Your thoughts on this 1952 Proof Cent.
SanctionII
Posts: 12,703 ✭✭✭✭✭
Cameo? Or Brilliant?
When I receive the OGP set in which the cent resides I will take a look at the cent under good lighting and post an update. I have been searching for a raw Cameo 1952 cent for over 25 years. 
2
Comments
Not quite Cameo, yet a premium example, none-the-less.
Doesn't look cameo in the pic, but you can't really tell from the pic.
I do not feel one can evaluate from pictures. What does the reverse look like?
From those pictures I'm guessing very much so brilliant.
The reverse looks similar to the obverse. The photo of the coin shows devices that have frost. The photo of the coin does not show that the fields are mirrored. You never know until you see the coin in hand.
To date I have had success in finding raw proof cents for 1950, 1951, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964 that received Cameo or DCAM designations from our host. Still hoping to do the same with 1952, 1954, 1955 and 1958 cents.
It looks like it will be a very nice example of a 1952 proof cent regardless of if it is cameo or not. The photo makes me think it is not cameo.
I remember looking for the 'right' original '52 set for a customer some years ago. I looked at quite a few 1952 sets and I don't remember seeing a cameo cent.
Maybe it's the light, but yours looks brilliant.
Considering it's easier to make a non-cam look cameo than the other way around and I'm not sure I think the coin looks fully cameo anyway in the photo, I'd say brilliant.
Interesting that the forum consensus (based upon the photo) is that the cent is a Brilliant proof.
The cent in this 1951 proof set ended up grading a PF66CAM earlier this year. You simply cannot tell definitively from photos.
I believe that only the obv. has to be cameo on Lincoln cents to get a cam grading.
I believe that only the obv. has to be cameo on Lincoln cents to get a cam grading
According to the PCGS website, both sides must show some form of cameo to get a cameo designation.
If one side is DCAM and the is CAM, it would get a cameo designation.
I was just repeating what David Hall told me in person at a Fun show years ago!
The written standard does not always get applied.
I've also heard the obverse is the deciding factor, and this certainly appears to be the case for some coins.
As you stated, “The cent in this 1951 proof set ended up grading a PF66CAM earlier this year.
You simply cannot tell definitively from photos.” So why start a thread asking for opinions?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
More weight might be given to the obverse than the reverse frost/contrast in some cases. But I’ve seen more than a few coins designated “Cameo” (both before and since you were born 😉) and I don’t remember a meaningful number that weren’t cameo on both sides.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Mark.
I started this thread simply out of curiosity (wanting to know what other forum members opine after looking at the photo).
I collect in this niche area and have had some success in finding raw proofs that end up receiving a Cameo designation, by looking at photos of these raw coins. For the 1951 cent shown above in the Capital holder my Spidey Sense caused me to think it was a possible Cameo and it received the designation.
The same thing happened today when I saw the photo of the 1952 cent.
All you and the rest of us can do is guess. And with your experience and dedication, your guesses are likely to be as good as, if not better than those in the large majority of replies to your threads.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I just want to add this for all proof coinage except Lincolns need cameo on BOTH sides
Why not Lincoln’s?
PTVETTER Posts: 6,050 ✭✭✭✭✭ November 24, 2025 3:59PM
I believe that only the obv. has to be cameo on Lincoln cents to get a cam grading.
PTVETTER Posts: 6,050 ✭✭✭✭✭ November 24, 2025 4:20PM
@Greenstang said:
I believe that only the obv. has to be cameo on Lincoln cents to get a cam grading
According to the PCGS website, both sides must show some form of cameo to get a cameo designation.
If one side is DCAM and the is CAM, it would get a cameo designation.
I was just repeating what David Hall told me in person at a Fun show years ago!
I don’t think Lincoln Cents are exempt from required cameo contrast on both sides. And that either you misunderstood David Hall or that (despite his knowledge and position) he wasn’t speaking on behalf of the major grading companies.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Kevin, we know it is tough to judge cameo contrast thru the packaging. We have both had our wins and losses.
Based on the photo alone, I think it has promise. I presume there are no other photos.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
I know of a local place that has the 1952 & 1955 proof sets. They will be closed for a week, I’ll DM you once they open back up with pics.
Mark, lol. I meant primarily the CAM cents of 1938, nearly all of which have uncontrasted reverses.
PF. Somewhat tarnished.
Needs better lighting.
I hope it turns out in your favor.
WS