Key Features:
- Year: 1967
- Mint: No mintmark (Philadelphia Mint, as no mintmarks were used from 1965-1967 on Kennedy Half Dollars)
- Grade: PCGS MS65 (Mint State 65)
- MS65 Grade: This represents a near-gem coin with a strong luster and sharp strike. Any imperfections are minor and mostly limited to inconspicuous areas.
- Error Type: Obverse Layer Missing
- Error Description: A minting error where a part or the entirety of the clad layer (typically made of copper-nickel) on the obverse (heads side) is missing. This exposes the copper core beneath, giving the obverse a strikingly different appearance compared to a regular coin.
- Obverse Design: Portrait of President John F. Kennedy, facing left. In the case of a missing obverse layer, the design might look copper-colored due to the copper core being visible.
- Reverse Design: The Presidential Seal, featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, clutching arrows and an olive branch. This side is likely unaffected by the missing clad layer.
- Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper (for 1967 half dollars)
- Weight: 11.5 grams
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
Error Significance:
The missing obverse layer is a rare mint error, making this 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar highly collectible. This type of error typically occurs during the minting process when the clad layers do not properly bond to the coin’s core, resulting in the outer layer falling off or failing to adhere. Such errors can vary in size and degree, with some coins displaying partial layer loss and others missing the entire layer on one side.
Historical Context:
The 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar was part of a period when the U.S. Mint reduced the silver content of the half dollar. From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy Half Dollars were minted with a 40% silver composition, as opposed to the 90% silver in coins minted before 1965. The Mint faced high demand for silver coins during this time, and the switch to a lower silver content was an effort to conserve silver while still producing coins with some intrinsic metal value.
Collectibility:
- Condition: In an MS65 grade, this coin is in excellent condition, with strong eye appeal. The missing obverse layer adds to its uniqueness, making it far more valuable than a standard Kennedy Half Dollar from 1967.
- Error Appeal: Error coins are highly sought after due to their rarity, especially when the error is dramatic or visually striking like a missing layer. Error coins from the silver-clad era of Kennedy Half Dollars are particularly desirable.
- Silver Value: While the silver content is lower than pre-1965 coins, the 40% silver composition still adds intrinsic value to the coin.
Summary:
The 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar graded PCGS MS65 with a Missing Obverse Layer is a remarkable and rare error coin. Its unique minting defect makes it a standout in any collection, while the MS65 grade ensures that the coin retains much of its original luster and detail. For collectors of error coins, this Kennedy Half Dollar is a prime example of a significant mint anomaly combined with historical value.
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