Kennedy half details while CRH
ZenithBullionPA
Posts: 67 ✭✭✭
I was coin roll hunting through a couple rolls of half-dollars today, and saw multiple new Kennedys. They were fairly new (2023 & 2024) and in very nice condition, I believe uncirculated or high AU, but I noticed the details were weak on the hair, especially at the back of Kennedy's head.
I also found a 1992P in good shape, I believe it would be low uncirculated (no wear that I noticed, but some nicks etc). The detail on Kennedy's hair was excellent; much better than the newer ones!
I don't know how much I was able to capture in the attached photo, but I hope they'll illustrate what I'm seeing.
Was wondering if anybody knows why the difference. Did the Mint reduce the relief on business-strike halves at some point?
-Edited to include the correct photo-
Serving the greater Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA area
https://zenithbullionconsulting.wordpress.com/
Comments
Your pics are not good. Out of the 2x2s and cropped and in focus. Good luck. Peace Roy
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Agreed, I will try to post better pics - out of the 2x2s - tomorrow after work.
Serving the greater Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA area
https://zenithbullionconsulting.wordpress.com/
compare your 2024 to a bu 1964 and see if the hair detail is similar
in 2014, the mint began issuing them with the 1964 obverse
The Kennedy halves of the 90's are so far from the original 1964 design. Spaghetti hair and the cheek stuck way out. The new ones are much more faithful, and went back to dished fields.
Collector, occasional seller
Thanks to @MsMorrisine and @ChrisH821 - I think you've hit the nail on the head!
I just noticed that the 1992 had a lot of detail in the hair ("spaghetti hair" as Chris H called it), especially the hair at the back of the head. The newer ones I've seen have much less hair detail, despite being in uncirculated or high AU condition with lots of mint luster still present. I figured they must have changed the relief or had to cut a new master die or something. A deliberate change in 2014 to return to the 1964 style does make sense, and explains the differences I've noticed.
MsMorrisine - I don't think I have any 1964 halves, uncirculated or otherwise. I have a Proof and an MS Franklin half, but those don't really help us. [Speaking of hair detail on halves...]
@Namvet69 - I have taken a couple new photos, as promised. I will upload them shortly. Perhaps that will help others as well.
Serving the greater Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA area
https://zenithbullionconsulting.wordpress.com/
Here are the new photos, taken at the windowsill so we have better, natural light. I believe this will result in improved quality photos. They also appeared to be in better focus (at least on my phone screen).
Serving the greater Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA area
https://zenithbullionconsulting.wordpress.com/