Numismatic Facts

• Frank Gasparro designed the reverse of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.
• The reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar is based on the Presidential coat of arms.
• 1964 was the first year of issue for the Kennedy Half Dollar
• The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the only 90 percent silver proof Kennedy Half.
• Augustus Saint-Gaudens (designer of the $20 Saint Gaudens) also designed the medal for the 1892 Columbian Expo.
• Both the dies and the planchets are polished when the mint produces a Proof coin.
• A Capped Die is actually a strike error.
• The first Buffalo 5c pieces show a bison standing on a mound.
• The 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Dollars wer the first souvenir gold coins authorized by congress.
• The 1866 Shield 5c is 25% nickel.
• Adolph A. Weinman designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
• The Lafayette $1 was the first U.S. Commemorative Dollar.
• The initials SMS stands for Special Mint Set.
• The 1921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar actually celebrates the 1919 Alabama Centennial.
• More $50 Pan-Pac Octagonal coins were issued the the $50 Pan-Pac Round.
• Jefferson faces left on the Jefferson 5c.
• The Reverse is generally the lower die at the U.S. Mint.
• 1964 was the last date Mint Marks were used on a coins reverse.
• An earthquake interrupted the work of the San Francisco Mint in 1906.
• The main offices of the U.S. Mint are in Washington, D.C.