That is a brilliant proof. Before about 1973 cameo proofs were the exception not the norm. The proof dies would be polished but polishing the devices would be difficult so only the fields were polished. This would result in coins with mirror fields and light to heavy frosting on the devices. As the dies were used the frost on the devices were polished away by the movement of the planchet metal during striking.
In the 50's and 60's the dies were used much longer than they are today and would often be repolished and put back into use. Only the very early coins from a new die would have the cameo devices. Also the dies would typically not be changed at the same time so even if you do find a 50's or 60's proof with a cameo often side often the other side will not be a cameo.
After 1972 the mint began to do deliberate frosting of the devices and retire the dies more frequently. After 1972 brilliant proofs are rarely seen, before 1973 cameo coins a seldom seen
Posted 09/19/2015 08:51 am
Conder NAILED it!
