November 19, 2015 – From 1976 through 1984, Mel Wacks designed and counterstamped more than 10,000 coins for over 20 occasions, such as the Los Angeles Olympics and Reagan’s Inauguration. Now, for the first time in over 30 years, Wacks has produced new counterstamped coins, commemorating Pope Francis’ historic first trip to the United States from September 22-27, 2015.
Brilliant Uncirculated 2015 Kennedy half dollar, counterstamped with the Coat of Arms of Pope Francis by Mel Wacks.
Pope Francis’ Coat of Arms displays three emblems. In reference to Francis being a Jesuit, the uppermost emblem – a radiating sun, within which is the IHS christogram (a monogram of the Holy Name of Jesus) – is that of the Society of Jesus. Below the Jesuit emblem is an eight-pointed star, which is a long-standing symbol of the Virgin Mary, and a spikenard (or nard flower) representing Saint Joseph. External ornaments include the Papal miter above and the crossed keys of Saint Peter with cords.
The circumferential inscription reads: ‘POPE FRANCIS VISITS USA/SEPT. 22-27, 2015, and Mel Wacks’ initials “MRW” are below the shield.
No more than 500 Brilliant Uncirculated 2015 Kennedy Half Dollars (both “P” and “D”) will be counterstamped with the Coat of Arms of Pope Francis with his personal motto below: “Miserando atque eligendo” (Latin for “By giving mercy and by choosing”).
In the letter accompanying the first counterstamped coin sent to Pope Francis, Wacks wrote “I have been inspired by your messages in behalf of the earth and the poor. A portion of the profits will be given to an appropriate Catholic charity.”
Examples of these limited edition Pope Francis counterstamped Brilliant Uncirculated 2015 Kennedy half dollars are available for 39.50 US dollars postpaid from Mel Wacks, 5189 Jeffdale Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 or email. Mention that you read about it in this publication and take a 25% discount.