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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Kennedy half dollar print error?

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Expert: - 7/10/2007


Question
Hi, Dan
My name is Jesper and I live in Sweden. My father in law is in posession of a 1964 Kennedy silver half dollar. The odd thing, as we see it, is that the back side seems to be "printed" upside down (if you flip the coin horisontally). Is this an error or is it the case with all US coins. A Swedish coin of 2007 flipped horisontally gives you a correct viewing of the back side emblem and text. With this particular Kennedy half dollar, you have to flip it vertically to be able to read the emblem and text correctly. Although I'm not losing sleep over it, I would preciate an answer to the question. Thanks in advance.

Best regards,
Jesper Carlson  

Answer
Hi Jesper,

It sounds like you have a normal coin.  All U.S. coins are minted such that when you hold the coin at the sides and flip top-to-bottom, the reverse image will normally be right-side-up -- whereas if you hold the coin at the top & bottom and flip side-to-side, the reverse image will normally be up-side-down.

Here in the U.S. the top-to-bottom flip is referred to as a "coin flip", and the side-to-side flip is referred to as a "medal flip".

I hope this helps,

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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