1964 50c Special Mint Set SMS

While the United States Mint was busy producing business-strike coins for commerce needs and proof coins for collectors in 1964, apparently a couple dozen or so SMS Kennedy half dollars were also struck. But why were SMS coins made in 1964' It's a question that hasn't been ever definitively answered. What we in the numismatic community know is that several turned up in the estate of former United States Mint Director Eva B. Adams, who passed away in 1991.

Perhaps the 1964 SMS coins were made as prototype strikes for the SMS coinage that was struck for collectors from 1965 through 1967. Perhaps the 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollars were made in conjunction with the 1964-D Peace dollars that were struck but never authorized for release, and all of which were reportedly melted. Or, perhaps, there is another reason why the 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollars were struck but has yet to be elucidated.

All 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollars are extremely scarce and valuable. Their squared-off rims, well struck details, and clean fields differentiate them from their business-strike counterparts. In recent years, prices for the 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollars have easily crossed the five-figure threshold.

Obverse Description

Portrait of President John F. Kennedy surrounded by the word LIBERTY on the periphery. IN GOD WE TRUST appears left and right of the portrait with the date at the bottom. The mint mark, if any, appears under the right of Kennedy's neck.

Reverse Description

The heraldic eagle holding arrows and branch of olive leaves with a full circle of stars around it. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * HALF DOLLAR surround the periphery.