S.

ricko

We must always remember, these designations are subjective.... although the potential for accurate, measurable parameters exist, they are not employed in coin grading. Cheers, RickO

mannie gray

I have seen DCAM Kennedies that were in my opinion, only borderline CAM coins.
The designation on sub $100 coins is very arbitrary.
It's as if they are saying, "Your coin is so virtually worthless and common it doesn't matter what we put on the label. We have better and more expensive coins to grade. Move along, and by the way, please stop sending in this kind of crap."