1998-S SMS(?) Kennedy

Hi - I picked up a 1998-S Kennedy while 'CRH-ing' recently (although this came from a teller's drawer - not from a roll), and I'm not sure what to make of it. The Franklin/Kennedy Red Book says that it's supposed to have a matte finish, but this one is definitely cameo - I would even call it a deep-mirror cameo. The Kennedy bust is matte and the background is mirror-like (like a proof).

What do I have, and... what should I do with it? I only collect the 'normal' (D and P) and silver Kennedys - and this is neither, so I don't really need it. It's not in perfect shape (I'll try to post a pic), but it's not bad either... Should I get it slabbed, or eBay it? WWYD? Thanks in advance.

Will try to post picture next...

 

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You have a 1998-s proof half, matte finish is not mirror like. It's not worth slabbing since it have been in circulation.

 

Looks like a plain ole 98S Proof half dollar to me.

There was a matte proof 98S silver Kennedy Half, that came as part of a 2-coin Kennedy set, the other being an RFK silver dollar...but the 'normal" proof coin for 98 was a "typical" cameo proof coin, as you have pictured. "Standard" proof sets were issued both as clad and silver in 98 as well.

So...afraid it's not anything spectacular...Definitely a cool find in circulation though!

 

Thanks guys. The verbiage in the Red Book was confusing (for me at least) concerning the '98 SMS. Oh well, I agree it's a nice coin to find in circulation.

Thanks again!

 

Check the edge, they did make a silver proof that year too.

 

The key point is that it is NOT a SMS coin. In 1998 they had in Kennedy's a P, D,S SMS (I think silver) some have called it a matte proof, S clad proof, and S silver proof. Five different coins.

 

there is a small chance it's a silver proof.

 

Nice looking coin though for a circulation find in any case~~

 

Not silver. Oh well - I agree that it's a cool find. Thanks guys!

 

Since you pulled it out of circulation, the numismatic term would now be "impaired proof" which diminishes the value of this common proof coin.

 

In my younger says, I encountered some alcohol that could have also been described that way....

 

That has nothing to do with the coin being pulled from circulation. I've pulled some fantastic proofs from circulation. The coin was handled improperly, which resulted in said impairment.

 

Clad, proof. Value, around $5-$6.

 

Don't you mean..........impaired by 151 proof?

Chris

 

I deny this. You have no proof.

 

read last part and see why my mood is "crappy"

I have a 1982-s matte that is a beauty except for the fact that someone scrapped 1/4" of the satin finish off the rim, beneath the date, idiot. Not sure what a beautiful satin coin with exposed silver is worth so I'm looking for a replacement. Actually it's not the reduced cost that bothers me, it's just the fact that such a great coin is partially ruined

Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t162652/#ixzz1aWvRpNmu
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I didn't think they made a matte finish in '82. Do you have photos you can post?

Chris

 

Just checked my typing, I did say 1982-S. Meant 1998S. It's what happens at 70, sorry. I'm sure you know what a 1998S matte looks like so no reason to upload. If you're interested in seeing scratch that goes through matte and down to silver (on rim), I can photograph it and upload but willl take some time.

 

Both descriptions, circulated and improperly handled are used to describe "impaired proof"