Sometimes when I am at a coin show after the crowd thins I go on a hunt. I am hunting for an elusive beast. I have looked at thousands of sets and only found a few examples. We all know that no proof sets were made in 65-67. Instead the government made "special mint sets". If you are very patient and look at a LOT of sets you can find what are ESSENTIALLY cameo proof coins housed in the SMS holders. Of course they weren't prepared as proof coins but they sure have the look. Certainly rare pieces in my book. This is what i look for... shame this one has seen better days tho.
I pick them out of sets... normally. I just pay greysheet bid for the sets. I won't pay a lot for them... I just like the hunt.
Once - only once, did I ever find a whole set that was cameo. And that was after searching thousands of sets.
Well there was a time when I was a collector of original Mint & Proof sets. Used to be I never went to a coin show where I didn't go thru every set that every dealer had. Same for shops, and the internet, and every auction site, and, and, and ..........
These are NOT proofs. Matt: I also search for them. Very scarce pieces. Especially as cameo as yours is.
I love SMS Cameo coins!! Here is my set!! My Favorite!! 1966 NGC Mint State 68 Ultra Cameo!! My 1967 Half....boarderline Ultra Cameo
Hi, I was told by a coin store owner that some of the proof like coins are some of the first strikes from new dies. Then after a while the dies wear and the detail fades. He cited the full split band in the Mercury Dime as an example of why some of the BU dimes have the split and most do not (die wear) Thank for your time someothertime in Phx