1951 1C, DCAM PR(PCGS#93362)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3012

Grade

PR67DCAM

Price

4,080

Lot Description

A breathtaking example of this modern Proof Lincoln cent issue, one of the two finest certified by PCGS and NGC in the Deep/Ultra Cameo category. The design elements are not only fully struck and crisp, but offer an uncommon amount of soft mint frost to the finish. Contrast with bright, reflective fields is strong, and the entire package is dressed in vivid rose-orange mint color. Virtually blemish-free surfaces are equally praiseworthy and round out a truly impressive list of attributes for this stunning specimen.<p>The 1951 is a coin for astute Proof Lincoln cent specialists. With most examples struck from harshly polished dies, not only is strike detail often not up to par for a modern U.S. Mint Proof coin, but the typical specimen is brilliant in finish with not even enough contrast to secure a Cameo designation from the major third party certification services. As related by David W. Lange in his 1996 <em>Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents</em>, "In fact, Rick Jerry Tomaska noted that 'of all the cameo proofs minted since 1950, this is the rarest coin in the series in the higher levels of contrast." None had been certified as Deep/Ultra Cameo as of that writing, and in the nearly 30 years since PCGS and NGC have graded only three in this category: NGC Proof-66 RD Ultra Cameo; NGC Proof-67 RD Ultra Cameo; PCGS Proof-67 Deep Cameo. Only the NGC Proof-67 RD Ultra Cameo offered here has sold at auction, and it is returning to this arena after bringing $15,077 in Heritage's January 2011 FUN Signature Auction. Both advanced NGC Set Registry participants and discerning Proof Lincoln cents will compete vigorously for the honor of securing this prize.