Sorry for my ignorance, but if a '64 Kennedy is in a U.S. Mint sealed pouch with the emblem, does that, assuming they ever did that, mean it is an SMS?
It is probably from a proof or unc mint set. There were SMS 1964 kennedys made, but they are very rare and I highly doubt that you have one.
I do to. So what you're saying is that there were Mint sets and Special Mint Sets and this was just probably out of a mint set. How can I tell?
Well, there is a great difference between special mint sets and mint sets. What you have is probably either a mint set of a proof set. Is it a whole set of coins or just the Kennedy? It is highly unlikely you have a SMS because only a couple are known to exist. If it's a whole set of coins, there should be a section with a logo piece in it. Is it metal like this one or a round plastic disc? A metal disc means proof set a plastic disc means mint set. Also, a picture would really help too. If it's just the coin, look on the reverse. Next to the Eagle's foot holding the olive branch there might be a small letter. Is there? If there is a "D" its a Denver minted mint set coin. If not, its from Philadelphia. A Philadelphia could be a proof or a mint set coin.
Wait a minute....I thought special mint sets started in '65. I lived through this era....you guys tellin' me somethin' new?
There is at least one known example of a 1964 SMS. But, they are basically unique. SMS were released from 1965-67 but there is 1 known (maybe 2 or 3) 1964 sets.
Just doesn't wash with me. Why would people crack coins out of a fairly unique holder? Makes no sense to me. Ritchie, thanks for the link. That indeed is something that I never knew about. I was collecting quite avidly during this era (albeit, even though I was a mere lad of 14 years).
Camaro DMD, thanks for your help. Actually, thanks for verifying its existence. I've talked to alot of dealers who would not admit to its existence, swearing I was reading typos. What I have is a single Kennedy, without any eagle's foot markings. The disc is like the one pictured, to the left of the coin, in its own compartment, and composed of plastic. There are no other coins, it is an individual. Was this thing just cut out of a set or could you aquire them individualy? I can't upload a photo at the moment but really wish I could. In terms of condition, it is the nicest mint state Kennedy I've ever looked at... truly flawless.
OK, so it does have the little metal disc in the next compartment. It is from a proof set then. It sounds like someone just cut out the Kennedy and disc compartments from the rest of the set. Originally, it would have looked like this: Those sets are fairly common and the whole set can be picked up for $10-$20 typically. About 3.9 million proof Kennedy's were made and they were all sold in sets like this. One thing to look for is the accented hair variety on the proof Kennedy which does create a premium. Here is a great thread which explains what it is and how to identify it: http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t51355/
That's it for sure. Thanks for taking the time CamaroDMD to answer my novice questions. What made me believe it was mint versus a proof was the lack of any mirrored finish I find on my quarters of the same year. Like the Kennedy pictured, it is bright and shiny. Out of curiosity, in your opinion, how would that one you have pictured grade?
Oh, it would probably grade a PF65 or so. Many of the proof sets from back then don't have the typical mirror and cameo finish of the new sets. The reason is, the dies weren't polished and maintained like they are today. You do see proof sets with the cameo look but they carry a premium. It is fairly common to mistake these early sets as mint sets because of how they are packaged. The mint sets are package in soft plastic while modern proof sets are in hard plastic. But, the truth is...the pre-1964 proof sets like where this coin came from had the same soft plastic and were made in Philadelphia. In 1968, San Francisco took over the proofs and started using hard plastic.
That's true, they were in the really long hard plastic containers. I think they went to the current rectangular style in 1968...but then made some changes in the 1970s and early 80s before returning to the current style.
Here is the coin I questioned. This does not appear to be an accented hair variety, do others agree? It would be great to see pics of one that is! And on a side note, this forum is very enjoyable for me. I feel I've already gained so much. Thanks
Jesse, according to "The Cherry Pickers Guide" the easiest way to identify an accented hair Kennedy is to look at the I in liberty. If the lower left serif in the I is weak or broken you've most likely got an accented hair variety. It would appear that you don't have one, however, I must compliment you on those photos......:thumb:
Thanks for the compliment and your response. I'm finding that taking photos is alot easier than using a mag. when it comes to evaluating.
