I spotted this listing on MoneyBucks and have one question. It is listed as " 1966 SMS Kennedy Half....." What does the "SMS" stand for? Here is the listing.... http://www.moneybucks.net/detail.asp?id=26269 Thanks........Chris Hawkins
It means "Special Mint Set". No proof sets were issued in '65, '66 or '67. SMS sets were issued instead...
When the U.S. mint started making clad coins in 1965, they thought that folks wouldn't be interested in proof specimens of coins that weren't silver. They made these Special Mint Sets in 1965, 1966, and 1967 instead. They were a cross between a proof set and a regular mint set. The dies were prepared almost to proof specifications, but the blanks really didn't have any special preparation. Also, the coins were not struck using the high tonnage pressings of proof coins, but some of the earlier strikes from new SMS dies can show an exceptional deep cameo. These are far and few between, as they were not maintained like proof dies, but were merely re-polished as they became worn. The deep cameo examples of the SMS coins can command a handsome premium, especially the Kennedy halves. Proof sets and Mint Sets were resumed in 1968 to date. Just a note, the Kennedy halves from 1965 thru 1970 had 40% silver instead of the old 90%. Right now, these pieces command a small premium for the silver content, even in circulated grades.
...I have some SMS and think they are some of the best sets around...I would much rather have a SMS than some proof sets. Speedy
SMS Sets have been a specialty of mine since the late 1960's. Can you post some photos? Looking to see what kinds of cameos are out there. Thanks!
Well my sets are not CAMEO...at least I don't think so but I also have some slabbed (not CAMEO...I like them either way) and I'll try some photos of them.. This is the same coin...one had a light on it...it's is graded MS66 by NGC...I think I paid near $12 for it... Speedy
Pretty neat! High grade 1965 SMS halves are always good to have in your collection. I think any high grade SMS coin is a good investment, especially when you can pick them from a set at regular prices. The only pieces in my collection that are slabbed I bought on Ebay. They are nice, but I think my raw coins are better. (Maybe I'm just prejudiced) It's good to have the slabbed coins to compare with my raw ones. I've had some of them for more than 30 years.
Wasn't it in the '66 SMS that they found the very nice "Double Profile" double die error on Kennedy's face?
Well I like Franklins better but also when I see a good deal I just can't pass it up...that is how I got that one.. I got mine over e-bay too! I'm posting a photo of one SMS raw coin I have....Still in the SMS case. Speedy
Steve I heard about one of the dates having it but I thought it was '65...I'll see if I can find it. Speedy
There are about 25 different doubled die obverses for the 1966 SMS Kennedy half with most showing a doubled chin profile, some a lot, others just barely. I've got about 15 of the 25. Over the years, I've accidently picked them up quite a few but only the last 10 years or so have I been actively seeking them. Of late, they have become quite scarce. I guess they are all getting picked. Most of the Doubled Die 1966's I have were finally revealed after spending many years in my collection. I like your nickel. I also do Jeff's and my SMS pieces are some of my favorites.
