Expert: Joe Hylas - 4/8/2006

Question
I have a sealed bag of 1968 Kennedy halves that I'm curious as to the value of.  The bag is sealed and says "U.S. Government Property Return To Treasurer, U.S. Washington25, D.C."  It is sealed with a piece of string through some red metal thing then a piece of metal that looks like lead that the string is going through squished to seal it.  There is a tag that the string went through that says "FORM TUS 2842 - Treasury Department".  On it it says $50 Halves.  It's stamped MAR 5 - 1968 and it's signed by the counter "Woody".  Would you know what the value of this unopened bag might be?  Part of me wants to open it but the other part wants to leave it as is.  Any help would be great.  If you needs pictures I can send them to you.

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,
That's a very cool item!  Don't open it, and try not to move it too much as moving it makes the coins rub together and detracts from their value.
They are 40% pure silver meaning they should be worth about $150 just for the silver value but I would guess  that because the bag is sealed, it would be worth another $100
I have handles sealed bags of Morgan and Peace Silver dollars but never a bag like yours.
If you are interested in seling, call me at 800-474-6960
Personally, if it were me, I would hold onto it.

Regards
Joe Hylas