How To Identify 1964 Sms Half Dollar

Hey there, coin enthusiast! Grab a seat, let's chat about something that's been buzzing around since the '60s - the 1964 SMS half dollar. You might be wondering, "Why all the fuss about a half buck?" Well, my friend, it's all about the story, the scarcity, and the good ol' American history wrapped up in that little silver disc.

First Things First: What's SMS?

Alright, let's clear the air. SMS here doesn't stand for Short Message Service. In this context, it's the initials of the three designers of the coin - Sanford, Morgan, and Saltus. Quite the trio, huh? Now that we've got that out of the way, let's dive in.

Meet the '64 SMS Half Dollar

Picture this: it's 1964, the height of the Cold War, and the U.S. is in the midst of a coin crisis. Copper's in short supply, and we're talking about a serious shortage here, not just running out of pennies for your piggy bank. So, the U.S. Mint had to get creative. Enter the clad half dollar - a sandwich of copper-nickel with a thin layer of silver on each side.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. The design? It's a real head-turner. On the obverse, you've got President Kennedy, looking sharp and youthful. Flip it over, and you'll see the Heraldic Eagle, a symbol of strength and vigilance. It's like a tiny, shiny history lesson right in your palm.

Alright, Alright, But How Do I Spot One?

You're eager, I like it! Let's roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. First, let's talk condition. Most '64 SMS halves you'll find are well-loved, having spent some time in circulation. So, don't be too picky about mint state. Instead, look for one that's clean and free of major scratches or wear.

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Next up, weight. This is where things get a little tricky. The '64 SMS half is a bit of a chameleon, weighing in at either 115 or 124 grains. That's right, two different weights for the same coin. It's like trying to tell your twins apart - you know they're different, but sometimes it's a challenge. The best way to tell? Weigh it on a sensitive scale. If you're not equipped for that, don't sweat it. Just enjoy the mystery!

Now, let's talk design. The '64 SMS half has some distinctive features. On the obverse, Kennedy's hair has a unique, wavy pattern. The eagle on the reverse? It's got a full, round eye, not the slanted one you'll find on later issues. And check out the eagle's breast - it's got a nice, even line of feathers, not the jagged ones you might see on other coins.

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But Wait, There's More!

You thought we were done? Oh, no, no, no. We've got one more trick up our sleeve. Remember how I mentioned the '64 SMS half was a response to a copper shortage? Well, that meant the mint had to make some changes. And one of those changes was the composition of the coin. Instead of the usual 90% silver, the '64 SMS half is only 40% silver. But don't let that fool you - it's still a handsome little coin.

So, there you have it, my friend. The lowdown on the 1964 SMS half dollar. It's a coin with a story, a coin with a challenge, and a coin that's just plain fun to hunt. Now, go forth, grab your magnifying glass, and happy hunting!