A sterling silver money clip made from a horse riding stirrup including a silver US Half Dollar coin. A single piece of sprung silver wire is joined to the very recognisable, and distinctive shape of the stirrup that allows money and cards to be place in between.
Set into the center of the money clip is a silver Half Dollar coin from 1964 with the portrait of then assassinated former President, John F. Kennedy. The United States Mint first produced the Kennedy half dollars in 1964 a few months after the assassination in Dallas, Texas. The nation was in mourning after the untimely death of this popular president. Congress moved quickly to pass a law to eliminate the Franklin half dollar design and create a coin to commemorate President John F. Kennedy. Gilroy Roberts created the portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and Frank Gasparro sculpted the heraldic eagle on the reverse based upon the Great Seal of the United States.
In 1964 Kennedy half dollars were made from 90% silver and 10% copper. Half dollars made from 1965 through 1970 are composed of two outer layers containing 80% silver and 20% copper with an inner core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper (net composition: 40% silver and 60% copper). Coins minted in 1971 and beyond have outer layers composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper. The coin has a diameter of 30.6 mm and a reeded edge. These early 1964 coins then, are the most 'pure' in silver composition, and also represent the first year of circulation. There is no mint mark on this coin, meaning that is was minted in Philadelphia.
Made in France and fully marked Hermès with the period correct hand engraved signature, the piece dates circa 1960's. Along with the poinçon assay mark for sterling French silver. The condition is used, and it has patina and wear, as one would come to expect with a piece that is carried every day, and often with keys and other loose change.
A very rare piece indeed. These clips, and a number of other pieces from Hermès can be found utilising vintage coins. This is the first piece we have found with a US minted coin. It is perhaps the deep sense of loss shared by the world at the assassination of the popular President, and the close relationship with France post World War Two, that the French atelier decided to produce this piece in undoubtedly very limited numbers.
