The term “cameo” means that a coin has a light to moderate frosting on both sides. This is in contrast to what is known as a “brilliant proof” coin, in which the coin displays a brilliant mirrored finish, rather than a frosted finish.
What does Ultra cameo mean for a coin?
The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has called this finish “Ultra Cameo” or UC. The U.S. Mint has an engraved stamp used for impressing a design upon a blank piece of metal to make a coin, otherwise known as a die. Mint produces these fine specimens for collectors every year, and their quality is near perfect.
What is an ultra cameo proof?
Deep Cameo + or Ultra Cameo ☆ The “Deep Cameo +” (or “Deep Cameo ”) designation is only given to coins that exhibit a strong and intense frosted finish on the devices and have excellent eye appeal. This exceptional frosted finish on the devices is only seen on the first few coins that a new set of proof die produces.
What is the difference between proof and bullion coins?
What is the difference between Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated and bullion coins? Proof coins are the highest standard of commemorative coin produced by The Royal Mint. Brilliant Uncirculated coins and bullion coins are struck to a similar standard, without the extra finishing and detail provided on Proof coins.
What is Deep cameo proof?
Deep cameo proof refers to cameo coins with devices that are deep white. The usual deep cameo proof coin may even look black and white. In other words, the fields will look black (due to being deeply polished and highly reflective) and the devices will look white.
What is a cameo proof set?
Proof coins from the United States Mint are struck in sharp relief with mirror-like backgrounds and frosted, sculpted foregrounds, giving them a special cameo effect. A Proof Set is a complete set of proof coins of each denomination made in a year.
What is heavy cameo?
with US coins a heavy cameo means the heavy frost on the portrait. Report this Post to the Staff. Dottir Pillar of the Community.
What does cameo mean on a proof coin?
Most proof coins made for collectors have a cameo contrast where the fields of the coins have a mirror-like surface and the devices are frosted. Some proof coins have the mirror and the frosted surfaces reversed. In other words, the devices are mirror-like and the field of the coin is frosted.
Which is the best description of a cameo?
Deep Cameo. Some coins have an average contrast between the mirror-like surface of the field and a subdued frosted surface on its devices. Other proof coins have a dramatic contrast between the coin’s highly mirrored field and the deep frosted relief on the devices.
What do cameo and Ultra Cameo mean on NGC coins?
The design elements are either untouched or sandblasted to have a matte finish. As the dies are used repeatedly to strike coins, this effect can fade. NGC uses Cameo and Ultra Cameo designations after the numeric grade to describe the degree of frost present on the design elements.
When did the US Mint start using cameo contrast?
In the mid-1970s the United States Mint began experimenting with new technology that would enable every proof coin to receive a cameo contrast.
