NGC coin of the month...Accented Hair Kennedy...

Comments

• DHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭

  April 26, 2007 9:54PM

  In 1963, the first trial impressions of Gilroy Roberts new Kennedy half design were flown to Washington and shown to Mrs.Kennedy. She accepted the design, but ask Secretary Dillon to de-emphasize the hair. The early strikes of the half (prior to modification) became known as at Accented Hair variety, and are only the product of the first working obverse die design.
  
  I always thought it odd that Mrs.Kennedy would have a strong opinion regarding such a tiny design change, and would make that request as the coin was going to press. Then I read the article in this month's Numismatist about Paul Manship, the American sculptor. I had remembered him vaguely as the designer of the Kennedy Inaugural medal on which the half was modeled, but there was an interesting blurb in the article that tied it all together nicely for me.
  
  Quoting Douglas Manship from the piece, "His final medal was Kennedy's Inaugural piece. The president-elect's wife, Jacqueline, had written a college term paper on Paul Manship's sculpture, and SHE had suggested Manship to the inaugural committee."
  
  A look at the hair detail in the medal will make it immediately obvious why Mrs.Kennedy asked for the change. I was surprised and impressed to learn of her involvement in both projects, and her knowledge of the artist and his work.
  
  Asylum Kennedy Medal process page with Pics

  Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
  and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor

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• penny2many Posts: 126

  April 26, 2007 10:52PM

  That was very interesting. We are collecting a set of Kennedy halves right now.

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• PhillyJoe Posts: 2,706 ✭✭✭✭

  April 26, 2007 11:38PM

  A nice summary of the events which all took place at lightning speed compared to what the Mint was used to. The part about a PR68 u/c selling for around $5,000 appears reasonable; but I need to know who is spending up to $3,600 for a regular PR69 u/c.
  
  Joe

  The Philadelphia Mint: making coins since 1792. We make money by making money. Now in our 225th year thanks to no competition.

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