What is the difference between mint and proof coins?

What is the difference between mint and proof coins?

You can usually tell the difference between mint-state and proof coins by looking at them. Mint-state coins have a matte-like finish with some shine and “MS” preceding the number on the coin label, while proof coins feature plenty of shine and “PR” on the coin label. A proof coin is a proof coin, regardless of grading.

Are all proof coins 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. Not all proof coins have a cameo effect, however.

What does GEM mean in coins?

Adjectival Grades for Uncirculated Coins

Adjectival Grade Equivalent Numerical Grade
Uncirculated MS-60, MS-61, MS-62
Select or Choice Uncirculated MS-63
Choice Uncirculated MS-63, MS-64
Gem Uncirculated MS-65, MS-66

What is the difference between Deep Cameo and Ultra Cameo?

Deep Cameo. NGC refers to “ultra cameo” coins, while PCGS calls them “deep cameo” coins. According to PCGS, the difference between cameo and ultra cameo is primarily the level of frostiness and quality. Ultra cameo coins possess complete frostiness, while cameo coins possess mostly frostiness.

What does cameo mean in numismatics?

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.

What does cameo mean when referring to coins?

cameo (deep cameo, ultra cameo, or cam) – usually refers to the looks of a proof coin, where the background design has a mirror like look and the raised design has a frosted look to it. This contrast gives the resulting proof coin a cameo type affect.

What does coin cameo mean?

“Cameo” is a way of describing Proof coins. The fields of the coin are reflective, sort of like a mirror, and the devices are frosted, thus producing a cameo effect.

What makes a coin cameo or Deep Cameo?

Proof coins can have simple mirrored surfaces, CAMEO which refers to a coin with frosted devices and mirrored fiels resulting in a contrasting appearance, or DEEP CAMEO which refers to a CAMEO coin with a very strong contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted devices.

What is a deep cameo coin?

Deep Cameo: a coin that shows heavy contrast between the frosted devices and the mirrored fields. Deep Mirror Prooflike: a coin struck for circulation that has extremely reflective surfaces. Coins that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields.