Bicentennial Medallian Identification | Kennedy Half Pop-Up

This is what's known as a pop up. I have a friend in my local coin club who has an amazing collection of these "pop ups." He has made a study of these as well.

Thanks for the replies guys. I did find the original artist. Sid Bell was an artist in the 60's-90's. He had a copyright on that particular design. I found a belt buckle of his on ebay with the same "head" coming out of a Morgan silver dollar. Maybe Conder101 is right, there could have been more then one die, but at least I have verified that Sid Bell was using that style in the 1970's. For those of you who collect knives, Sid Bell created the original "Gut Hook" style knife blade. When you google his name, a variety of knife manufacturers give him credit for the original design.

Fcrazo - Next time you see your friend with the Pop-up collection, ask him what he knows about the one I have. I am sure it is common enough to be in his collection.

Thanks again,
Dave

From my friend Cliff:

Your pop-up, David, is a nice one, especially since it has been enhanced with the bezel, making it an attractive jewelry item. Most coin dealers scorn or politely decline to handle these since they are "altered" coins.


Yet you and I like them for their eye catching collectability. As you found out, there is no official or compehensive catalog for these pieces. All I've ever found after research are only a couple of passing references to them in old numismatic works, and some of that is contradictory. But apparently they started as world fair and convention souvenirs. Authentically old ones have what's called a "patent bar" welded to the back. Your doesn't have that which is logical since your host coin is a Kennedy half.


You might be surprised to know that there are dozens of other designs for popouts: besides about 3 or 4 Lady Libertys, the heads of presidents, particularly the assassinated ones, plus recently Wilson, Carter, Reagan and the 2 Bushes; 4 or more versions of Lincoln and Indian heads (male and female), angel faces, and various animals. Besides coins, there are watch fobs, tie clips, and cuff links.


I have found popouts (also named "popups" and repousse) on English and Canadian coins in 2 versions of King Edward VII, on French coins "Marianne", Balboa on Panamanian coins and Queen Elizabeth II on South African coins. I even have what seems to be Mohammed on a German mark.


All denominations of US coins have been used for popups. I believe that to get such great detail that the larger coins had to be heated before being restruck.


I have listed and illustrated my popups, along with several collectors of these fascinating pieces, on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pop-up-coins/photos, but you have to join that group (free) to view the photos.


I keep intending to compose an article on these pieces, but haven't done so yet.


Let me know if you need more.


Cliff