What makes SMS Kennedy a SMS?

ccr

I guess, other then being made between 1965-1967, what makes them different from other Kennedys? I also don`t understand how they are given a Cam or DC instead of PL or DMPL for the Morgan Dollars. Thanks ahead of time for any information.

Russ

They were minted in a marginally different manner than business strikes. Better prepared dies and planchets, stronger strikes and more careful handling. Sometimes, though, it's very hard to tell the difference between the two.



<< <i>I also don`t understand how they are given a Cam or DC instead of PL or DMPL for the Morgan Dollars. >>



My assumption would be that the CAM and DCAM designations are used since no proof coinage was produced during that period. Thus, what is considered a substitute for proofs would receive the same type of designation.

Russ, NCNE

sinin1

The way it was made - SMS stands for special mint sets - although not struck twice (i don't think) like proofs, they were struck with more pressure and handled for premium mint sold uncirculated sets - the government was worried about hoarding so did not make any proof coins in 1965,1966,1967 and also all mints had NO mintmarks. The general population coins are not SMS coins - SMS coins are as close as you can get to prooflike as you can get - if you have trouble sometimes distinguishing proof coins from uncirculated coins, this is even harder - grading companies are not immune to error on whether a 1965 Kennedy half is SMS or not.
PL or DMPL -> corresponds to the fields (flat areas on coin) and the degree of ability to read newsprint off of the reflection of the field.

Cam or DC -> correspond to the devices (raised areas) and the degree of white frosting on the devices which does not reflect light - deep cameo is basically white on the raised areas

Russ

<< <i>Cam or DC -> correspond to the devices (raised areas) and the degree of white frosting on the devices which does not reflect light - deep cameo is basically white on the raised areas >>



The depth of the fields is also an important part of the CAM/DCAM equation. It doesn't just apply to PL/DMPL. Without field depth, a coin can lack the contrast necessary to be designated.

Russ, NCNE

sinin1

Russ what is 'field depth'?

And how often do MS coins go CAM or even DCAM?

Russ

<< <i>Russ what is 'field depth'? >>



You described it perfectly in the section of your post on PL/DMPL Morgans. Same thing. The more reflectivity, the more depth.



<< <i>And how often do MS coins go CAM or even DCAM? >>



I assume you mean "SMS", rather than "MS". Depends on the year. 1965, very tough, 1966, a bit easier, 1967 easiest. But, in all three years DCAM is very, very scarce - the biggest reason being the lack of depth in the fields.

Russ, NCNE

tompkins

What characteristics does one look for to distinguish an SMS from a business strike. I have compared an MS65 business strike with an MS66 SMS coin (at least thats what the labes say) and I see little difference except for the difference I would expect between a 65 and a 66. I do not see anything that would lead me to believe one was SMS and the other was not. A slabbed coin is easy---you look at the label (because PCGS would never make a mistake). I guess an ACG coin you look at the lable and assume it is the oposite of what the label says.

But, if you are looking at a raw coin, what are the distiguishing features that you look for to tell a business strike from an SMS?

Pete

Russ

Pete,

I can tell you what I do. If it looks like it would grade high, I assume it's an SMS because I doubt I'll ever be lucky enough to find a high grade business strike.

Russ, NCNE

Cam40

I,d bet that if you took ,for example, an early die-state 1965 Half-Dollar and compared it to a 1965 SMS Half,you,d see little if any difference between the two.Probably only after looking at tons of the coins in question could you readily pick out the SMS ones from the MS ones.The fields should be ever-so slightly more `smooth`on the SMS coins. ..Or slightly better/stronger struck.Thats my understanding of it anyway.

cladking

Most of the dies for the SMS coins were prepared very much like the
proof dies had been in subsequent years. There were various methods
used for the preparation of these dies so they didn't all look the same.
After beginning to show signs of wear (between 20 and 50,000 strikes),
these dies were often "retired" to strike coins for regular circulation. Some
of these coins struck from retired dies look a great deal like SMS coins. There
is little enough difference in some of he various techniques that is is virtu-
ally impossible to state with certainty that a coin is or isn't from am SMS.
The SMS do tend to be better centered and fully struck and the fields will
often be much flatter. Square rims are generally a good tip off to an SMS
strike but many SMS won't show this. Dies were rarely if ever "refrosted" so
cameos are probably almost always SMS. Some SMS were struck on polished
planchets so this too can be a diagnostic.

Gilbert

And of course, the ever-loving, unopened SMS packaging, will help you determine whether it is a SMS or not.

cladking

Of course too, the '66 and '67 sets can be opened and the coins switched.