$1 Face Value 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars

$1 Face Value 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars

The $1 Face Value 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars offer a direct way to stack historic 90% silver while honoring a defining moment in American history. Introduced months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, these coins entered circulation as both everyday money and a national tribute. Each $1 face value lot contains two 1964 half dollars with a combined 0.715 troy ounces of actual silver weight, making them a practical choice for bullion buyers who want recognizable U.S. Mint coinage at competitive premiums.

Struck by the United States Mint in Philadelphia and Denver, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is the only year of issue in 90% silver. Many were set aside as keepsakes, while others circulated widely, reflecting their dual role as legal tender and a memorial piece. Today, these coins serve investors as a liquid, fractional form of silver and appeal to collectors for their historic context and first-year status in the Kennedy series.

Design Details

• Obverse: Designed by Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, the obverse presents a left-facing portrait of President John F. Kennedy. The inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1964. The design emphasizes clean relief and a modern aesthetic that stood apart from earlier mid-century portraits.
• Reverse: Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro’s reverse adapts the Presidential Seal, featuring a heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, encircled by stars. The legends UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR frame the emblem, and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above the eagle. A reeded edge completes the coin’s classic U.S. half dollar profile.

Highlights

• Contains 0.715 troy ounces of actual silver weight per $1 face value (two 1964 halves)
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper; each coin weighs 12.50 g with approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of silver when unworn
• Only year of 90% silver for the Kennedy Half Dollar (later 1965–1970 issues are 40% silver)
• U.S. Mint issue honoring President John F. Kennedy; struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D)
• Obverse by Gilroy Roberts; reverse by Frank Gasparro with the Presidential Seal
• Legal tender 50 cents each; widely recognized and easy to resell in the U.S. bullion market
• Commonly offered in mixed circulated condition; many examples were saved by the public as mementos

Intended Use and Historical Context

When released in 1964, these half dollars were intended for everyday commerce. Public demand surged as Americans set aside the new design to commemorate the late president, contributing to coin shortages that year. The U.S. Mint responded with heavy production to meet circulation needs. The Coinage Act changes that followed shifted half dollars to 40% silver from 1965–1970 and to copper‑nickel clad beginning in 1971, leaving 1964 as the only 90% silver Kennedy Half Dollar year.

Buying Tips and Price Comparison

On a price comparison page, focus on your delivered cost per troy ounce and per $1 face value. Premiums vary by payment method, quantity tier, and shipping. Review whether lots are advertised as circulated, average circulated, or better grade, as condition can influence weight assumptions and pricing. Because $1 face value 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars contain 0.715 troy ounces of silver on average for circulated coins, many dealers price them on that basis. Compare final checkout totals rather than headline prices to see the true best deal.

FAQ

Q: What does $1 face value mean for 1964 Kennedy half dollars?

A: It means two 50-cent coins dated 1964. As circulated 90% silver, the pair is conventionally valued at 0.715 troy ounces of silver content.

Q: How much silver is in a single 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?

A: When unworn, each coin contains approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of silver. For circulated lots, dealers commonly use 0.3575 troy ounces per coin on average, yielding 0.715 troy ounces per $1 face value.

Q: Which mints produced the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?

A: Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D). Mixed lots may include either or both.

Q: Were 1964 Kennedy half dollars limited mintage?

A: No set mintage limit was imposed; production was high to meet public demand. The key distinction is that 1964 is the only year the Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in 90% silver.

Q: What condition should I expect?

A: Most $1 face value lots ship as mixed circulated coins. You may see a range from well-circulated to lightly circulated pieces; fully uncirculated examples are less common in bulk bullion listings.

Q: Are there rare 1964 varieties?

A: A very small number of 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) halves exist and are highly scarce collectibles. These do not typically appear in bullion-priced $1 face value lots.

Q: Can I spend them at face value?

A: Yes, they are legal tender at 50 cents each, but their market value is driven by silver content and collector demand, which is normally higher than face value.

Q: Are these U.S. Mint coins?

A: Yes. All 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars were minted by the United States Mint.

Q: Do taxes apply to purchases?

A: Sales tax on precious metals varies by state and order details. Review current rules at checkout and consider how shipping destination and payment method affect your final price.

This information is educational and general in nature. Always compare total delivered prices and confirm product specifics with the seller before purchasing.

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