Our Former 1964 SMS Kennedy Half MS67 PCGS: Most Expensive Kennedy Half Ever Auctioned?
A few months ago we sold off our Kennedy halves Registry Sets, including our 1964 SMS Kennedy half, MS67 PCGS (now called SP67 by PCGS), cert #11892056. Here is the auction link: https://coins.ha.com/itm/a/1239-5545.s. I was quite happy that this coin brought $47,000 (including 17.5% BP) -- quite a bit more than I thought it would. It started me wondering, though: Was this the most expensive single Kennedy half ever to appear in an auction? If not, what is? Even though we followed the market for years, I never heard of a single Kennedy half at auction bringing more.
I phrase it like this because, a few years ago we also brokered a private trade, $151,200 for the finest complete 1964 SMS set, all PCGS-certified and all top-pop or tied for top-pop. (And that Kennedy half is the sole MS69 PCGS example.) But that was five coins, and it was (obviously) not an auction.
I can think of some other candidates that might bring as much or more money, like a 1964 Accented Hair PR69 DCAM PCGS, a pop 1 coin to my knowledge, but I'm not sure that coin has ever appeared at auction. And I'm sure one of the MS68/SP68 1964 SMS halves would stand a chance to break that record at auction, but as far as I know, the few in that grade are all tied up in long-term hands.
So: Can anyone point to a single Kennedy half that has brought more at auction? Please cite the auction, lot number, and price including any buyer's premium. Inquiring minds want to know. (Not to mention, this is the only coin I ever sold that made it into a Heritage Platinum Night catalog, and it's likely to remain the only one.)
Thanks for any info.
Kind regards,
George
Comments
I can think of some other candidates that might bring as much or more money, like a 1964 Accented Hair PR69 DCAM PCGS, a pop 1 coin to my knowledge, but I'm not sure that coin has ever appeared at auction
not wanting to be morbid, but that coin was originally found and encapsulated by forum member Russ. he recently passed away but is famously quoted as saying(about that coin) that "it will be buried with me, it's in my will that way" some short time after he "made" it. some members were upset, some members didn't take him serious but some of us who had known him for awhile here realized it was possible.
we may never know what happened to the coin.
Wow. Just Wow. BTW I'm still wondering who ended up with my coin. All I know is it doesn't show up in anyone's Registry Set.
RIP Russ.
Kind regards,
George
I know Russ said that.... not sure he was serious... and have no idea what became of the coin. Russ was a real joker...and he moved away from coins in the later years. I have not heard anything about his extensive coin collection... or if he sold many pieces in the last year or two for medical bills.... We lost touch after I left Washington State... Cheers, RickO
Russ made a PR68DCAM. The PR69DCAM is currently in the #1 set.
It looks like yours is still king of the hill!
I cant imagine another Kennedy Half Dollar selling for more.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Maybe Russ belied the old saw and took it with him. He loved AHs.
The 69DCAM AH was not Russ' coin. The coin came to QA Check for stickering. It was and is a magnificent coin, thus garnering our sticker.
By far the best AH I've ever seen, and I've seen most of the 68 DCAM's.
The coin was subsequently auctioned via GreatCollections.
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
I stand corrected.
Thank you for the information segoja.... Cheers, RickO
Thanks James for the info. Here is the GC lot, $23,540 with juice.
greatcollections.com/CoinPrices/12/Half-Dollars?cmd=price_go&q=&series=50&sort=12
Kind regards,
George