Hello, can anyone let me know why the 2009 P Half Dollar is shiny like it's a proof struck coin? Any help would be appreciated!
A photo would help. Many of the halves have what you describe as a proof like look to them when they're fresh from the mint.
These newer halves were minted, but not intended for circulation. So perhaps it's still in a nice mint state. I think the NIFC's started in 2002? But I would have to check. They have to mint the coins because it's "the law". But they started minting less of them (3 million?) and they were not released to the general public. The ones that are in circulation, I believe, collectors buy mint bags at a premium, look for 1 or 2 that will grade super high, and dump the rest into circulation at face value.
2001 was the last year that Kennedy Halfs were made for circulation. Since that point they have only been available in mint sets, mint bags, and mint rolls. Some of these have a proof-like look (they are not proof).
