Expert: Ronald Fern - 4/3/2010

Question
Hi, i have a kennedy half which seems struck OK yet the nose has a nose which seems separate from the face, it's a 1969 bussiness strike.
Thanks,
Doug

Answer
Hi Doug:

I picked up your question from the pool.

From your limited description, your coin "oddity" may well be the result of an over polished die. When asking a question, especially with an expected error, always provide as much information about your piece as possible. This helps to pinpoint what you may have. Attaching a photo of both sides would also help. I'll answer your question as best I can. If you want to ask a follow up question by providing more information, I'll revise my answer or add to it as required.

Your coin is likely the result a technique that is utilized to remove damage (such as clashing) from the die surface in an attempt to salvage the die and continue it's use in striking coins. When a blank planchet fails to enter the die chamber to be struck, the dies can still come together. The force of the striking and the amount to the die play (distance they travel in striking) will determine the degree of clashing. Some of the image and lettering of each die surface can be forced into the other die. This will show up as reversed letters and images on the struck coins. When a die operator notices the coins with the errors, they could stop the press, remove the dies, and have them reworked (polished) to remove the clashing. In severe cases, letters can be thinned and part of the design image lost in the polishing of the die to remove the damage, resulting in the nose on the face of your Kennedy coin to become separated.  

Your coin is 40% silver, and presently has a melt value of approximately $2.65. As far as value, it would depend on the condition of the coin and the amount or degree of the clashed die of error. Circulated minor clashed dies would be worth about $3 to $5. Uncirculated errors could bring $5 to $10 to an interested collector. A major clashed die would likely bring about $15 in circulated condition and up to $25 in Uncirculated condition.

Check ebay listing under US coins in the error category to see if coins like yours are listed. You may also want to check out these links on error coin values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/USErrorPrices.asp
http://www.minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

Remember, should you choose to sell your coin, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.