What Is a Cameo Proof?
The term "cameo proof" is unique to the hobby of coin collecting.
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History
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Historically, when a new die was installed for a coin, the die would become worn with time, resulting in noticeable differences on the coins. The newer the die, the more contrast would be visible between the figure portrayed on the coin and the background surrounding it.
Identification of Proof
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A proof coin is typically the first set of coins made in a given series with a die that has been treated with special chemicals to produce a high-quality imprint. Proof coins are also struck more than once with the die, producing an even more defined image. Typically, proof coins are made for commemorative purposes and not for general circulation to buy goods and services.
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Identification of Cameo
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Cameo is a term used to describe this phenomena created by the wearing down of dies over time. Specifically, a coin's cameo can determine what order a proof coin was minted in.
Considerations
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Cameo is categorized by how shiny the background of a coin is in comparison to how frosty or dull the figure is. The higher the contrast, the earlier that particular proof coin was created in a given series of coins.
Types
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Cameo is described by several grades. From earliest to latest produced, they are as follows: ultra-deep cameo, deep cameo, cameo and non-cameo.
Potential
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The deeper the cameo of a proof coin, the more it's worth to collectors. Cameo coins are quite prevalent in editions made between 1964 and the 1980s, but proof coins produced before1964 with deep cameo are highly sought.
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