There is so much of the same, uninspiring stuff these days at shows, and on the internet…..

The problem for the individual new to collecting is they never have the opportunity to see the ultimate – coins that are not only a very high grade, but that also offer the greatest possible eye-appeal for their date and grade!

Here is the dilemma these collectors face: If you have never seen an ultimate cameo 1956 proof Franklin, or fabulous color toned proof Indian, or high grade brilliant 1950-P Franklin, how would you know if you had an exceptional coin, if you have never seen an exceptional example to compare it to?

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That is the beauty of the position we are in at R & I Coins. I began specializing in the finest U.S. cameo proof coins, and the finest mint state Franklin half dollars, long before these coins were popular – “back” in the early 1980’s (it seems like yesterday!). I have been able to handle coins of a caliber that one just does not see at a show, or in auction. Dealers who chose to ignore this most significant field of numismatics back in the 1980’s have missed their opportunity – the “train has left the station.”

Some of these dealers rely on the certified grade on the holder for their estimation of the quality of a coin. But as I have stated time and again, one must always “buy the coin – not the holder”!!!

For example, I currently have two 1956 proof Franklin half dollars in stock graded PF 69 ULTRA CAMEO by NGC. One is a coin I would value at about $8,000, the other about $1,500. What’s the difference?

The $8,000 coin ranks among the very first strikes off one of the top cameo dies in the entire series. The coin is mind-blowing magnificent in its cameo contrast and eye-appeal. The $1,500 coin just squeaked into the ULTRA CAMEO designation. The two coins, side-by-side, are like comparing Mt. Everest to Mt. Baldy! NIGHT and DAY!

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