Just got this 1970 half Kennedy. Advertised as silver GEM.

Should i be concern about these marks, and what are they? Thanks for your help.

 

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If you don't like the looks of it you should be concerned . I never buy coins that can't be returned .

 

That's an impaired proof. Silver? yes. Gem? No. Though, to be fair, "gem" isn't a recognized grade and is more in the eyes of the beholder. In this case, it was probably just used to sell a piece of junk silver for more than it was worth. Just my 2c.

 

Ty. Think ill try a return

 

I'd return it. looks aweful.

 

Return it if you can. There are a lot better looking examples out there, and they are not expensive.

 

Get a refund.

 

Ty all for your help.

 

Is it the photos? Looks like toning mostly. Toning on proofs of that era will look streaky sometimes.

 

There are definitely lots of scratches in the field on the obverse.

 

I would you are most likely right. I didn't know if the OP was talking about that or the streaky toning. These planchets in the 60s and 70s for some reason imparted streaky toning many times.

I think you confused me when you said impaired proof. I thought impaired always meant circulated. I would label this a scratched proof.

 

It's supposed to be a proof. If you don't like the looks of it, send it back. It has always been my opinion that if you don't like a coin at first, you will never change.

 

I agree. The old saying is that if you do not love the coin at first sight, you will never like the coin long term.

 

A mishandled proof...has no value above melt...return it!

 

They are impaired proofs but they do have silver in them. Return of you can.

 

I would have to return that coin. All too many Bay sellers describe their coins as gem or such silliness as gem au ++. Ask them before you buy, how did you arrive at your classification"?

 

It wasn't hard!

 

Looks like a bit of PVC damage on a proof. Not really scratches I guess?

 

Depending on what you paid and if the seller offers free shipping returns it may be better to keep it as a reminder to not ever be in a hurry to buy coins. I think most collectors have a few coins like that.

 

The 1970-S Proof Kennedy is 40% silver. I don't know how much you paid, but you can get a much nicer, problem free coin at little cost........$10-$20 already graded.