"Michael" wrote in message
oups.com...
So essentially all proofs are cameos? A proof fits the description.
Or is it some rare phenomenon that happens to proof coins.



AlexBivin described the cameo effect pretty well here, along with what causes
it. All proofs are not cameos. Most pre-1980 US proof coins are not. All
coins in recent US proof sets have been produced to intentionally incorporate
the cameo feature, except for (IIRC) the proof silver and gold bullion coins.
As has also been mentioned, some older BU circulation strikes can have a cameo
appearance, and these are highly sought after by some collectors due to their
scarcity. Morgan silver dollars come to mind here. If you'll check out some
major auction catalogs, you'll often see a few choice coins from the 1800's that
display a cameo effect.

Bruce