I see the terms cameo and deep cameo used but I can't get a feel for what they mean. Could someone post a pic that might make it more clear? Thanks, Ryan
The term cameo is used when the device (person) is in contrast to the field (background) on a coin. It takes its name from the cameos that women used to wear where a persons silloette was in white and the background was a different color. A modern proof set is very cameo. Sacagawea, Kennedy, Jefferson, Washington, and Lincoln are all a frosty color where the background is almost a mirror. The mirror appearance is usually only found on proofs because the planchet is polished. But even on circulated coins, the background is very clear and reflective.
Okay, thanks. I bought my first proofs a couple days ago (Jeffersons) so I'll look at those and see if I can recognize it. Ryan
The following link should give you an idea - click here Notice that the first 3 coins pictured are Cameo - the last is not.
That was helpful. Since they're all proofs, what would cause the one to not be cameoed? Or is cameo not guaranteed in proof coins?
The frost is imparted to the die by means of sandblasting it while the rest of the coin is masked off. It is then chrome plated. This plating allows the frosting to remain for many strikes. Various techniques have been used in the past and on the '50's era sets acid was used to etch the dies. This wore off very quickly. Sometimes uncs will look vaguely cameo because the dies can be rough when new and the fields polished. This will wear off quickly.
