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1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar holds a unique place in U.S. numismatic history, primarily due to its association with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and its 90% silver composition. These coins are widely collected and their value can vary based on their condition and whether they have any unique varieties or errors.

Design and Release

The obverse of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was designed by Gilroy Roberts, featuring a left-profile portrait of President Kennedy. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, showcases an adaptation of the Presidential Seal, with an eagle holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing peace and strength. This design honored Kennedy, reflecting the nation's grief and memorializing his legacy.

Shortly after Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963 , Congress authorized the production of this coin, and it was quickly put into production. The first coins were struck in January 1964 at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, with public release following on March 24, 1964 . The public demand for the coin was unprecedented, as people wanted a memento of the late president. Despite a massive mintage, many coins were hoarded by collectors and citizens alike, making them less common in day-to-day circulation.

Composition and Mintage

The coin's composition is 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 12.5 grams and an approximate silver content of 11.25 grams. After 1964, the U.S. Mint reduced the silver content of Kennedy Half Dollars to 40% between 1965 and 1970 before eventually moving to a fully clad composition.

The total mintage for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was substantial, with more than 433 million coins issued by the U.S. Mint.

• Philadelphia Mint : Over 277 million coins produced.
• Denver Mint : Over 156 million coins produced.

Despite this large quantity, public hoarding meant that fewer coins circulated regularly.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Values

Notable Varieties and Collectibility

A notable variety of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is the "accented hair" variety, which features more pronounced detailing in Kennedy's hair on the obverse. This variety fascinates collectors and can command a premium depending on its condition.

• Accented Hair Variety: This is a well-known variety for the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar. In this version, Kennedy’s hair features more pronounced accents, especially above the ear. These were part of the initial production run and are somewhat scarcer. They can command premiums of $60 to $200 depending on condition.
• Double Die Obverse: There are double die obverse (DDO) errors for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, where parts of the design, like the letters or numbers, appear doubled. Coins with this error can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the visibility of the doubling and the condition of the coin.
• Struck Through Error: Some 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars feature "struck through" errors, where debris was on the die during the strike, leaving unusual indentations or marks. These errors can increase the coin's value, depending on the severity of the error.

Most Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars

• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars in Gem Uncirculated (MS66 or higher): These are worth much more than typical examples. Coins in MS66 condition can fetch $120 or more, and in MS67 condition, they may exceed $1,000.
• Proof Coins with Deep Cameo Contrast: The more pronounced the cameo effect (frosty design elements against mirror-like fields), the higher the value. Deep Cameo Proofs in PR67 or higher can sell for $100 to $300.

Given its historical significance and silver content, many 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars were set aside as keepsakes. As a result, high-grade examples are readily available today. The coin remains popular among collectors due to its connection to President Kennedy, its place in U.S. history, and its silver content. Values for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar vary depending on its condition, but circulated coins typically hold a value above face value due to their silver content. Higher-grade coins, especially those with specific varieties like the "accented hair," can be worth considerably more.

Condition	Description	Value
Circulated Condition (Good to Very Fine)	Due to their silver content, even heavily circulated examples are worth more than face value.	On average, they trade for $9 to $12 based on the current silver spot price.
Uncirculated (Mint State 60)	In MS60 condition, a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar may show some contact marks from the coin-making process and is considered the lowest grade in the uncirculated category.	$15 to $20, depending on the quality of the strike and eye appeal.
Uncirculated (Mint State 65)	MS65 coins will show only a few light, scattered contact marks and will look nearly flawless to the naked eye, with only minor imperfections visible under magnification.	These are higher-grade coins that can fetch $30 to $60, especially if they are certified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Proof Coins	The background field of the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar is highly reflective and smooth, giving the coin a polished, elegant appearance.	Proof examples from 1964, which were struck for collectors, can range from $25 to $50 for typical examples. The cameo and deep cameo variations can command premiums in the $50 to $100 range or higher in top grades like Proof 69 (PR69) or Proof 70 (PR70)