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1977 Kennedy Half Dollars: One Weighs 11.5 The Other 11.7 - Is It Possible?

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United States
6 Posts
 Posted 03/15/2023  5:00 pm Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add Raychel26 to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
Hello,
I have saved two 1977 Kennedy half dollars that weigh 11.5 and 11.7 on multiple scales. The transitional error of being stuck on a silver planchet says it's a 1977 D - is it possible I could still have this error? Are the allowances so great give/take that it could weigh as much as 11.7 and not have silver in it? I'm new here and I've done months of reading and learning before ever reaching out for help, please take it easy on me :-)
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jbuck's Avatar
United States
187702 Posts
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dsking's Avatar
United States
2365 Posts
 Posted 03/15/2023  5:11 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add dsking to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
As you know, 1977's are generally Copper-Nickel and the weight expectations are 11.34 grams. Silver one's are 11.50 grams. You're definitely within the silver range and the Denver mint would be a strong candidate for silver.

If it's on a silver planchet you would hear a very definite "clang" if you lightly bounced it or had contact with another coin.

Let's see what our other experts have to say before you decide.
Edited by dsking
03/15/2023 5:11 pm
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United States
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 Posted 03/15/2023  5:13 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Raychel26 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Thank you Jbuck! I'm loving my new hobby and constantly learning!
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JimmyD's Avatar
Canada
21589 Posts
 Posted 03/15/2023  5:55 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add JimmyD to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Try a tissue test to see if it is silver.
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silviosi's Avatar
Canada
6244 Posts
 Posted 03/15/2023  5:57 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add silviosi to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
The weight parameters are: minimum 10.886 and max. 11.794
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John1's Avatar
United States
56855 Posts
 Posted 03/15/2023  6:00 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add John1 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Try the tissue test. Mint tolerance is +/- .26 grams. What does the edge look like?Photos?
John1
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United States
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 Posted 03/16/2023  10:23 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Raychel26 to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Try the tissue test. Mint tolerance is +/- .26 grams. What does the edge look like?Photos?
John1
( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion )
Searched 6.5 +/- Million Cents Since 1971


Thank you so much for your opinion I honestly don't ever feel that I'll be a pro it's been constant learning and just when I think I understand something or can tell the difference... something else makes me question what I thought I knew!
I don't have the coin with me but as soon as I get back home I will absolutely take a pic and post! I have heard both arguments (well read online) whether looking at the edge is a good indicator or not when it's referencing the 40% silver vs 90% - which seems obvious to me from what I've seen so far.
I have not tried the tissue test on this coin, or ever for that matter I'm embarrassed... I'm going to do that with a 66 Kennedy half I have as soon as I'm done posting this so I can learn the different sounds.

Thanks again everyone for your input I really appreciate it!
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