Kennedy Halves

Hi there! Actually not real confusing. The code is pretty simple.

Yes, CL. means clad - Definition: A clad coin is one that has multiple layers of metal in it; most current U.S. clad coins consist of an inner core of copper, with outer layers of a silver-colored nickel-copper alloy. Examples of this type of clad coin are the U.S. Dime, Quarter, and Half Dollar.

From 1992 to 1998 The dime, quarter, and half dollar proofs (S mint) were also produced in a 90% Silver composition. All you really have for '96 is 4 "types"; no mint mark = Philadelphia, D mint mark = Denver, S mint mark Clad = San Francisco, and S mint mark Silver.

Clad Proof Coins
A clad proof is a coin made by "sandwiching" layers of different types of metals. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars are among coins made with this process, which includes a layer of copper sandwiched by a silver colored alloy of nickle and copper. The edge of the coin has a copper colored band that is easily visible.

Silver Proof Coins
Most silver proof coins are made of at least 90 percent silver with 10 percent copper mixed in. The coin is not produced in layers, as the metals are mixed together. The edge has a completely silver appearance, and does not have the copper ring of clad proof coins.

Also, silver has a very distinctive look, with a much brighter look than clad. There is also, from what I've read here, the "tissue" test. When a kleenex tissue is placed over a silver proof it will reflect light back through the tissue making the coin visible, whereas a clad proof does not. That's what I remember - never tried it. The visual difference has always been sufficient for me to recognize silver proofs, and non-proofs as well, so far!

Beyond that, the other "varieties" you see are for a Cameo designation of the proof coin.

Cameo
A coin, usually a Proof, with a frosted central area (portrait)surrounded by a mirror like field.

Deep Cameo
The term applied to coins, usually Proofs and prooflike coins, that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields - often called "black and white' cameos.

Even clad halves have a value. Are they worth keeping? Depends on whether you think keeping a fifty cent piece worth anywhere from 5 to 20 bucks is worth keeping.

Hope this helps,

Steve

Only in the '76 3-piece silver proof set. The standard '76 proof set were all clad. Also in the '76 3-piece Uncirculated set they were 40%. In the standard '76 mint set they were clad.

But he is asking specifically about the '96 halves.

Steve

When I said clad I was referring to copper/nickel clad. When I said silver I'm referring to silver clad, but I should have indicated that.

In 1976 there were two versions of uncirculated set, the standard Mint set with all Cu clad coins, and a 3 piece set (quarter, half, dollar) all Silver clad (40%). The same for the proof sets, standard Cu clad and 3 piece Silver clad (40%). There were no 90% Silver coins minted in 1976. These two Proof sets are the only way to obtain the 1976 proof coins. Proof sets are the only way to obtain Proof versions of standard coinage.

The Silver Proof sets minted from 1992 to date contain the silver dime, quarter, and half in the same 90% silver composition as the pre-1965 coins.

The Mint listened to the masses and produced Proof quarter sets for those not wanting an entire Proof set just to get the quarters with the beginning of the State Quarter program in 1999. However, they did not produce a Sliver Proof Quarter set until 2004. From '99 to '03 you had to buy the whole Silver Proof set to get them.

Hope this helps,

Steve

whytlash - Thank-you that really helps me. +1 excellent explanation

Thanks for the explanation, I wanted to determine if the Bi-Cent Kennedy halves I have are Ag or not, one is obviously Cu clad, the others aren't so obvious, but between The Red Book and your explanation, I think I've got it figured out

Whytlash
Very good explantion.

I know he was only asking about the 1996 .. but you did go over the 1975/1976's.
All you have left now is the 64 - 90% ... and the 65 thru 70 - 40% (SMS and proofs)

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I'm glad the explanation was helpful to the OP, and everyone else. And it was fun taking all that junk in my head and trying to articulate it into print.

As noted, there was a lot going on in the Kennedy half dollar series. The 1964 90% goes without saying since all silver type coins were 90%. And no, I didn't touch on the '65 to '70 40%'rs. The original post was about the '96, and the sideline was the '76. But, for what it's worth, I have a BU roll of '64 and a BU roll of mixed '65 to 70 (no 70D) that I got about 8 years ago. I also have as BU roll of '63 Franklins I got at the same time, but he's not part of this discussion! But I do also have a full BU and Proof/S Proof Kennedy set. And all the mint sets and proof sets. Eesh!

And yes, there is another in the mix, the '98 Matte proof. A very nice looking coin, albeit a little pricey. But I would imagine if if you wanted a really full set of Kennedy's you'd need to have that one also. I'll have to check into that.

As much as this never started out as a Kennedy Primer, it's almost turning into one! Oh! Then you'd have to include the '64 Accented Hair variety! Man, it just gets deeper and deeper......

Steve

Yes, he was quite popular. His relative youth and charisma did much for him. Although people did certainly hoard the '64 due to his popularity, it was also a brand new coin. I think a good number of non-collectors do that.It wouldn't have been so much for the silver value as it was quite low then. About a buck an ounce. But some surely might have held them for that. I think both the Kennedy and Franklin are nice looking coins. And I love the look of silver. Next to a cu clad the difference is striking.

Steve