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Kennedy Half wide rim

JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
I was looking through my dad's Kennedy Half collection and noticed that for some reason in 1971 (maybe just 1971-D) the coins had a wider rim than normal rim. I really like the look of that.

Does anyone know why this happened?

It's a small change but it made for a more appealing coin (IMHO.)

Comments

  • koynekwestkoynekwest Posts: 10,048 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't know why they are like this, but I agree-it's a nice effect.
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,913 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's probably a minor mis-aligned obv. die,
    which would give a portion of the rim a
    wider area than normal.

    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>It's probably a minor mis-aligned obv. die,
    which would give a portion of the rim a
    wider area than normal. >>



    Actually, the entire rim is wider. I haven't seen thousands of 1971 halves, but I've seen enough to know that at least a large portion of them were struck this way.
  • TexastTexast Posts: 1,899 ✭✭✭✭
    The half dollars for 1971 were the first to be coined in copper-nickel clad composition. The harder alloy required some modification to the half dollar, the most obvious being a reduction in the overall size of Kennedy's portrait, they also displayed much broader boarders.
    On BS&T Now: Nothing.
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  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,703 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The '71 is one of the most attractive clad Kennedy designs. It's a shame
    they are mostly so poorly executed. The Denvers tend to be a little nicer
    but their rims aren't quite as pronounced.
    Tempus fugit.
  • I also like the look of the wide rim.............

    imageimage

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  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,946 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Lincoln cents from the 1969-1973 period have wider rims as well...maybe the mint was experimenting. I think the coins look better that way.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • JoeLewisJoeLewis Posts: 1,911 ✭✭✭✭
    Also, the surfaces on the 1971 half dollars (circulation strike only) look somehow different than the later years. There seems to be a quasi-matte finish look to them. That's not a very good description, but if you really look at one you'll know what I mean.

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