1967 Kennedy Half Dollar (SMS)

From 1965 to 1967, the United States Mint did not issue any mint sets or proof sets. This was due to the overwhelming task by the mint to keep coins in circulation. In 1965, all silver was taken out of the dimes and quarters. The halves were reduced to 40% until 1970 and, after that date, no coins contained any silver. As the public was hoarding the silver coins, the government was working overtime to keep coins in circulation. There was no time to produce Mint and Proof Sets, so the U. S. Mint made what is called a Special Mint Set (SMS). These coins have a better finish than regular business strikes but not quite as good as a proof. The sets were produced in 1965, 1966, and 1967. In 1968, the Mint went back to minting the regular Mint and Proof Sets.