Australia 1977 10 Cent Proof PR68 DCAM PCGS Lyrebird

• 1977 Australian 10-cent proof featuring Stuart Devlin’s lyrebird
• Certified PR68 DCAM by PCGS, as recorded on the holder label
• Deep Cameo designation for contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields
• Arnold Machin’s Queen Elizabeth II portrait on the obverse
• Issued for the 1977 proof set, with a reported issue of 55,000 sets
• Copper-nickel coin presented in its PCGS graded holder

The lyrebird’s sweeping tail fills the reverse of this 1977 Australian 10-cent proof, its finely patterned feathers curling around the denomination. Stuart Devlin’s design gives the small circular coin a distinctive rhythm of curved lines and closely worked detail. On the obverse, Arnold Machin’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II balances the intricate bird with a restrained royal profile, surrounded by the legend “ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1977”.

Issued as part of the Royal Australian Mint’s 1977 Silver Jubilee Commemorative Proof Coin Set, the proof 10-cent coin has a reported mintage of 55,000. This individually encapsulated example is certified PR68 DCAM by PCGS, combining a high numerical Proof grade with the separately assessed Deep Cameo designation. The contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields gives the portrait and feather detail visual definition. Add this 1977 Lyrebird proof to your Australian decimal collection at FORTYMILLION.

Specifications

The reported PCGS population of 51 refers to this issue at PR68 DCAM, not its original mintage or the total number of surviving coins. Population figures can change as further coins are certified.

View the PCGS Population Report for Australian 10-cent Proof coins (opens in a new tab). Refer to the 1977 PR68 DCAM entry for the current figure.

The Sheldon Grading Scale

The Sheldon Grading Scale is a 70-point numerical system used by third-party grading services such as PCGS and NGC to assess coin condition. Originally developed by Dr William Sheldon for early United States large cents, it was later adapted for wider numismatic use, including Australian coins. The scale runs from 1, the lowest identifiable grade, to 70, the highest grade under the grading service’s standards. Not every integer is assigned a grade; the table below lists the assigned numerical grades with summaries adapted from PCGS standards.

MS means Mint State, a condition grade without circulation wear. PR (PCGS) or PF denotes Proof, a method of manufacture, not an automatic claim of perfect condition. Proof coins can show wear and receive lower numerical grades. Handling or bag marks do not by themselves mean circulation wear.

Proof Cameo Contrast: CAM and DCAM

Cameo designations describe the contrast between frosted raised design elements, known as devices, and reflective background fields. They are assessed separately from the numerical condition grade. The comparison below concerns brilliant Proof coins, not every type of Proof finish.

DCAM is the higher of PCGS’s two Cameo contrast designations. It does not mean a coin is graded 70 or is free of imperfections: on this holder, PR identifies Proof, 68 is the condition grade, and DCAM records Deep Cameo contrast.

Read PCGS’s explanation of CAM, DCAM and Prooflike designations (opens in a new tab).

Q. What does PR68 DCAM mean?
A. PR identifies a Proof coin, 68 is its numerical condition grade, and DCAM means Deep Cameo. The contrast designation is separate from the grade.

Q. Is this a Mint State or Brilliant Uncirculated coin?
A. No. This example is certified as a Proof, PR68 DCAM, rather than an MS-graded or BU coin.

Q. Who designed the lyrebird and portrait?
A. Stuart Devlin designed the lyrebird reverse; Arnold Machin designed the Queen Elizabeth II portrait.

Q. Does this listing include the complete 1977 proof set?
A. No. This listing is for the individual 10-cent proof coin in its PCGS holder, not the complete set.

Q. How is this coin presented?
A. It is encapsulated in the PCGS graded holder shown in the photographs.