This unique mated pair is a new discovery and fresh to the market from an old time collection. It consists of a unique U.S. Mint proof 1973-S Kennedy die piece and a matching proof 1973-S half dollar die break (cud) error struck after the die piece had fallen out. Die break errors are extremely rare for coins like proof Kennedy half dollars, with just a few known, and those with a die piece are almost unheard of. Both are graded a near perfect "PF 69 CAMEO" by NGC.

This die break error is also the largest known proof Kennedy die break error, includes the date on both pieces and does not impact the major design devices on the coin. The proof die piece surfaces are pristine and represents a rare chance to appreciate the U.S. Mint's proof die mirrored surfaces.

There is just one other mated pair with a detached die piece known, a 1972-S proof Kennedy Half with a much smaller cud and die piece. It was sold in a private sale a few years ago. Additionally there are two known coins struck with embedded die pieces, a 1971-S Kennedy Half and 1974-S Lincoln Cent, however, the proof die surfaces cannot be seen or appreciated on these. Mated pairs with proof die surfaces are both rare and a marvel to behold.

According to Mike Byers, who is the Publisher and Editor of Mint Error News and a world renowned mint error expert, "this proof Kennedy Half mated pair, consisting of a large cud and a broken die piece, is extremely rare and very dramatic. This set belongs in a collection of either Kennedy Half Dollars or major mint errors."

Photos Courtesy of NGC PhotoVision.