JFK's Legacy Captured On New Golden Coin

Peter Rexford
Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

It can be argued that John F. Kennedy (aka Jack) was the last black and white president and first color president. At least, that's the way many saw it on television.

Kennedy was technically the first to capitalize on the new technology. Most prominently during the 1960 debate with opponent Richard Nixon, Kennedy shined on black and white TV. His youthful persona and cool demeanor was a contrast to Nixon's perspiring discomfort.

In 1963, color TV was emerging in time for Kennedy's funeral. Six months after that, he was honored on a U.S. coin — perhaps faster than anyone prior. While Kennedy half dollars still are minted, the king of Camelot has made a monetary cameo. What a story it could tell if only coins could talk.
Updated: Thu Sep 03, 2015

It can be argued that John F. Kennedy (aka Jack) was the last black and white president and first color president. At least, that's the way many saw it on television.

Kennedy was technically the first to capitalize on the new technology. Most prominently during the 1960 debate with opponent Richard Nixon, Kennedy shined on black and white TV. His youthful persona and cool demeanor was a contrast to Nixon's perspiring discomfort.

In 1963, color TV was emerging in time for Kennedy's funeral. Six months after that, he was honored on a U.S. coin — perhaps faster than anyone prior. While Kennedy half dollars still are minted, the king of Camelot has made a monetary cameo. What a story it could tell if only coins could talk.

JFK's road to the White House was one of the most curious in history. Initially, it was his father Joe Sr., who aspired to the office. Joe had amassed tremendous wealth from various businesses including bootlegging in the 1920s. Political contributions to Franklin Roosevelt led to him being named Ambassador to Great Britain. The senior Kennedy quickly torpedoed any presidential chances when he insisted the Brits were going to lose the war to Germany. Roosevelt fired him.

Joe's presidential ambitions then shifted to his son, Joe Jr., but he was killed in World War II. Jack too saw service in WWII. He also came close to dying when a Japanese destroyer rammed his PT boat. Not only did JFK survive, he was credited with saving the lives of many of the crew. When Jack and the crew were rescued from an island in the Pacific, his father made sure the press was present to report it — a notable political perk when JFK ran for office.

His political life began as a congressman and then senator from Massachusetts. That's also when his wandering eye became an issue. JFK became renown for cavorting with a cavalcade of different women. Even after he was married, Jackie was said to know about his dalliances including a virtually public one with Marilyn Monroe. And, long before there were loose lips at the White House, Jack was reported to have a line of young secretaries and other women "visit" him there. According to the book, "An Unfinished Life," some of those were seen naked with him in the White House swimming pool.

Jack and father Joe's mob connections were equally legendary. Jack became close friends with Frank Sinatra and "The Rat Pack." Sinatra was believed to be his entree to the mob. An agreement with mob boss Sam Giancana delivered sweeping union votes and the close election was tipped to Kennedy. Questions were raised and an investigation into voter fraud was launched but never went anywhere. Of course, JFK's brother Bobby was Attorney General.

This isn't to say JFKs life was one moral abyss. His inauguration speech remains one of the most poignant and stirring ever given. His connection to young people was epic; his children were adorable and wife Jackie had a magic touch when it came to the press and international diplomacy.

Jack's biggest legacy was standing up to the Russians after they placed missiles just 90 miles offshore in Cuba. A saber rattling blockade of the island nation drew the world powers to the brink of war. Happily, after a behind-the-scenes agreement to remove U.S. missiles from sites in Turkey, Russia extracted theirs from Cuba. The best result was an ensuing massive arms treaty.

The first president to have been born in the 20th century died on Nov. 22, 1963 when the bullets of an assassin(s) killed him in Dallas. Questions surrounding that shooting, who planned it, how many fired and other conspiracies are sure to be a quandary for decades to come.

The new 2015 golden dollar coin honoring the 35th president features Kennedy in an impressively detailed and visually accurate pose crafted by Mint sculptor Don Everhart. It nicely captures the introspective look Kennedy so frequently had.

Collectors can obtain the Kennedy dollar coin as well as those of other previous presidents in rolls, bags or individual sets online from the U.S. Mint at www.USMint.gov or toll free: 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the new Kennedy Presidential Golden Dollar coin has been sent with this column.