Hustling G.I.s

Stephan, at Standing Outside Looking In http://dixiecritter.blogspot.com/  has a video posted about Kennedy half dollars, which dredged up some nearly fifty year old memories.

The late President Kennedy was wildly popular in West Germany after his June 1963 visit and his famous, “Ich bin ein Berliner”, speech. Kennedy memorabilia and kitsch were for sale everywhere. When Kennedy half dollars became available to we serviceman stationed there, the three dreams of an Army doggie were within reach (women, alcohol, and spending money).

The 50 cent piece, and the German five mark piece,  were almost the same size. Cheap coin holder necklaces were about thirty phennings. The exchange rate was about four DM=$1.00. 

My main trouble buddy and I started acquiring Kennedy half dollars, going so far as to have friends in CONUS get rolls of them,  and mail them to us. We would hit a bar, toss a necklace with a coin in it on the bar, and enjoy instant popularity. We had little trouble getting twenty DM for one, and other considerations.

Expanding, we consigned many to some Turks we had befriended. They sold all kinds of stuff at flea markets. Even with their outrageous cut, we made a lot of money.

We had about an excellent nine month run until we were shut down by our command. This happened along with shutting down the “four for five” racket (four dollars today for five dollars paid back on payday). How irritating, a stuffed shirt first shirt and a Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints company commander!

Good times and good fun. Good money, too!