JoeF

@Sandon...I think you missed the point of my post. For one the thread title is 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar. Two, the OP states in one of his posts "The topic is about the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar..." So the topic is pretty much about if the coin is a SMS or not. The text regarding mint sets was included to give the OP context the key point being "The next generation of [mint] sets were issued from 1959 to 1964 and then "After this run, the issuance of typical Mint Sets was briefly suspended and for three years, Special Mint Sets were issued instead." So the 1964 Kennedy is not an SMS issue. btw...you have an impressive registry set.

check out https://mintsetguide.com/ for info on SMS sets The United States Mint has created annual sets of Uncirculated coins for collectors widely known as Mint Sets since 1947. Amidst a few interruptions and several changes in format, this popular collector offering continues to the present day. The useful numismatic product allows collectors to have one example of each coin issued for circulation within a complete set issued by the U.S. Mint. The first generation of sets issued from 1947 to 1958 included two examples of each coin struck for circulation and are sometimes referred to as “Double Mint Sets.” These were typically issued in low numbers and can now be difficult to find intact and in the original packaging. Those sets encountered in the original packaging, which consisted of cardboard and paper holders, will generally include coins which have developed tonging over time. This type of original toning can be desired by many collectors and can sometimes exhibit attractive rainbow hues. The next generation of sets issued from 1959 to 1964 came in flat packs similar to the packaging developed for the Proof Sets. Two cellophane packs contained a single example of each coin issued for circulation and were placed within an envelope marked with the date of release. After this run, the issuance of typical Mint Sets was briefly suspended and for three years, Special Mint Sets were issued instead.

These are nice coins but FYI...but Proof and MS aren't the same. As far as I can tell NGC has no MS graded above 68 and proof franklins graded above 69...https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide/united-states/half-dollars/43/ If you ever find a MS or PF Franklin graded 70 selling for $500, buy it.

10 coins...all MS 64. 7 out of 10 FBL.

Nice proofs but UNCs are different. You won't get FBLs on PFs.

Thanks for the feedback. I agree in that I think they are MS and FBL is questionable. These photos were taken shortly after getting a macro lens and speedlight flash unit. Still working on figuring out getting good shots of coins and figuring out lighting. They do look better in hand but after scrutiny only the '53 D from these photos made the cut for grading. I wish I had thought to take pics of the coins I actually sent in! Hopin' that they all get FBLs and at least a MS 64 grade...but we'll see. Fingers crossed.

Photos of 1950,1952 D, 1953 D and 1954 D ...what grade would you give?

ebay as a source of coins is a joke...why bother when there are other options available to acquire coins?

you seem to know what you're doing...i'm just learning. When I can afford it, i am going to get a shooting table and lighting and learn how to use that setup. For now, for my purposes, I like what I'm getting out of my setup.

thy are in 2 capital holders...

what would you estimate grade as?

so far it's awesome

I'm only an amateur but it couldn't hurt. Are you using flash?

Some clicks of my raw Franklins...shot with a Nikon 750 and 105mm Macro

sure do