Satin Finish Kennedy Halves

My understanding is that the mint started producing Satin Finish Halves in 2005. I'm building a set of Kennedy Half Dollars and I'm finding many earlier dates that appear to have both types of finish. Can anyone explain? Also wondering why the Dansco albums don't have a slot for the Satin Finish coins?

 

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I think all the coins in unc mint sets from 05 to 10 were satin finish. Its probably why Dansco does not have special slots for them.

 

If I understand correctly, the satin finish coins were only in mint sets and regular circulation strikes were also minted for purchase in bags and rolls

 

As I understand it, that is correct.

 

I have a proof 1964, Kennedy, which is NOT mirror fields, more matte-like. Certified genuine by J. T. Stanton. I have never seen another one like it! Stanton says he has seen others, has anyone here?? I can post a pic if needed.
Gary in Washington

 

Still curious about finding many earlier dates (pre-05) that appear to have both types of finish?

 

Pics or its not real

 

Two proof Kennedys shot side by side. One has frosted bust the 1964 no frosting.
(i.e. no laser messing around). Looking carefully, you can note the matte-like field of this rather rare 1964 proof.

 

The devices not being frosted are not very unusual during that era, but the fields not being mirrored would certainly be unless it is somehow impaired. I'm not so certain that it is a proof though, any chance of a head on shot out of the holder of both the obverse and reverse?

 

The 1995 "frosted" proof was simply added to easily compare the fields, mirror - satin. Sure, give me some time. I will compare it to an uncirculated 1964. This coin is certified proof by Stanton. It has sharper strikes than the uncirculated, and nice square rims. It is a proof, with satin fields. Tomorrow I will add more images. Why I go to these lengths to convince you, is beyond me. I already have a lot to do, but I will post the images. I am hesitant to remove it from its 2x2. But I will provide a nice "head-on" shot of both sides, in the 2x2. J. T. Stanton removed it himself, from a US Proof set!

 

Okay four images follow. The first is the 1964 PROOF, obverse. showing off my photographic talent (if any). The satin fields are self evident. The second photo shows a 1964 uncirculated side by side with the unusual satin field proof. The third image shows the reverse of the 1964 proof, satin fields. And the last image shows a close up of both reverses, the 1964 proof and the 1964 uncirculated. I do not have the usual mirror-field 1964 proof. Hope this assists. Zoom in to see details, they are high resolution!
PS. I can also, send a copy of Stanton's letter verifying the 1964 proof, as a genuine proof. But my word suffices. (or it should )
Gary in Washington

 

Gary , have you considered this being the rare '64 SMS Kennedy??? Coin World wrote an article on this last year.....
And incase you were wondering. Yes, you completely hi-jacked this dude's thread

 

Hijacked, not per the OP. Yes, it could be the rare 64 SMS Kennedy, I always thought of it as one of the "special strikes" of 1964. But thanks for the lead, I will look deeper into it. Recall "heavycam.monstervam", that members asked for the pics. Now back to satin finishes.
Gary in Washington

 

The reason that I asked you to post an image is because there are some telltale signs if it is a SMS coin or just a very nice business strike. With the initial image that you posted it was impossible to make any determination of the method of manufacturer. Now SMS coins are known for 1964 and are thought to all be made by the same die pair (and sold to one dealer). This die pair is known to have rather heavy die polish lines all over the fields. I think that I can see some on the left side of the obverse, but you would need to examine it with a loupe to determine if the lines are die polish lines or remnants of a cleaning. If this is a SMS coin, it would be a great score as there are only about a dozen or so known. These go up in value every time one is sold and the last one (a PCGS SP-67) went for over 16K. I don't see any reason that this wouldn't grade 67 or 68, but it needs to be done by either PCGS or NGC. As much respect as I can have for JT, PCI will never carry the same weight of the big two.

 

I posted the stars and rays image especially because it has no breaks in the rays as per all of the SMS coins I have studied. It is difficult to tell if the very fine lines seen in some of the fields are cleaning or polishing remnants, as you mentioned. However, it has other features which smack of SMS characteristics. The FG initials may match but do differ, the "I" in Liberty seems to match. Kennedy's hair also matches. I suppose I may have to submit. I think NGC has a 5 coin limit minimum, so I will have to put out 150 or so dollars. But I do have some other coins to send along, so it is worth it to me. I suspect that if this is one of these rarities that it is an early strike, it is a gem. I also notice a notch in the serifs of the lower serif of "D" in the word GOD, and all the serifs in the B of Liberty. I do not know if these are diagnostic, but I have seen them on other SMS coins. I appreciate your input, and your motivating me to do something.
PS I thought all known samples were sold to a dealer who acquired them from a former mint director, yes??
Gary in Washington

 

By the way, from my better image of the reverse below, can you make any determination, especially as the stars and rays seem to disqualify, but...? Any help would be appreciated. [Do zoom in it is fairly high resolution].
Gary in Washington

 

This is the coinfacts image of the 64 SP-67. I am seeing a few noticeable differences between your proof (or whatever it may be) and the known example. This is not to say that it isn't a special strike, but since they are all known as having been made by a single set of dies, it seems a bit unlikely.
To me the center star on the reverse tells the story. You will also notice the pronounced die polish lines. If it is authentic, these die polish lines would be the same on your coin. Maybe you can see this better in hand by moving it into the light on certain angles. You can always get a dealer to send in with their submission instead of submitting five. Best of luck, I love it when a rarity is discovered.

 

To me the center star on the reverse tells the story.

In what way? Please explain, as I have never considered it - the center star?? Some others seem to be touching a ray? Is this it?? There are a number of items which suggest this is not a SMS, but it is a special strike, of exactly what type I have no idea. I think it is a proof die, without mirror fields! Not a unique SMS die.
Gary in Washington

 

Very interesting coin, I'd like to hear the outcome of this story.

I originally posted because I'm a bit of a newcomer to collecting Kennedys and started out by just building a basic set from bank rolls. When I search through rolls of Kennedys I often come across halves from the '90s and early 2000s that have very different finishes, some have a frosty or satin appearance and others are more lustrous, like the circulation strikes from earlier years. The mint produced Satin Finish coins in Mint Sets starting in 2005, with circulation strikes available in bags and rolls. What explanation is there for the different finishes of the earlier coins?

 

I don't have a means to draw and arrow to show what I'm talking about, but if you compare the center star (the one just over the B in Plurbus) you will notice that the arm of the star is connected to the ray on the certified SMS coin who's your coin is not connected to the ray. This almost certainly precludes it from being made by the same dies, but really the die polish lines are a better diagnostic.