When, in 1964, did 1964 proof sets first get shipped out by the Mint?
SanctionII
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I remember that production of proof halves for 1964 began in January, 1964 and that these early proof halves had the "Accented Hair" design which was changed when Jackie Kennedy asked to have the hair detail changed.
One of many unopened 1964 proof sets I just acquired had a handwritten notation "received April 11, 1964" on it.
I am curious if 1964 proof sets were shipped out by the mint prior to early April, 1964. If not, then it is possible that the set may contain an Accented Hair half made in January, 1964 (I should be so lucky).
Is there anyway to tell if an unopened set is from an early production run (i.e. the style, location or other aspect of the printing on the proof set envelope)?
Thanks for any info you can give me.
One of many unopened 1964 proof sets I just acquired had a handwritten notation "received April 11, 1964" on it.
I am curious if 1964 proof sets were shipped out by the mint prior to early April, 1964. If not, then it is possible that the set may contain an Accented Hair half made in January, 1964 (I should be so lucky).
Is there anyway to tell if an unopened set is from an early production run (i.e. the style, location or other aspect of the printing on the proof set envelope)?
Thanks for any info you can give me.
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Comments
The "accented hair " is still a mystery to me. Mrs. Kennedy asked for the part to be de-emphasized and high lights added. The accented hair would seem to be in response to that. But it didn't last. Gilroy Roberts claimed that there was only one version issued. The inaugaration medal would show you the "before".
the thought of Mrs. Kennedy requesting the change is odd and I would like to see a memo from the mint stating that
the more likely explanation is flattening of the entire design so the dies last longer (similar to the Peace dollar in 1922)
my reasoning for this is it seemed to occur at the same time the pointed 9's on the dimes disappeared
so the Roosevelt design was probably changed as well
your answer is on pg 418 of Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S and colonial coins - but I do not have an issue
proof dies were delivered on Jan 2, 1964 - not sure when sets started shipping
I have a letter from Gilroy Roberts confirming this. There were press reports of it at the time. The Treasury invited her to see the first trials of the half dollar. I think the Treasury folk asked her what she thought of it. She suggested less part and more highlights (in my letter, Gilroy Roberts only mentions one of these). Note she did not demand changes and only suggested when asked. And they changed it and destroyed all the trials and previous dies.
Both the accented hair and regular proof versions have less part and more loose hair than the Inaugration Medal. So they are both post change.
May, 1964 marked the high water point in the coin market of that era. For the next few years the coin market plunged as collectors (actually mostly speculators) left the field in droves.
I also searched old threads and found one by Russ from a couple of years ago that shedded light on the subject. Apparently 1964 proof sets were first shipped in March, 1964. Further, the envelopes that sets were placed in that were shipped early on did not have the five digit zip code for the Philly Mint on it. Thus one can tell from the envelope if a particular set was one of the first shipped (assuming the set has not been messed with since it was received by the original purchaser).
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In August, there was an accented hair post. Included in the second page is a post that shows the Inaugral Medal that was the basis for the half. Mrs. Kennedy had a hand in that too. She selected the artist.
http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=735943&highlight_key=y&keyword1=accented