Strange fifty cent piece

Ok, let me say it, more clearly. These coins are a privately produced commem marking the 20th anniversary of JFKs election. (Except my 1960/1985, which was a 25th anniv commem). They used any dates they could get. I have several different dates, all with the 1960/1980 counterstamp. The dates on the coins both preceed and follow the 1980 date, meaning they were making these after the actual 20th, although presumably any half used after 1984 would have the 1960/1985 stamping.

These are simple, low tech pieces - no fancy symbolism or extra thinking. They took a special stamp and whacked a barrel full of gold plated halves. Hopefully they made some money off it, but in any case, we are left with the souvenirs.

 

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DOH....missed the 1960 bit. Looked at the picture and thought they both said 1980.

 

I think it is safe to claim that they didn't come from the mint like this. Do you know of anything concrete beyond that (like who altered them, when they were altered, etc.) or are you merely speculating as to their origin and purpose like the rest of us?

What other dates do you have? Can you post pictures?

I'm not sure I understand what this means.

Except that my gold 1983 was not stamped, and my 1984 that was stamped was not gold plated- it was polished.

 

I think somewhere I have one in an original package, mentioning the event (not sure). Other than that (or additionally), I can only go by common sense. The facts here make the event pretty obvious - there is no mystery worth pondering.

No scanner/photo yet, so no pics. Some dates I have are 74, 76, and 71. The 1960/1985 is on 1985 and 83. I also have a 1984 with a small pic of Lincoln and 1864 stamped.

A goldplated half with no stamping has no relation to this subject, and a non-gold coin was either never plated or had the plating polished off.

My comment about the dates is that the 1960/1980 stamp appears on coins dated in the 70s and 80s, up to 85, when apparently the 1960/1985 stamping was used. At that point, that updated stamp was used on at least 1985 and prior year coins also.

 

I disagree, and I'd venture to say that several others who've posted here would as well. See posts 1-11 of this thread.

I'd really like to see them if you ever get the opportunity/equipment to post pictures.

Sure it does. It is an altered Kennedy within the same date range that shares at least something in common with the stamped halves: It was plated with gold.

Right, but it seems to have come from the same folks who stamped the gold plated coins. The dating, the stamps used, and the location of the dates all appear to be the same.

 

Posts 1-11 involve a discussion about what constitutes a damaged coin, what analtered coin is worth, etc. My first post in the thread was meant to bring some historical perspective into the discussion to answer your question. IF you want to hold an alternate viewpoint, feel free, but if this is not a commem honoring the anniversary of JFKs election, then what do you propose it is? You have yet to offer any other theory. Questioning my answer without offering any alternate one is nonsense.

I discovered long ago what these coins represent. Feel free to take your time in seeihg the light. Maybe you enjoy the mystery.

 

I posted a thread about this type of coin earlier today before I searched further and found this one. I was questioning the same thing. I have a Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar 1776-1976, 'gold' plated, and stamped with 1960 on the left and 1980 on the right. It is in excellent shape and I believe uncirculated. Out of all the posts I read, I don't recall anyone having this on a Bicentennial Half. I guess it's not worth much but it perplexed me at first but I see that I'm not alone with these types of coins. Thanks for all the good information on it.