Since I'm a Kennedy Half nut and Registry Set collector (PCGS: giorgio11; NGC: Mr. Lincoln/VDB Coins), I'd like to ask the community a simple question: How many of you own a 1964 SMS Kennedy half? What grade is it? Certified, or not, and if so by what TPG? If you have a nice pic, I'd sure enjoy seeing those as well. I don't really want to get into a discussion of whether it "belongs" in a Registry Set or not ... that topic has been beaten to death on another forum already. Fact is, PCGS requires it for their "most complete" set, rightly or wrongly. And it's a fascinating coin, regardless. But opinions vary greatly from there. Thanks all! ======================= Best Regards, George VDB Coins
Very Rare set!!! As far as I can tell from read a few articles about 1964SMS they are very rare,articles to. Q David Bowers estimates there only 1000 ever made and most went to the Kennedy family & other government officials. I have never seen one for sale and I am a Kennedy collector! The 1964 SMS is the holy grail for a Kennedy collector!
Can you tell me what Bowers article you're referring to? I've actually seen estimates of 50 sets but don't think there's any hard evidence. Yes, absolutely the Holy Grail. ============================ Best Regards, George VDB Coins
That has been the conjecture, but the exact circumstances of their production (as well as the location--Denver or Philadelphia?), the date, etc. are shrouded in mystery. The first SMS set (cent through half) seems to have appeared in a Stack's 1993 sale, apparently coming from the estate of coin dealer Lester Merkin (who apparently got them from Mint Director Eva Adams). The Stack's cataloger at that time conjectured they were experiments for the finish of the 1965 SMS sets. ======================= Best Regards, George VDB Coins
