I saw this thing in the drawer of a local Gas station, asked the clerk if I could get change for a dollar, and sure enough. They tossed me it and 2 quarters. I think the thing is in near AU condition, and it really looks like a Proof to me. Based on my other proofs it has the same appeal. I do have a 1976 kennedy half I compared it to, but since different metal I cannot be sure, but it looks like water when I move it around in the light. I want to know if this is the famed "Accented" hair, and either way if it is or not, is it a proof? Or is silver just this nice when it is near UNC/AU condition? I know it is not the best picture but I still have yet to get a nice camera for now I use my cell phone.
Is the left bottom serif of the I in Liberty cut off? On the reverse, are the rays broken at the stars? Those are some of the diagnostics of the AH variety.
I will try to get a better picture, but I mean it is super shiny. I am hoping it is a proof, as I have never seen such a nice 64 half, even at coin stores. But that is probably because most were flung around carelessly.
if it is really shiny it could have been cleaned/polished. From the picture it looks like the circulation business strike to me. I've seen some better looking 64 kennedy halves as well. I got about 5 gem bu's right now
This is the best I could take with my phone. I now have over 50 pictures of this coin in my phone, and over 100 pictures of a dime. I never thought I'd have so many coin pictures in my phone lol. I am okay with it being a regular AU/UNC kennedy half, but a proof would be great to hang in a frame.
From your pictures this looks to be an AU55 business strike. BTW, if it is a proof, it's not the accented hair.
Thank you! I wasn't sure if it was or not, due to wear I thought I could see the extra poof of hair, but on the back the stars look like the proof, but the rays look like the regular one. I do have another question, I found my other 76 half dollar. and man is it super dull compared to this 64 one. Is the silver a lot shinier than the nickel because of the metal? Or should both that are AU look similar?
Here is a Proof '64. Not the best pic because proofs are hard to photo due to the mirror reflective surface.
Based on that one, I really think mine is, I really do have such a terrible time taking a clear photo. As you can tell that the first pic is horridly angled that I took. and the second one I had to cover the light. The one I have is like a mirror, just slightly scratched, If I set it in front of another coin you can see the other coins reflection well. Here is a reflection pic, I can get this one great!!! lol, just not a solo shot of the half dollar. The coin in reflection is a 1998 2 pence. Again this was taken with a terribad cellphone camera.
Have you looked for the diagnostics? You'll never get an accurate answer with the pics you are posting. Look here and learn: http://kennedyhalfdollars.net/1964-accented-hair-variety-kennedy-half-dollar/
I can tell you the coin is not an accented hair proof. Based on the photos posted, I can't tell for certain if it's a business strike or a normal proof.
Please only touch the coin on the rims or wear gloves. (finger prints are my pet peeve). Coin appears to have nice reflectivity, so maybe a proof, hard to tell without seeing the coin in hand. Definitely not an Accented Hair if it is a proof.
hahah, Will do. I try not to touch anything but the edges, but I had my hands full nearly when taking the picture. (I have two Jack Russell dogs that cannot let me do anything for any amount of time) Proof is better than business though, Wish it was special Hair, but I don't think I can complain for $0.50
Not necessarily true……. Grade for grade, “Business Strike” Kennedy half dollars in the early years are more desirable then “Proofs”. Feel free to check values for a PCGS graded coins, it might surprise you: 1964 (P) MS67 vs. 1964 (P) PR67 1964 (P) MS67 vs. 1964 (AH) PR67 1965 (D) MS67 vs. 1965 (S) SMS67 1966 (D) MS67 vs. 1966 (S) SMS67 1966 (D) MS68 vs. 1966 (S) SMS68 1967 (D) MS67 vs. 1967 (S) SMS67 1968 – D MS67 vs. 1968 – S PR67 1969 – D MS67 vs. 1969 – S PR67 1970 – D MS67 vs. 1970 – S PR67 1971 (P) MS67 vs. 1971 – S PR67 1971 – D MS68 vs. 1971 – S PR68