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- Product ID: 5937
The Dansco 8166 Kennedy Half Dollars 1964-2011 Including Proof Only Issues album is a premier collection binder meticulously designed for enthusiasts of the Kennedy half dollar series. This album provides a comprehensive and organized way to display and store Kennedy half dollars from their inception in 1964 through to 2011, including the special proof-only releases that were issued for collectors. The Kennedy half dollar is a significant piece of American numismatic history, commemorating President John F. Kennedy and reflecting important changes in U.S. coinage over nearly five decades.
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in November 1963. The coin replaced the Benjamin Franklin half dollar, a series that had been in circulation since 1948. The design of the Kennedy half dollar was created by Gilroy Roberts, the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint, and Frank Gasparro, the Assistant Engraver. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Kennedy, capturing his youthful and determined expression. The reverse design, also by Gasparro, depicts the Presidential Seal with a majestic eagle clutching a banner with the motto "E Pluribus Unum." This design was intended to reflect the dignity and strength of the presidency.
Over the years, the Kennedy half dollar underwent several design and composition changes. The initial 1964 coins were struck in 90% silver, a tribute to the legacy of earlier half dollars. However, due to rising silver prices, the coin's composition was changed in 1965 to a clad composition of copper and nickel, which continued to be used in subsequent years. The Dansco 8166 album accommodates all these variations, allowing collectors to organize and appreciate the full range of Kennedy half dollars from both the silver and clad eras.
The album is specifically designed to include spaces for both circulation and proof issues of the Kennedy half dollar. The proof coins, struck at the San Francisco Mint, feature a distinctive high-quality finish with mirrored backgrounds and frosted designs. These coins were issued in limited quantities for collectors and are often valued for their superior appearance and lower mintage numbers compared to their circulation counterparts. The Dansco 8166 album provides dedicated slots for these proof-only releases, ensuring that collectors can display their coins in a manner that highlights their special status.
The Kennedy half dollar series includes notable releases and variations over the decades. For instance, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar is particularly significant as it was the only year in which the coin was minted in 90% silver. Additionally, special issues such as the Bicentennial coins of 1975 and 1976 feature unique reverse designs to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence. The album's design allows for the inclusion of these important and historically significant releases, ensuring that collectors can showcase the breadth and depth of the series.
The Dansco 8166 album is crafted with high-quality materials to ensure the protection and preservation of the coins. Each page is made from acid-free, archival-grade materials that prevent environmental damage such as tarnishing and discoloration. The album features clear, protective plastic windows that securely hold each coin in place while providing a clear view of both the obverse and reverse designs. This thoughtful construction helps maintain the coins' condition, preserving their original appearance and numismatic value over time.
The organization of the Dansco 8166 album is both practical and visually appealing. The album is designed to accommodate all the variations of Kennedy half dollars, including those minted at different U.S. Mint facilities such as Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. This allows collectors to easily track and display their complete sets. The album also includes spaces for important proof-only issues, ensuring that collectors can showcase these collectible coins alongside their circulation counterparts.
In summary, the Dansco 8166 Kennedy Half Dollars 1964-2011 Including Proof Only Issues album is an essential tool for collectors of this iconic coin series. By providing spaces for both standard circulation strikes and special proof releases, the album allows collectors to organize and display a complete collection of Kennedy half dollars. Its high-quality construction, protective features, and elegant design make it an ideal choice for preserving and showcasing these significant pieces of American numismatic history. Whether a collector is completing a set or highlighting specific issues, the Dansco 8166 album offers a refined and practical solution for celebrating the legacy of the Kennedy half dollar.