1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. FS-401. Type I, Accented Hair. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS).

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. FS-401. Type I, Accented Hair. Proof-66 Deep Cameo (PCGS).，The delightful Gem surfaces are brilliant, boldly contrasted in finish, and a delight to behold. Of the 3,950,762 Proofs that the Philadelphia Mint struck for the first year 1964 Kennedy half dollar, Rick Tomaska (<em>A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars</em>, 2011) estimates that only about 100,000 coins are of the Accented Hair variety. According to that author, this brief type was terminated after Jacqueline Kennedy inspected the new half dollars bearing her husbands portrait at the request of Mint personnel. The former First Lady objected to some of the finer hair details and recommended changes, which eventually resulted in the revised Type II design. The easiest way to differentiate between the Type I and Type II designs is to look at the hair strands directly above Kennedys ear: on the Accented Hair variety two prominent strands in this area form a V shape that is not seen on Type II examples. Additionally, the Type I variety has a weak or broken lower left serif on the letter I in LIBERTY, as well as slight pitting and rounded edges to the shield on the eagles breast on the reverse.<p>Scarce in an absolute sense, the Type I Accented Hair is particularly challenging to locate in Gem and higher grades due to the prevalence of hairlines and milky spots on surviving examples. The premium quality example offered here is sure to appeal to discerning collectors.，From the Rosie Collection.，