Obama Half Dollar

Anyone else here think that if someone assassinates him that he will take over the half dollar? The Kennedy half dollar was put together hastily by resusing the design from the innaguration metal.

Looking at these facts I think the mint could start striking them very quickly if the need arose:

1. The Mint can change a coin design as long as the design has been in use for 25 years. No Congressional approval is required.
2. There is only one Kennedy in congress and he is a represenative. Represenatives cannot block legislation like Senators can.
3. The Vice President (or new President as he would be at that point) would likely push through the coin on historical precedence.
4. The design has probably already been done and test specimens struck.

 

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I don't think that would happen.

 

I have a feeling this isn't going to be a good topic.

 

Historical precedence? Once is hardly historical precenence. The US has had four Presidents that were assassinated while they were in office: Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy. Only one - Kennedy - had his image quickly placed on a coin. Lincoln had to wait 44 years and he was placed on the Cent (for over a century and counting). McKinley was placed on a coin two years after his assassination but it was a very tiny coin - the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Gold Dollar. Garfield got shafted; he will have to be content to only appear on his Golden Dollar (like every other President).

 

This is purely a what if, from a numismatic stand point. I am not saying I want this to happen. There has only been one assassination since presidents started appearing on coins. I'm just curious to see if anyone else thinks that the Kennedy Half Dollar set a precedent. Alot of things could happen. The mint can't stop making half dollars until Congress directs. This thread is not about Obama it's about history and precedent.

 

Just curious why you think test specimens may have already been struck? Is there evidence that test specimens were struck of other Presidents that were still in office?

 

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Garfield and McKinley were put on paper money after their assassinations, as presidents (or real people in general) did not appear on coins then.

 

In the pre 1940s, Stamps were often the commemorative mode used rather than coins.

 

i could see it happening, if such a thing happened(hope it doesn't, wouldn't even wish that upon bush). i could see a large push from the groups led by people like al sharpton. not saying a push is a bad thing either, i just could see it happening. i would be for it, maybe not on a permanent basis, but for a few years or so. maybe even bring back the $1 coin(after the president dollars) and make it nifc, have him on there. i don't think it would be appropriate to take one assassinated president off a coin for another one. i guess i could go both ways...

the mint would also see the $$$ in making them. they would still be not intended for circulation. so to get them, people would have to pay a premium. i am sure sales would go up, with the switch.

 

First off I hope it doesn't happen, and I mean both the assassination and the coin.

but to discuss it anyway-
I think the mint would really need to look at public opinion of Obama at the time of the assassination. Would the coin sell well enough to mint (I already wonder how much longer any half-dollar is going to last)

I would guess that all past and current presidents have already had test coins struck, maybe not a half dollar but some size and denomination.

 

edited I'd say, if he were assassinated he deserves a place on a coin. That said, since there are crazies out there, I pray he's not assassinated. That said, I've seen enough presidents on coins - time to get back to art.

 

This question could actually be asked about any sitting president, not just Obama. Hopefully we don't have to cross that bridge again with anybody. Anything can happen but they do keep these people pretty safe. Supposedly the Secret Service told Kennedy not to use that open top limo but he was the boss.

The question of who to put on coins should not be made by emotion alone. Putting Kennedy on the half was purely emotional because he had just been tragically killed. Now that it's decades later, would we put him on a coin again?

 

zachfromnj
I have a feeling this isn't going to be a good topic.

I agree...

 

I think this is an inappropriate topic of conversation.

Chris

 

What do the Kennedy's and the 1922 no D cent have in common, they were built on pure hype. Why would anyone rush out and put a dead person on a coin. As soon as someone in the spotlight dies, americans wanna drag it along as long as possible. And the worse part is, its not for That person who has died, its all about money. Ever watch the ignorant reporters on TV pushing and shoving to be the 1st one to ask a question, reminds me of black friday shoppers. I hope nothing happens to Obama and should he deserve the honor of being placed on the half dollar, I don't know I can't see into the future. I think an aircraft carrier is plenty for anyone who has served as president...

 

If I had this post to do over again I would have been more generic. I would have said if a president were assassinated not the current one. There have been lots of coin design changes over the last few years. With the exception of the dime the half dollar has the longest running design.

 

But.................they still make them as required by law!

Just like they do not make the Collector SAE's as interpreted by law!

 

However, one would have to look at the reasoning of a president's likeness being placed on a coin, or paper currency. Mostly, IMO, it is to honor their place in history, as well as their ability of a greater good for the people.

Example: Roosevelt on the dime, replacing the Mercury head. Reason, IMO, was for his ability to enact programs that helped our country recover from a devistating depression. So rightfully he is now on the Dime.

U.S. Grant. Not many people know that he was a failure at most everything he attempted in his life. He was a drunkard, barely graduated West Point, did so at the very bottom of his class. Yet he was a no nonsense leader, and proved that in his ability to over come greater odds during the Civil War, and eventually defeat the Confederacy. But it was his ability, as a leader of our nation, to stabilize our monetary system with uniformity and better regulation. He's on our $50 note.

IMO, our current POTUS has yet to do something that would make him worthy of adorning our currency, and if he should become yet another leader killed by some lunatic, that shouldn't warrant a spot on a coin or currency note.

This is as close as he'll ever get I believe: