Discover The Historical Significance Of The Iconic 1961 John F. Kennedy Coin

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a one-dollar silver coin struck by the United States Mint in honor of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy. The coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, and was first issued on March 24, 1964, the first anniversary of Kennedy's assassination. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, and has a diameter of 38.1 mm. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing bust of Kennedy, while the reverse features the Seal of the President of the United States.

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin was a popular commemorative issue, and more than 185 million coins were struck. The coin is still collected today by numismatists and history buffs, and is considered to be a valuable collectible.

1961 John F. Kennedy Coin

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a one-dollar silver coin struck by the United States Mint in honor of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

• Commemorative
• Silver
• Obverse: Bust of Kennedy
• Reverse: Seal of the President
• Designer: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
• Mintage: 185 million
• Value: Collectible

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a popular commemorative issue, and is still collected today by numismatists and history buffs. The coin is considered to be a valuable collectible, and is often bought and sold for more than its face value.

1. Commemorative

A commemorative coin is a coin that is issued to commemorate a person, event, or anniversary. Commemorative coins are often made of precious metals, such as silver or gold, and are often designed to be more aesthetically pleasing than regular circulation coins. The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a commemorative coin that was issued to commemorate the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a significant commemorative coin because it was the first coin to be issued by the United States Mint to commemorate a president who had been assassinated. The coin was also the first to feature a president's portrait on the obverse (heads) of the coin. The coin's design was approved by President Kennedy's widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, and the coin was first issued on March 24, 1964, the first anniversary of Kennedy's assassination.

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a popular collectible, and is still bought and sold today for more than its face value. The coin is a reminder of Kennedy's life and presidency, and is a valuable piece of history.

2. Silver

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Silver is a precious metal that has been used to make coins for centuries. It is a relatively soft metal, which makes it easy to work with. Silver is also a very durable metal, which means that coins made of silver can last for a long time.

The use of silver in the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is significant because it gives the coin a distinctive appearance. Silver coins have a bright, white luster that is different from the dull gray color of copper coins. Silver coins are also more resistant to tarnishing than copper coins. This means that they will retain their bright appearance for a longer period of time.

The use of silver in the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin also adds to its value. Silver is a valuable metal, and silver coins are often worth more than their face value. This is especially true for commemorative coins, such as the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for silver coins, because they are seen as being more valuable and desirable than copper coins.

3. Obverse

The obverse of the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin features a left-facing bust of Kennedy. This is a significant design choice, as it is the first time that a president's portrait has been featured on the obverse of a U.S. coin. The bust of Kennedy is based on a photograph taken by Jacques Lowe in 1960. The image is a close-up of Kennedy's face, and it captures his youthful and optimistic demeanor.

The decision to feature Kennedy's portrait on the obverse of the coin was a controversial one. Some people felt that it was inappropriate to put a president's image on a coin. However, the public ultimately embraced the design, and the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is now one of the most popular commemorative coins in U.S. history.

The bust of Kennedy on the obverse of the coin is a powerful symbol of his presidency. It is a reminder of his youthful idealism and his commitment to public service. The coin is also a reminder of the tragic events of November 22, 1963, when Kennedy was assassinated.

4. Reverse

The reverse of the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin features the Seal of the President of the United States. This is a significant design choice, as it is the first time that the Seal of the President has been featured on a U.S. coin. The Seal of the President is a symbol of the office of the presidency, and it is used to authenticate official documents and communications.

The Seal of the President is a complex and detailed design. It features an eagle with a shield on its chest. The shield is divided into 13 stripes, representing the 13 original colonies. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left talon. Above the eagle's head is a scroll with the motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One).

The Seal of the President is a powerful symbol of the presidency and the United States of America. It is a reminder of the history and traditions of the country, and it is a symbol of the office of the president.

5. Designer

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. Roberts was a sculptor and coin designer who had previously designed the Sacagawea dollar coin. Gasparro was an engraver who had worked on a number of other U.S. coins, including the Lincoln cent and the Jefferson nickel.

Roberts and Gasparro's design for the John F. Kennedy coin was selected through a competition held by the United States Mint. The competition was open to all artists, and the winning design was chosen by a panel of experts. Roberts and Gasparro's design was selected because it was considered to be both aesthetically pleasing and appropriate for a coin that would commemorate the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.

The obverse of the coin features a left-facing bust of Kennedy. This is a significant design choice, as it is the first time that a president's portrait has been featured on the obverse of a U.S. coin. The bust of Kennedy is based on a photograph taken by Jacques Lowe in 1960. The image is a close-up of Kennedy's face, and it captures his youthful and optimistic demeanor.

The reverse of the coin features the Seal of the President of the United States. This is a complex and detailed design that features an eagle with a shield on its chest. The shield is divided into 13 stripes, representing the 13 original colonies. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left talon. Above the eagle's head is a scroll with the motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One). The Seal of the President is a powerful symbol of the presidency and the United States of America.

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a beautiful and fitting tribute to one of America's most beloved presidents. The coin is a reminder of Kennedy's life and legacy, and it is a valuable piece of history.

6. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that are produced. The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin had a mintage of 185 million coins. This means that 185 million of these coins were produced by the United States Mint.

The mintage of a coin is important because it affects the value of the coin. Coins that have a lower mintage are generally more valuable than coins that have a higher mintage. This is because coins with a lower mintage are rarer, and therefore more desirable to collectors.

The mintage of the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is significant because it is relatively low for a commemorative coin. This means that the coin is more valuable than many other commemorative coins. The coin is also popular with collectors, which further increases its value.

The mintage of the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a reminder of the coin's historical significance. The coin was issued to commemorate the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy, and it is a valuable piece of history.

7. Value

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a valuable collectible for a number of reasons. First, the coin is made of 90% silver, which gives it a higher intrinsic value than coins made of other metals. Second, the coin was issued in a relatively low mintage of 185 million coins, which makes it rarer than many other commemorative coins. Third, the coin is popular with collectors, which further increases its value.

The value of the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin has increased steadily over the years. In 1964, the coin was worth about $1.50. Today, the coin is worth about $10.00 in circulated condition and $20.00 or more in uncirculated condition. The value of the coin is expected to continue to increase in the future, as it is a popular collectible and a valuable piece of history.

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a valuable collectible for a number of reasons. Its silver content, low mintage, and popularity with collectors all contribute to its value. The coin is a popular investment for collectors, and it is also a valuable piece of history.

FAQs about the 1961 John F. Kennedy Coin

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a popular collectible and a valuable piece of history. Here are some frequently asked questions about the coin:

Question 1: What is the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin?

Answer: The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a one-dollar silver coin struck by the United States Mint to commemorate the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

Question 2: Why is the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin valuable?

Answer: The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is valuable for several reasons. First, it is made of 90% silver, which gives it a higher intrinsic value than coins made of other metals. Second, the coin was issued in a relatively low mintage of 185 million coins, which makes it rarer than many other commemorative coins. Third, the coin is popular with collectors, which further increases its value.

Question 3: How much is the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin worth?

Answer: The value of the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin varies depending on its condition. In circulated condition, the coin is worth about $10.00. In uncirculated condition, the coin is worth about $20.00 or more. The value of the coin is expected to continue to increase in the future, as it is a popular collectible and a valuable piece of history.

Question 4: Where can I buy a 1961 John F. Kennedy coin?

Answer: You can buy a 1961 John F. Kennedy coin from a variety of sources, including coin dealers, online retailers, and auction houses. When buying a coin, it is important to make sure that you are buying from a reputable source.

Question 5: How can I tell if a 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is real?

Answer: There are a few things you can look for to tell if a 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is real. First, the coin should be made of 90% silver. Second, the coin should have a weight of 26.73 grams. Third, the coin should have a diameter of 38.1 mm. Fourth, the coin should have a reeded edge. If the coin meets all of these criteria, it is likely to be a genuine 1961 John F. Kennedy coin.

Summary: The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a valuable collectible and a piece of history. The coin is made of 90% silver, has a low mintage, and is popular with collectors. The value of the coin is expected to continue to increase in the future.

Transition to the next article section: If you are interested in learning more about the 1961 John F. Kennedy coin, there are a number of resources available online. You can also visit your local coin dealer or library to learn more.

Conclusion

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a valuable collectible and a piece of history. The coin is made of 90% silver, has a low mintage, and is popular with collectors. The value of the coin is expected to continue to increase in the future.

The 1961 John F. Kennedy coin is a reminder of the life and presidency of one of America's most beloved presidents. The coin is a valuable piece of history, and it is a reminder of Kennedy's legacy of public service.