NGC to Designate CAMEO and ULTRA CAMEO for world proof coins

Beginning January 1, 2003 Numismatic Guaranty Corporation will begin applying the designations “CAMEO” and “ULTRA CAMEO” to brilliant proof coins from around the world. These popular designations previously had been applied by NGC only to United States coins, but they are being extended to world coins as the result of numerous requests from customers.

Brilliant proof coins may or may not display frosted lettering and devices, but those that do on both sides are popularly known as cameo proofs. Typically, this frosting is achieved by sandblasting the die and then polishing only the fields to a brilliant finish. This leaves a noticeable contrast between fields and devices which is suggestive of the carved cameos so popular in Victorian times. Such contrast is highly prized by proof collectors.

Those coins meeting NGC’s criteria for CAMEO and ULTRA CAMEO will be so labeled at no additional charge when submitted for grading. Proof coins already certified by NGC may be submitted for possible CAMEO and ULTRA CAMEO designation for a fee of $10, which includes the cost of reholdering.