1996 Kennedy Half Dollar - Medal Western Reserve Numismatic Club C/M on 1982-S Washington

Coin Details

Description

This 1996 medal from the Western Reserve Numismatic Club is a counterstamped Kennedy half dollar applied to a host 1982-S Washington commemorative half dollar. The 1982 Washington half dollar, designed by Elizabeth Jones, commemorated the 250th anniversary of George Washington's birth and was the first commemorative coin struck by the United States Mint since the classic commemorative program ended in 1954. Using this modern commemorative as a host coin created a counterstamped piece that bridges the revival of the U.S. commemorative coin program with the Western Reserve Numismatic Club's own medallic tradition. The 1982-S Washington half dollar was struck only at the San Francisco Mint in proof finish, making it a distinctive host coin compared to the circulated commemoratives from the 1930s also used in the club's counterstamp program. The Western Reserve Numismatic Club's selection of diverse host coins across different eras and types demonstrates a deliberate effort to create an interesting and varied counterstamp series that would engage collectors with different specialties and interests. This piece combines modern commemorative numismatics with the venerable tradition of organizational counterstamping.

Rarity Notes

Scarce counterstamped piece on 1982-S Washington commemorative host. The proof host coin adds distinction to this variety.

Cross References

PCGS #923111