NGC Extends Its Popular Star Designation

The following are now eligible for this star designation, in addition to their NGC-certified grade: Coins that do not qualify as cameo pieces overall but which display noticeable cameo contrast on their obverses and coins possessing matching obverse/reverse contrast that falls just short of NGC’s minimum standard for its CAMEO designation. Coins already designated as CAMEO pieces by NGC’s graders and that also possess ULTRA CAMEO contrast on their obverses will be eligible to receive a star, as will coins already determined to be ULTRA CAMEO pieces by NGC and that display exceptionally intense contrast between fields and devices that exceeds NGC’s minimum standard for ULTRA CAMEO by a generous margin. Finally, proof coins that have exceptionally attractive toning may receive a star.

NGC’s star designation for proof coins will apply only to pieces dated 1936-78, since the proofs made after 1978 are almost uniformly of high contrast as made. The earlier pieces vary in their degree of cameo contrast, and it’s therefore more noteworthy when they possess exceptional cameo and ultra cameo qualities. A strict minimum standard will be applied by NGC in determining its star designation for proof coins, and pieces displaying just subtle cameo contrast will not receive either a star or a CAMEO designation.

The star designation will be applied to eligible coins by NGC in its normal course of grading uncertified or “raw” coins. No additional fee is required to receive the star. Coins already certified by NGC may be resubmitted for the star designation under the company’s Designation Review service, the fee for which is $10.

In addition to proof coins from 1936 to 1978, the following series (Mint State only) are also eligible for the star designation:

Jefferson Nickels, Roosevelt Dimes, Washington Quarters, Franklin Half Dollars, Kennedy Half Dollars, Eisenhower Dollars and Anthony Dollars