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buyer, there are still opportunities in U.S. numismatics. Certainly one of the brightest stars in the numismatic galaxy is the 1950 to 1970 Cameo Proof and Special Mint Set series. 1950 to 1970 Cameo Proof coinage represents one of the last frontiers in U.S. numismatics, as few series offer the collector so much in terms of beauty, quality, scarcity, and eye-appeal - for so little, as the top quality cameo proof and Special Mint Set coins from this era. It is one of the few series'' left in U.S. numismatics that offers the collector a chance to own scarce U.S. coins that represent the absolute ultimate in quality - often for a very modest price. Most knowledgeable collectors and dealers would agree that there are five primary factors that help determine a coin''s desirability, value, and potential for future price appreciation. Not necessarily in order of importance, they are: 1. Eye-appeal, 2. Quality, 3. Rarity, 4. Price, and 5. Potential for widespread collector appeal. Quite simply, cameo proof coinage of the 1950 to 1970 era currently offer more eye-appeal, quality, rarity, and potential for widespread collector appeal per numismatic dollar than any other U.S. coin series I can involved "acid-dipping" the dies before they were polished. The solution used during the 1950 to 1970 period, a bath consisting of 5% nitric acid/95% water, was used to create an acid-etched appearance on the die. When the die was subsequently polished and buffed, the recessed portions of the die, the devices, retained their acid-etched cameo. The very first strikes off one of these new dies would possess a gorgeous, intense cameo effect very similar in quality to the proofs minted today. The raised portions of these early strikes, the devices (on the Franklin half, these would be the bust of Franklin, the lettering, and date on the obverse, and the Liberty bell, eagle, and lettering on the reverse) would display a snow-white cameo effect that would stand in stark contrast to the deep-mirrored fields surrounding them. The flawless, jewel-like quality of the best of these cameos almost look like works of art rather than mere coins! Indeed, to most collectors, these coins are works of art! The frosted devices of these early cameo dies were quite delicate - one could easily scratch a bit of frost from the die with one''s fingernail, and were the first part of the die to wear. Each quality U.S. proofs and mint state Franklins in our inventory. The best thing about the exceptional proofs and mint state Franklins we offer, is that we can sell them by simply telling the truth about their quality and valueofrarecoins rarity. We don''t need to give you a sales pitch. And we won''t. In numismatics, as in real estate, jewelry, or any other form of collectible, "quality" is a primary consideration in one''s buying decision. Doing one''s best, being the best, owning the best.....is a basic human desire. Certainly, without that instinct or drive, the human race would not have progressed as it has over the past 10,000 years. And so it is the desire of most every collector to own the highest quality issue available of whatever it is they are collecting. Unfortunately, in most fields of collector interest, the very finest quality specimens are priced beyond the pocketbook of the average collector valueofrarecoins at today''s levels. valueofrarecoins There is only so much "beach-front" property available in real estate, and there are only so many coins in numismatics that offer the collector the opportunity of owning the best. However, while the most desirable beach-front property in the U.S. is beyond the pocketbook of the average
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