American Numismatic Silver Coin Bookmark featuring Kennedy Half Dollar
Stationery Accessory / Giftware (Bookmark) · Unidentified Giftware Manufacturer; often produced by companies like The Franklin Mint, Morgan Mint, or generic jewelry wholesalers.
Pattern: Commemorative Coin Jewelry Collection; non-standardized production.
Type
Stationery Accessory / Giftware (Bookmark)
Maker
Unidentified Giftware Manufacturer; often produced by companies like The Franklin Mint, Morgan Mint, or generic jewelry wholesalers.
Material
Bi-metallic composition: Likely a 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollar (dated 1965-1970) or a base metal clad coin (post-1971), mounted in a silver-plated or base metal bezel and clip.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 to 4 inches in length; weight roughly 15-20 grams total including the 11.5g coin weight.
Description
A functional literary accessory featuring a Kennedy Half Dollar coin repurposed as a decorative topper. These items were widely sold in gift shops and heritage catalogs during the late 20th century as affordable 'collectible' gifts for history buffs or coin enthusiasts.
Key Features
The use of a circulation-style US coin and the simplistic shepherd's-hook style page clip.
Material & Composition
Bi-metallic composition: Likely a 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollar (dated 1965-1970) or a base metal clad coin (post-1971), mounted in a silver-plated or base metal bezel and clip.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the clip; coin exhibits a circulated but cleaned surface. The bezel features a diamond-cut or serrated decorative edge to mimic light-catching facets.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely no metal purity hallmarks on the clip; coin retains United States Mint inscriptions (LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST) and likely the designer's initials 'GR'.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped metal clip with a soldered or glued bezel head; coin is pressure-fitted into the decorative surround.
Functional Features
U-shaped tension clip designed to slide over book pages; heavy coin top acts as a weighted page marker.
Handle & Grip Details
Simple curved metal stem with smooth edges to prevent paper tearing.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; mass-produced assembly with standard machine-finished components.
Authentication Indicators
Coin authenticity is verifiable by weight and strike details; the assembly is clearly commercial giftware rather than fine jewelry.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Coin); Clip assembly likely mass-produced in USA or China.
Era & Period
Modern Era; likely late 20th century (c. 1970-1990) as nostalgic numismatic gifts were popular.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s-2000s based on the 'Peace' sign style clip and $3.50 thrift pricing.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-to-late 20th-century American trend of repurposing currency into jewelry and functional everyday objects to denote patriotism and value.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The item appears to be in its original retail box; coin shows light surface wear typical of circulation before mounting. No visible corrosion.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 depending on the silver content of the specific coin year.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft dry cloth; avoid liquid silver dips which may seep into the bezel and cause greening of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Coin pendants, coin cufflinks, and silver-plated letter openers with inset coins.
Interesting Facts
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964 just months after the assassination; the first year was 90% silver, while 1965-70 were 40% silver.