I don't collect them but I can see why others like them. I think they've become something of an iconic coin.
They were what I started collecting 10 years ago and I still haven't finished the set! Still need 85P, 86P, most of the NIFCs, and the 1976S 40% Time to go order some boxes!
Last regular issue US coin to contain silver, only US coin introduced in my lifetime that is still being minted. I couldn't afford to collect them in my childhood, making up for lost time now!
The Half and Dime are both due a redesign, but I'm afraid that new versions would turn out like the 2006 nickels or Presidential dollars.
I'd like to see Regan on the dime if we stick with ex-prez's. However a switch back to the classic Greco-Roman design style of the past would be much better. Here's to hoping the gold reissues could cause public spark and they test it on the half and dime
Nice coin indeed! Where are you able to find a coin with such a good strike or condition as this one? Would you have to get it the mint?
I like the Kennedys and seem to like them a little more every year. Quarters are my favorite clads because Gems aren't too tough to find but are scarce enough to be fun. I like Ike a lot but Gems are too rare. Dimes are too easy. The half dollar is similar to the quarters but some dates are too hard in Gem. Then some dates are as frustrating as nickels because they come so well made but they were then damaged like the '80-D. 98% of the mint set coins have shallow scratches and the 2% without them have a strong tendency to be poorly made coins. Kennedy gets a lot of attention since the man was so well liked but most of the people who collect it are not very sophisticated as collectors. This means there will always be plenty of coins but scarcer issues, varieties, and Gems will be even tougher than quarters.
My son still needs to find seventy-one (71) different Kennedy half dollars to complete our set ... not sure if we will ever find them, been looking for over ten years but they seem to be illusive (but then again, the HUNT is the fun part of collecting). What we have so far can be seen in the two sets linked below: http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=1165 http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/alltimeset.aspx?s=43295
If you like Kennedy half dollar ERRORS, we have a few that have been Trueviewed in PCGS holders listed in this set: http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2045
I had a set in Proof 69 Ultra Cameo at one point, that's how I got back into coins after a very long gap. Sold it off as a set and started my CAC type set. Now I put that on hold too as I learn about coins and I guess life. This was one of my favorites, bought it as normal variety and reslabbed it attributed.
Yeah, the half may be due for a new prez... or maybe someone else like MLK. Is MLK even on a legal tender coin? Or a different design altogether for the next era of US Mint issue coins.
I see nothing wrong with continuing with the JFK half. It is a memorial to a man cut down in his prime and one of the most tragic events in many of our lifetimes.
If you need an idea for a new half dollar, how about on the obverse showing Sen Edward “Teddy” Kennedy kissing a bottle of Scotch and on the reverse having a scene of a car going off of a bridge. This would be better than a MLK series.