The Set that Revitalized the Original Kennedy Half Dollar
In 2014, the United States Mint commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar’s release by releasing a limited production set of Kennedys struck in the same high relief format originally used in 1964. Prior to this set’s release, the 1964 coins were the only examples to showcase the originally intended high relief design.
President Kennedy was placed on the half dollar following his tragic assassination in 1963. Eva Adams, the Mint Director at the time, proposed Kennedy be placed on a silver coin, whether it be the quarter or the half dollar. The late president’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, opted for the half dollar, as she felt no one should replace George Washington on the quarter.
As was the case with other coin series like the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and Peace Dollar, the Kennedy Half Dollar’s original high relief format was deemed impractical for everyday use. Thus, the relief was lowered the following year to a more suitable level.
Finally, with the release of the 2014 50th Anniversary Set, collectors were at last given not only one, but four brand new issues of the Kennedy Half Dollar in its originally intended format.
The set included four 90% silver coins struck in four different finishes. In addition, each of the four coins were struck at a different US Mint branch.
The Philadelphia Mint produced a standard proof coin. This was the first proof Kennedy Half Dollar struck at any Mint branch other than San Francisco since 1968.
West Point produced its first-ever Kennedy Half Dollar and the first reverse proof issue of the entire series. The reverse proof finish mirrored President Kennedy’s portrait and the letters on the coin, while frosting the coin’s fields.
From San Francisco came the series’ first enhanced uncirculated issue. The “enhanced uncirculated” distinction comes from heavy frosting on the coin’s obverse portrait, lettering and rim.
Denver minted an uncirculated issue, which, due to its high relief, is categorized as a “Specimen” coin, rather than a traditional Mint State or business strike coin.
In total, only 219,173 sets were issued by the Mint, placing each of the issues among the lowest minted of the series. Between the first West Point, first reverse proof and enhanced uncirculated finishes, and the sets’ low mintages, these 50th Anniversary sets are the real deal in every sense.
As a landmark release, the 2014 50th Anniversary Set should be at the top of every Kennedy Half Dollar collector’s list. Rare Collectibles TV offers a wide selection of Kennedy Half Dollars, from first-year issues to the coveted 2014 50th Anniversary Set.
