NIFC Halves

They are not released into circulation by the federal government, they are only sold at premiums above face by the united states mint. Anyone who spends them after buying them from the mint is taking a loss in doing so. Due to the premiums they hold they are not intended by the federal government to circulate as money, though since they are legal tender and the premiums are often quite small they do occasionally circulate as money rather. Most NIFC issues are extremely rare in circulation (nifc dollars, 1996w dimes, proofs, silver issues), the only reason that NIFC halves are seen frequently is that the fedderal government has not released a new issue of halves for general circulation since 2001. Therefore the base number of circulating half dollars is signifigantly lower than other denominations, leading to a higher percentage of nifc in circulation than other denominations such as nickels or pennies.

NIFC business strike half dollars are currently sold in two roll P&D sets(34.95) and 200 coin P&D bags(134.95). Some collectors will buy bags for the potential of errors and cherrypicking the highest grade examples while spending the rest at face value.

unholyroller asked...



And Biokemist gave the best answer...



The potential profit from the high grade examples covers the premium paid, making it easy to just spend or dump them.

I still save every one I come across. I have 10 rolls right now. When I get to 50 I will dump them and be able to do another box per week.

I have been ordering the "P&D Two Roll Sets" of the Kennedy half for several years now.
The intact official govt. wrapped P&D rolls of these, esp. being N.I.F.C., has a certain collectibility for "me". It does not, however, for many other collectors. As mentioned, the preference by most would be to "cherry pick" the rolls.
But since I've paid a premium from the U.S. Mint for mine, I'll never open the rolls, not even to look for errors.
If a day ever comes where I would have to sell them, which isn't my intention, then I'd hope to get "something" over face for them, if not all of my original cost back...... actual "profit" would be unrealistic I would think.....but who knows ?


If I come across some singles "in the wild", I do save the nicer ones......... I'm not sure why, because all of my Dansco's are filled with "MS" & "Proof" quality Kennedy's. I have no place for these, except to just "coin tube" them. One cannot get both P & D -- N.I.F.C. Kennedys from "the wild", and in uncomprimised condition, much less each and every single year, ......... so just the occasional "find" really doesn't do me any good.