What does CAM mean on a 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.

What is a cam coin?

Cameo – (minus) These are coins which exhibit the minimum standard for cameo contrast on both their obverse & reverse. These coins are designated "CAM”.

What does Cam and DCAM mean for coins?

Both DCAM and UCAM designate coins with strong frosted devices against clear, mirrored fields, and the terms can be used interchangeably. UCAM (“Ultra Cameo”) is used by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and DCAM (“Deep Cameo”) is used by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

Are cameo coins worth the money?

In my opinion, if these coins have great eye appeal and are not overgraded, they are probably worth a 10-20% premium over a regular cameo example.

What does MS mean in coins?

The most common are MS for Mint State coins and PF for Proof issues. MS refers to a coin struck for circulation—or in the same style as a coin struck for circulation. It also means that the coin grades between 60 and 70.

Understanding DCAM, Ultra CAM, Deep Cameo+, Black Star, Proof Coins

Are MS70 coins worth it?

You will be shocked to learn that the high premium you initially paid has evaporated and the MS69 coins are worth about the same as raw coins while the perfect MS70 coins might only be worth slightly more than an ungraded coin.

What is a PF coin?

PF refers to a coin struck as a Proof. The numeric grade of Proof coins is preceded by PF even if the grade is below 60. For example, a 50 is described a PF 50 on the NGC certification label.

How can you tell if a coin is a cameo?

In coin grading, cameo is the amount of contrast between the relief (raised or recessed design) and field (background). Cameo is usually seen on proof coinage, with the relief featuring a frosted finish and the field being mirror-like.

What does Ultra cameo mean on a coin?

If a coin is to receive ultra cameo (also called deep cameo) designation, it must possess an intense frosted finish on both sides of the coin and highly polished fields accenting the raised devices.

What is the difference between proof and cameo?

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.

Are DCAM coins silver?

999 pure silver. The face value of $1 (USD) is fully backed by the US government. Graded PR70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service. DCAM designation.

Can you spend the coins in a proof set?

Can you spend proof coins? Well, technically yes you can spend proof coins, but you'd be making a serious mistake doing so! Proof coins are often struck in precious metals, such as gold, silver and platinum. Therefore, the value of the precious metal will be worth many times the face value of the coin.

Why are proof coins so shiny?

"Proof blanks are specially treated, hand-polished, and cleaned to ensure high-quality strikes. The blanks are then fed into presses fitted with specially polished dies and struck at least twice to ensure sharp, high relief. The coins are then carefully packaged to showcase and preserve their exceptional finish."

What does LP stand for in coins?

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What does S proof mean on coins?

Proof coins are struck at least twice and treated with special dies which make their features more defined, detailed, and glossy.

What is a rare proof coin?

A proof coin is a rare, uncirculated coin that a mint has specially created each year. A proof coin has never entered public circulation, nor has it served as currency in the market. Proof coins are rarer than regular uncirculated coins and are collectible items.

What does PF 70 mean in coins?

Scoring on the Sheldon scale ranges from 1, meaning “poor” quality, all the way up to 70, meaning “perfect” quality. A perfect PF70 grade guarantees a coin's condition for the life of the coin, bolstering its validity, value, and desirability.

Which is better mint state or proof?

Proof coins showcase a greater depth of sharpness, definition, and detail than mint state coins. As PCGS explains, a proof coin is “usually struck from a specially prepared coin die on a specially prepared planchet.

Is it better to buy proof or uncirculated coins?

Proofs are almost always going to command a higher premium than an Uncirculated coin, but they also offer better presentation, quality and lower populations. Uncirculated coins are generally the best way to invest in Precious Metals at a modest price point.

What is the difference between proof and mint coins?

Proof coins are struck on a highly polished planchet giving the fields a mirrored effect and the image has a frosted look. Mint State coins just have a matte finish on the entire coin and often include minor imperfections due to handling during the minting process.

How much does it cost to have coin graded?

Coin Grading Costs

Grading prices vary according to the maximum value per coin. For instance, modern coins that are worth a maximum of $300 will cost from $17 to $22, depending on the company of your choosing. Coins with a maximum value of $10,000 can be graded for $65 to $80 dollars.

What does FS mean in coin grading?

“FS” stands for “First Strike.” First Strike is the designation the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) gives to coins they or a PCGS-approved depository receive within the first thirty (30) days of the coin's release date.

What does BU mean in coin collecting?

What are Brilliant Uncirculated coins? Sometimes referred to as 'BU', 'B.U. ', or 'B. UNC', Brilliant Uncirculated coins are of a higher standard than circulating and bullion coins. An entry-level collectable, like Proof coins, the dies used to strike Brilliant Uncirculated coins are polished and finished by hand.

How do you tell if a coin is circulated or uncirculated?

Are 2021 Silver Eagles a good investment?

Many folks continue to ask are silver eagle coins a good investment, and our answer is a resounding yes! The American Silver Eagle Coins feature lady liberty walking toward the rising sun. They are often considered among one of the most beautiful American coins out there.