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Why are the SMS from 1965-1957 included with the Proof Kennedys?

GeomanGeoman Posts: 2,491 ✭✭✭
in PCGS Set Registry Forum
I am working towards completion of my Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Registry set. And started looking at the 1965, 1966 and 1967 SMS coins to learn more about them before I buy. But I got to thinking, why are these "special mint sets" included in a "Proof" Registry set? They are not technically "proof" coins. The US Mint did not produce "proof" coins for those 3 years, so why include them?

Even PCGS lists those 3 years under "Regular Strikes" and not in the "Proof" section under their own coin price guide.

It makes is pretty tough to complete a high grade set with all DCAM coins, when you include those coins.

Anyone know the reasoning behind it?

Comments

  • FullStepJeffsFullStepJeffs Posts: 1,874 ✭✭✭
    You answered your own question...




    << <i>It makes is pretty tough to complete a high grade set with all DCAM coins, when you include those coins. >>



    PCGS has included the 65 - 67 SMS coins in all of the modern proof sets that I'm aware of partly for that very reason.

    Many have continually argued these coins shouldn't be included, but with the fact that these coins have the possibility of a cameo or deep cameo appearance, where should they go?

    I, for one, don't agree the 2005 - present Satin Finish (and for that matter the 1994 and 1997 SMS Jeffersons) should be included in the mint state sets... I would agree to add them to the complete variety sets of Jeffersons on their own line, but not with just the mint state coins.

    Steve

    Edited to remove one to many "not".
    U.S. Air Force Security Forces Retired

    In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.
  • halfnuthalfnut Posts: 1,619
    image Steve



    Dan


    U S Navy Retired 22 years - ENC(SW) Ret. - Travling Nuclear Maintanence Contractor - Working Indian Point Nuclear plant Buchanan New York
    image

    ">Franklin Halves
    ">Kennedy Halves
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    If they weren't included, there'd be a gap from 1965 to 1967. Also, the coins would become orphans since regular business strikes were minted those years and are included in the business strike set.

    Russ, NCNE
    eBay consignment sales | | Collectibles from Resco CCC
  • QBertQBert Posts: 311 ✭✭✭
    I've always thought of sms as (Low grade) proofs since they are simular in the way they are created.
  • WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,823 ✭✭✭✭✭
    They were basically subsistuted coins for proofs those years, so it seems very logical to me that all SMS coins end up in the Proof sets.

    WS
    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,302 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have always considered the SMS coins a "pseudo proof". Much better than a business strike, but the process was closer to proofs - but still not the same.

    In any event, they needed to be listed someplace and I think it is OK to list them with the proofs.

    High grade dcam examples are very elusive and pricey. I have had some difficulty just finding some decent dcams for my Registry Set. Here are my halves:

    1965 - 65 Dcam
    image

    1966 - 67 Dcam
    image

    1967 - 66 Dcam - also from the birthmark die
    image

    “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

    My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!

  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>1967 - 66 Dcam - also from the birthmark die >>



    Damn! One that got away from me. image

    Russ, NCNE
    eBay consignment sales | | Collectibles from Resco CCC
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