LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

2233

1964 50C PR69 Deep Cameo PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1964 50C PR69 Deep Cameo PCGS
<B>1964 50C PR69 Deep Cameo PCGS.</B></I> It may surprise collectors to realize that the Kennedy half series, which began in 1964 shortly after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, as of 2007 is 43 years long--the same length as the Morgan dollar series, which ran from 1878 through 1921. <BR> There are many other similarities between the two popular series. Both span two different centuries. Both begin with a popular proof rarity. Both feature many common issues from multiple mints, sprinkled with numerous condition rarities. Both are largely composed of noncirculating issues, unwanted in commerce. Both series are at least technically completable, although obtaining pieces at the top of the Condition Census will strain the resources of all but the most affluent. The Kennedys and Morgans both offer a plethora of issues that are much more elusive with cameo or deep cameo contrast than otherwise. And both feature a single low-mintage S-mint issue that is the acknowledged series key. <BR> The Morgan dollar series commences with the proof Seven and Eight Tail Feathers varieties, while the first-year Kennedys feature the popular Accented Hair proof variety. <BR> While the Morgans were produced at five different mints, so far the Kennedys have been produced only in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. <BR> The Morgans were produced to satisfy the requirements of the 1878 Bland-Allison Act and mostly did not circulate. Ironically, issuance of the iconic 90% silver 1964 Kennedy half led to the demise of the half dollar as a circulating denomination. It was massively hoarded both at home and abroad, and rising silver prices forced other silver coins out of circulation as well. The Treasury response was to eliminate silver from the dime and quarter, to reduce the silver content in half dollars to 40% (1965-70) before eliminating it altogether, to banish mintmarks from all coinage (1965-67), and to discontinue the issuance of proof sets in favor of the unsatisfying Special Mint Sets of 1965-67. Although Walter Breen wrote in his 1988 <I>Complete Encyclopedia </B></I>that the Kennedy series would "likely end soon"--and despite no circulating Kennedys having been struck since the 2001-D issue--there is no apparent end in sight for the series. <BR> The 1893-S is the acknowledged key to the Morgan series (aside from the legendary 1895 proof), due partly to its series-low mintage of 100,000 pieces. The 1998-S silver Kennedy halves with a matte finish, issued in the Kennedy two-coin commemorative set along with the Robert F. Kennedy silver dollar, sport an even lower mintage, about 63,000 pieces.<BR> Budget-conscious collectors will be pleased to discover that many of the later clad and silver proof Kennedys can be obtained for only a few dollars each--yet both series are replete with issues that are relatively common, but which pose a real challenge for Registry Set collectors attempting to locate problem-free, top-grade specimens. Heritage is fortunate to be able to offer numerous top-quality specimens in the present sale.<BR> While most collectors love the Kennedy design and the simpler days of "Camelot," sooner or later the Mint will be forced to change the Kennedy design--or possibly to eliminate the half dollar denomination altogether, at which time demand should be unprecedented. For a new collecting challenge, consider starting or adding to your Kennedy half dollar collection, the Morgan dollars of the 21st century!<BR><BR><B> Astounding 1964 Kennedy Half, PR69 Deep Cameo</B></I><BR><B><BR>1964 PR69 Deep Cameo PCGS. </B></I>The 1964 Kennedy half is a popular first-year issue, essential for a type set. The 1964 P and D Kennedys were the only 90% silver circulating issues in the series, as rising silver prices forced the Mint to reduce the net silver content to 40% for 1965-70 before eliminating it entirely (except for later proof and Special Mint Set pieces). The 1964s were issued at a time when the normal run-of-the-mill proof coinage was altogether lacking in contrast between the fields and devices, and as such this Deep Cameo-certified Proof 69 piece is an astounding rarity. One of only 69 pieces so certified at PCGS, with none finer (10/07), this marvelous coin represents the ultimate in collectibility for this first-year issue, with thick mint frost over the Kennedy portrait and all devices, contrasting with limitless mirrored fields.<BR><I>From The Kallenberg #1 PCGS Registry Set Of Proof Half Dollars.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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