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Replies: 16 / Views: 3,144 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
This is the exact condition I found this 1994-D Kennedy half dollar in when I removed it from circulation a month or so ago. What I originally mistook for either a very dirty or damaged coin ended up, upon closer inspection, being a coin that appears to be the answer to the question of: 'what exactly do you get when you combine several significant minting errors all together onto one coin?' I have taken to calling it my "Dogfaced coin", with titles like "The assassination coin" and "The Gizmo Coin" also being used to describe from friends of mine that I have shown it too. The coin appears to feature all of the following errors, but this is just my best guess explaination and I could be way off the mark as I am far from an expert on this subject so please correct me where I am mistaken: The coin appears to be minted on an unclad copper planchet (or possibly just a planchet that lost most all of it's coating from being restruck over and over again a significant number of times), it has a strike through error on the obverse that appears to be some sort of metallic debris, possibly a staple, there is a prominent die crack that runs in pretty much a straight line from the center of the obverse to the edge of the coin just south of the 9 O'clock position of a corresponding watch face, and the coin was clearly struck countless times at various different rotational positions, leaving faint artifacts of all prior strikes, many of which featuring their own copies of the aforementioned die crack still visible. What makes this coin really standout in my opinion however, is the combined overall effect that these errors have on its appearance and the apparent alterations they seemingly combine to make to the coins subject matter. Specifically, the repeated rotationally variable strikes onto the unclad copper obverse of the coin, when viewed in conjunction with the die crack many of them also feature, gives the coin a mosaic, almost marbled looking, coppery colored effect that spans the entire field of the obverse save for the spot featuring the strike through error, which itself causes an even more dramatic change to the coins overall appearance. With the effect of the precise positioning of that particular error resulting in the appearance of a dog's face being the primary bust featured on the obverse instead of that of JFK, especially when viewed from certain angles or from afar. On a more morbid note, if the coin is tilted just right so that the original bust of JFK becomes more visible, it does so with the added effects of what appears to be a bullet flying directly at his head with the contrasting coppery mosaic field against the steel colored strike through error that covers his face creating a grotesque visage of the resulting impending impact. With all of this made far more eerie by the coin featuring JFK of all people. On a much lighter note, the reverse of the coin features an almost calico looking mish-mash of colors that I was recently shocked to realize look surprisingly like the creature Gizmo from the 'Gremlins' movies, with this effect being most noticeable when the reverse is viewed from afar. I am very curious to hear what you all think about this coin, as well as your theories for what errors it actually has on it.       
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10635 Posts |
Please remove your coin from the 2x2 holder for better viewing. Thanks. From the photos provided, I'm not seeing the mint errors you speak of, but there is a great deal of post mint damage. Some damage looks to be from chemical exposure and contact. Environmental discolourization and damage is the main distraction presented from the images portrayed. Perhaps better ( closer and shaper) photos will help. 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1657 Posts |
I agree, merclover covered it well. Better pictures out of the holder may show something, but as of now I am not seeing it.
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Moderator
 United States
15422 Posts |
 to the CCF.
Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
I know you guys create new accounts and throw stuff out here just like this for funsies. 
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Valued Member
United States
108 Posts |
I like coins like this whether they have mint errors or natural cirulation PMD. They have their own personality. Nice novella...was deserved by the coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19152 Posts |
Given the images posted, I'm seeing a good deal of post-strike damage--environmentally-caused staining (mostly). Coin may have spent a little time in a murky fountain/pond or in moist soil.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4135 Posts |
I agree with what merclover said.
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Forum Dad
 United States
24154 Posts |
I see a well worn, circulated, and environmentally damaged coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
Just a stained coin at best. A spender.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Must agree  to the CCF!
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Moderator
 United States
34408 Posts |
@merc nailed it.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push." -----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed." -----King Adz
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Valued Member
United States
311 Posts |
It looks like this half dollar may have been in a fire.
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Moderator
 United States
95805 Posts |
I would like to see it not in the 2x2 myself. too much glare. but it does look like environmental toning/damage to me as Merc states.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7174 Posts |
Tldr. Just environmental damage.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 3,144 |