Bellevue 425-454-1283 · Lynnwood 425-672-2646 · Issaquah 425-392-0450 · Tacoma 253-328-4014
Over 50 years ago, an event took place that changed American history. In its wake, a special coin was issued: the Kennedy half-dollar. This year marks the coin’s 50th anniversary, and on Tuesday, August 5th, a new Kennedy half-dollar coin was revealed at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Illinois. The .9999 fine gold proofs were debuted following much fanfare in the coin world. Buyers at the ANA World’s Fair of Money were initially limited to one coin per household. But the U.S. Mint quickly halted in-person sales, citing security and safety concerns. There were reports of mobs rushing for a place in line and extremely long lines every place the coin was available for sale. The high demand resulted in all-out brawls outside the mint in Denver. Though officials anticipated the new coin would be popular, no one expected this!
At first, only 40,000 gold coins were issued. The original plan was for the Mint to strike more coins according to initial sales. Then the first day of sales saw an astonishing 57,000 coin orders and the plan changed. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Richard A. Peterson announced last Thursday that the mint plans on having 75,000 coins minted by October. This means the West Point Mint will need to produce 6,000 coins a week to meet demand.
Commemorative coins are generally issued to honor the anniversary of a major event. The Kennedy anniversary half-dollar marks the first time a commemorative coin has been issued to honor a coin. Many numismatic experts thought it was an interesting choice to strike the coin in 2014, rather than last year, which marked the 50th anniversary of the beloved president’s passing. The somewhat unconventional choice only adds to the coin’s appeal.
The total Kennedy anniversary set includes seven coins. As of now, the gold coin and the 2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Two-Coin Clad Set are the only coins to be released. The clad set has no mint limit, and buyers are allowed up to five of each product per household. The rest of the Kennedy anniversary coins are scheduled for release in the fall. The last coins in the series will be the 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half-Dollar Silver Coin Collection, which will contain four silver coins that are 90% silver.
Bellevue Rare Coins specializes in gold buying and dealing in rare coins. We are a family-owned business located in Bellevue and Lynnwood. We also buy and sell silver, diamonds, currency and jewelry. Visit us for a free evaluation.
Do you like this post? Share it, +1 on Google+, or like on Facebook.
