1964 Half Dollar Pattern - RB-2700, INCO

Coin Details

Description

The opening entry in the INCO experimental clad half dollar test series, RB-2700 was struck from 1964 Kennedy half dollar dies on an experimental alloy planchet developed by the International Nickel Company. The half dollar series occupies the RB-2700 through RB-2715 range in the Robinson-Breen catalog, a notably compact series compared to the more extensive dime (RB-2000) and quarter (RB-1000/RB-2200) test groups. This smaller number of compositions may reflect the Treasury's early recognition that the half dollar would receive special treatment in the transition away from silver — ultimately being assigned a 40% silver-clad composition rather than the fully silverless copper-nickel clad used for dimes and quarters. Nevertheless, INCO prepared and struck test pieces in multiple compositions to give Treasury decision-makers a complete picture of the available options. RB-2700 represents a baseline copper-nickel formulation applied to the larger half dollar planchet. The Kennedy half dollar's bold, high-relief portrait of the slain president made it an exacting test of any coinage alloy's striking properties — Gilroy Roberts's obverse portrait and Frank Gasparro's heraldic eagle reverse both demand precise metal flow to reproduce their fine details, particularly the texture of Kennedy's hair and the eagle's feathering.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. The RB-2700 half dollar series was produced in extremely limited quantities. Kennedy half dollar experimental patterns command a premium due to the design's enduring popularity.

Cross References

RB-2700 (Robinson-Breen catalog). INCO/Medallic Art Company experimental clad coinage program, 1964.