Top O’ the morning folks!

� � �The last time I posted, I had just sent off my 2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin Collection and the 1998 Matte Finish Key Date with the 1998 Robert Kennedy Commemorative Silver Dollar to be graded. I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from ANACS telling me that coins were on their way back and listed the grades. As you can see from the pictures below, 3 came back 69 and 3 were 70. After looking closer at the coins, I agree with the grades given. I still need to do a little bit more research to ascertain the current value, I’m sure that this process was worth the money spent to enhance my collection.

� � �The 2014 Kennedys had 3 different sets of which I have 2. The first product was the “Uncirculated Coin Set” which consisted of a 2014-P and a 2014-D Kennedy Half Dollar. The 3rd product, which I don’t own is the “Gold Proof Coin”. I read somewhere that the Gold Proof Coin is not necessary to have a “complete “ collection. I may eventually send in the Uncirculated Coin Set to be graded. According to Kennedyhalfdollars.net, “Opening orders for the product were somewhat lower than expected, reaching 85,670 units. This fell below the initial production amount of 180,000 units indicated by the US Mint. The subdued reaction to the offering seemed to prompt the US Mint to make quick adjustments to the ordering and product limits. Within a month of the initial release, the household ordering limit was removed and the product limit was reduced to 225,000 units.” This is the Silver Coin Set which I sent in they’re talking about. My favorite coin out of the 4 of course is the West Point reverse proof.

� � �The 1998 Kennedy Collectors Set was one of my early purchases because it’s considered to be one of the key dates in this series. The price was a little hard to swallow, but I bought it anyway. It’s one of my favorite sets in my collection. It interested me because of the special matte finish on the JFK coin. I considered the other coin, the RFK silver coin, as “gravy”. Kennedyhalfdollars.net says the following about this set: “The so called “matte finish” used for the half dollar required two extra steps in the minting process. The face of the coinage dies were sandblasted with a mixture of glass beads and aluminum oxide and the a hard chrome plate was added for hardness and lubricity. The resulting coins had a uniform finely frosted texture, similar to an uncirculated commemorative coin issue.

Because the matte proof Kennedy Half Dollar was only offered within the set, it had a low mintage of about 62,000 coins. The Kennedy Collector’s Set was originally priced at $59.95, but today the half dollar is valued at multiples of the original issue price and is considered to be one of the key date coins of the series. Most examples will be encountered in pristine uncirculated grades due to the special minting and handling procedures. Many coins have been encapsulated and graded by PCGS or NGC in top grades of MS70 or SP70.” Nuff said about these beauties!�

� � �It was truly an experience sending off coins to be graded. Like some of my experiences in the military, it was the “unknown” that caused my anxiety in this process. In closing, I wish everyone a safe and fun filled Memorial Day. Remember the reason for the season! Stay safe, HEALTHY, and coronavirus free and enjoy the pictures! I’m a little behind on my maintenance duties, but I hope to see everyone again soon!

Charlie aka slybluenote

�