Thanks!! VERY helpful. One could say many Franklin Mint medals were
cameo because the contrast was there and the volumes were not large
enough to cause any noticeable die wear.

AlexBivin wrote:
Michael wrote:
Having never really collected certified coins, I would like to know
what is meant by the term cameo when used in the grading of both proof
and mint state coins?

Hi Michael,
As Bruce has already mentioned, the CAM of DCAM/UCAM designations are
usually found on proof coins. The only exception to this rule that I
have thus far found, is in SMS coinage from 1965-67. The description of
a cameo is also well defined by Bruce as well. This effect comes about
from the way the mint prepares the dies. When you look at a deep cameo
(I will explain the difference between deep cameo and cameo in a bit)
coin, you are looking at a coin exactly the way the engraver had
imagined it. All raised portions of the die are etched, so that when
they are struck, it leaves that frosty white appearence. However, as
planchets are struck from that die the etching will fade, making the
cameo receed a bit more with every strike until you are left with a
completely brilliant coin. This is where the DCAM and CAM standards
come in. As the die wears, the cameo is less pronounced, so a lower
level of cameo is recognized by the grading services.
I little long winded, but I hope it helps answer the question! Feel
free to ask if anything is unclear!

Alex