Proof Types

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Kennedy Proofs

Per Rick Montgomery of PCGS:

PCGS uses the Cameo, Deep Cameo for proof coins dated 1950-present.

A cameo proof will exhibit a light, white contrast between the powdery devices and the blackened fields.

A deep cameo will have the same effect yet command a significantly higher contrast and whiteness. Both sides must exhibit this effect in order for the coin to be deemed a cameo or deep cameo.

Proof-like and Deep Mirror Proof-like are terms reserved for Morgan dollars only.

A proof-like (PL) coin will possess a clear reflection in the fields of the coin yet may only show in the 2-4 inch range.

A Deep Mirror Proof-like (DMPL) will show deep reflection with clarity at depths greater than 4-6 inches.

Again, both sides must possess this in order to qualify for either PL or DMPL.

Proofs come in various flavors. Often terms such as Cameo and Deep Cameo are used to describe a coin.

Cameo proofs are created from the earliest strikes off new proof dies. The later strikes will show less and less contrast. This will give you a visual idea of what the coins should look like.

Kennedy Proof Deep Cameo

Notice how this late date proof has a strong contrast between the profile and the blackened fields. Both the obverse and reverse have this contrast. The contrast on this coin is significantly stronger then a slabbed PCGS Proof 67 I have.

Kennedy Proof Deep Cameo

This earlier dated proof also displays a strong contrast between the profile and the blackened fields. Notice the difference in detail between the later date proof and this one. Significant changes to the design were made in 1991.

Kennedy Proof Moderate Cameo

This proof from a Special Mint Set has a nice cameo but does not display the contrast that the two coins above exhibit.

Kennedy Proof Light Cameo

This is a similar coin to the one above with a lighter cameo. Notice how the contrast between the profile and background are starting to blend. This coin was most likely a later strike then the one above and as a result doesn't show as much contrast.