Smithsonian's National Numismatic Collection Reveals Insights into 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Specimen Strikes
The Smithsonian Institution's National Numismatic Collection has provided crucial physical evidence linking its 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar specimen set to commercially known 'Adams-Merkin' sets. This connection suggests a single, specific origin for these unusual strikes. Numismatic researchers, including Steve Roach and Jeff Garrett, have previously documented other 'off-the-books' presentation specimens held by the Smithsonian. The physical characteristics, such as distinct fabric and shared die flaws, observed in coins linked to former Mint Director Eva Adams and dealer Lester Merkin, are identical to those in the Smithsonian's specimen example. This evidence strongly indicates that these coins were struck from the exact same dies in close succession. The Mint's swift action to redesign the half dollar following President Kennedy's assassination involved Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts adapting his 1961 Kennedy Presidential Medal portrait and Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro adapting the Presidential Seal ... 
