1964 Kennedy - Proof Or SMS? Trying To Learn Here....

Well I want to start this thread by first saying that I have been following my GoogleFoo links for a couple of days trying to edumicate myself on these elusive critters. Why you ask? Well I came across something on da Bay and I had to get it. I wanted to see it in hand....

Now there is a catch to this. The person I bought this off of is a VERY knowledgeable and respected collector and would not have parted with it if real. I am fairly sure of this but I just had to see it and the cost was not stupid high.

Here is the wording of the add for the most part:

"This coin is hard to explain. It's fresh from a proof set, but has more of a satin finish than a typical 1964 proof, which is typically very glossy with tremendous reflection. It really has more of an appearance of an SMS coin. "

So looking at the picture of course I could not tell squat. So I bought it. Here are the pictures as advertised..





So I excitedly get it on Saturday and inspect it. First thing I notice is it doesn't look right. I have quite a few 64 Proofs and none really look this 'poor' so to speak. The advertisement was right, it almost looks like a 65 with a poor mirror. I have 65's with BETTER mirrors....it is NOT even close to cameo. Odd indeed.

So I stare and stare, compare and compare, and read all about these. I can find a few things that talk about die markers....

I saved this picture from somewhere...



So I look at mine and think I have a match. I am getting excited now.....here is what I saw..




Yet I also read in another location that all of these were TYPE 1 Reverses. Yet this makes no sense as those were used on the first Accented Hairs, and of course the Accented Hair's little brother for a while.....these SMS coins were supposed to be made in the first part of 1965 as trial runs for the SMS sets since there would be no proofs. Hmm. I have a TYPE II reverse..

I really just do not know but I will post some rather zoom-able pictures if you want to take a look and chime in with your thoughts.







The odds are slim to none I know but still, how would one know unless it was in original mint packaging but that did not exist as they were never for sale.

50 sets? 200 Sets? Who knows......still the journey is fun and as always, I am learning..worst case is I paid extra for a regular 64 proof Kennedy half. Now that I have it in hand, it was monies well spent no matter the outcome as it looks different than any of my others.

What say you?