Twice as Good as a Two-Bit Pope Collectible

Peter Rexford
Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Before a major event in the U.S., I frequently wonder what goes through the mind of some factory workers in China. Those would be the ones who manufacture the endless stream of souvenirs and "collectibles" sold in conjunction with these occasions.

I thought of this years ago in Memphis when I attended the release of the original Elvis stamp. A visit to the souvenir shops left tourists agog at the scads of trinkets large and small. My favorites included a card with a small vial of liquid (supposed to be Elvis sweat but clearly not) with the tagline, "Let his perspiration be your inspiration." On par with that was a bottle of (I'm not making this up) Elvis Presley "Love Me Tender" Moisturizing Lotion. I'm pretty sure they still sell that.

If crowds are any indication, a rival to Elvis was Pope Francis on his visit last month. From Washington, D.C., to New York and Philadelphia, the faithful turned out in droves from around the world. So did the souvenir vendors. Their wares were every bit as curious as those for Elvis — sometimes more so.
Updated: Thu Oct 01, 2015

Before a major event in the U.S., I frequently wonder what goes through the mind of some factory workers in China. Those would be the ones who manufacture the endless stream of souvenirs and "collectibles" sold in conjunction with these occasions.

I thought of this years ago in Memphis when I attended the release of the original Elvis stamp. A visit to the souvenir shops left tourists agog at the scads of trinkets large and small. My favorites included a card with a small vial of liquid (supposed to be Elvis sweat but clearly not) with the tagline, "Let his perspiration be your inspiration." On par with that was a bottle of (I'm not making this up) Elvis Presley "Love Me Tender" Moisturizing Lotion. I'm pretty sure they still sell that.

If crowds are any indication, a rival to Elvis was Pope Francis on his visit last month. From Washington, D.C., to New York and Philadelphia, the faithful turned out in droves from around the world. So did the souvenir vendors. Their wares were every bit as curious as those for Elvis — sometimes more so.

Of course, photos of the pope in various poses were abundant. So, too, were prayer cards with medals and Vatican City postage stamps. Then, came the bizarre — bobble heads; mini statues that waved; magnets; beer coozies; shot glasses (consider that for a moment); key chains; coffee mugs; imitation pope hats; pope pillows; musical popemobiles; and yes, pope Soap-on-a-Rope.

One item not there, but of interest to collectors of coins, was a counterstruck 2015 Kennedy half-dollar. At first blush it seems to be just another interesting tchotchke. And, it is. But, there's more to it.

First, the counterstrike in the middle of the reverse of the coin contains the seal of Pope Francis with the Papal miter (hat) and crossed keys of St. Peter with cords. Below is his personal motto, "Miserando atque eligendo" or "By giving mercy and by choosing." Surrounding the seal of the pope is the inscription, "Pope Francis Visits USA * Sept. 22-27, 2015." The counterstamp is struck atop and essentially replaces the traditional seal showing the eagle holding arrows in its talons.

A second point of interest is that it is struck on top of a coin with John Kennedy's portrait. Kennedy was the first Catholic president of the United States. The coin is also dated 2015 reflecting the year of the pope's visit. Plus, because a quarter is literally "two bits," a half dollar is a "four bit" piece — twice as good. (Though the composition is copper/nickel — not silver.)

Finally, third is the limited issuance. Only 500 of the coins have been struck. In numismatics and collecting in general, 500 is a very small number. Not many can own one and each comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.

The price of the Pope Francis counterstamped half is $39.50 including shipping. Available only by mail, you can contact the creator, Mel Wacks at 818-225-1348 or by mail: Mel Wacks, 5189 Jeffdale Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Checks are accepted only while the supply lasts.

Whether because of the marked drop in precious metal prices or because collectors/investors appreciate the designs, multiple recent silver, gold and platinum coins produced by the U.S. Mint are now listed as completely sold out.

Prominent among them is the 50th Anniversary Kennedy Gold Proof Half Dollar. It was popular when initially released and is now unavailable. So, too, with the 2014 American Eagle Platinum Proof coin.

Perhaps the super drop in silver prices contributed to the sellout of the Everglades National Park 5-ounce coin. It is a dramatically enlarged model of the America the Beautiful series quarter of the same design.

On their website, the Mint has updated info for those interested in the availability of all coins they offer. They list whether the coin is available, sold out, limited or on back order. It's worth checking out at www.USMint.gov.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of one of the Pope Francis, Kennedy Half Dollars has been sent with this column.