Definitions Of Deep Cam And Gem?

DCAM= deep cameo, a description of the contrast between the devices and fields of a proof coin. Gem is a generic term meaning a high grade coin but it does not correspond to any specific grade.

I once read that some "Darksider" grading systems associate a specific number of grades to our generic UNC, BU, and BU Gem Like. I couldn't find the article agian but in your spare time, and if you get into foreign coins, it might be worth your while to research the listing in either the Canadian or UK grading systems.

no, toning doesn't happen until it has left the mint, you are thinking eye appeal maybe but even then it doesn't pertain to all toning. Deep cameo is the frosting on the devices that is named after the cameo pendants women used to wear back in the older days, the cameo were white on a black back ground. Some were made of ivory I think but the frosting on a proof coin makes it look like these pendants looked and that is why they call it cameo

Thanks for the info all!

vinneycoin

Cameo and Deep Cameo designations are limited to "proof" coinage. Proofs come from specially prepared dies and are struck differently than circulating coins. If it's a coin designed for circulation they use the terms proof-like (PL) and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL), so your example of an MS-65 coin would only be categorized as PL or DMPL.

Confused yet? Here's a bit more to try to put this in context. In the preparation of modern proof dies, the devices (lettering, numbering, profiles) get a satin finish. The fields (flat areas) get polished to a mirror finish. The first coins off these dies show an amazing contrast between the devices and the fields (black and white) and are categorized as Deep Cameo. As the dies wear this contrast diminishes until there is very little contrast between the devices and fields.

Coins meant for circulation also receive a good polishing before first use. That produces mirror-like fields. DMPL coins are very reflective in the fields. A test to determine DMPL can be done using a piece of newsprint and a ruler. If you can read the newsprint refected in the fields from a distance of 6" you have a DMPL coin. 2"-6" is a PL coin.

Hope this helps.

DMPL Morgan dollars can display a cameo appearance with frosted devices and deep mirror fields that look black when tilted at the right angle. I believe I've seen ANACS-slabbed DMPL coins for which they actually printed the "CAM" designation on the label.