Ron Guth
In 1950, production of Proof coins resumed at the Philadelphia after time off to allow the Mint to produce medals for the military during and after World War II. The mintage of the 1950 Proof Set was more than double that of the 1942, indicating a pent-up demand for proof coins. Each of the 1950 Proof Sets contained one Proof coin of each denomination each in an individual cellophane envelope, all of which were stapled together, placed in tissue, and sealed in a small carboard box. Today, sealed original 1950 Proof Sets are quite scarce, as most have been opened and searched for Deep Cameo examples.
Brilliant Proof 1950 Nickels are quite common, but Cameo examples become scarce and Deep Cameo Proofs are downright rare. The highest grades awarded by PCGS (as of July 2011) include the following: 18 in PR-68, 36 in PR-67CAM, and 8 in PR67DCAM.