1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, 90% Silver Business Strike
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar series, designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Total weight 12.50 grams with 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver content.
Dimensions
30.61 mm (1.205 in) diameter, 2.15 mm thickness, 12.50 grams total weight.
Description
A classic example of the first-year Kennedy Half Dollar, minted as a memorial shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It is the only year the Kennedy Half was produced for circulation in 90% silver.
Key Features
1964 date (only 90% silver business strike year), Roberts obverse monogram, Presidential Seal reverse, coin-silver alloy.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Total weight 12.50 grams with 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a lustrous, matte-like finish; obverse features a left-facing portrait of John F. Kennedy; reverse features the Presidential Seal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date '1964' on obverse; 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inscriptions; no mint mark indicates Philadelphia; 'D' would indicate Denver.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a high pressure on a planchet of 90% silver alloy; reeded edge design.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping; legal tender denomination of Fifty Cents (0.50 USD).
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge provided for tactile identification and to discourage shaving of the precious metal rim.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking; features fine detail in the hair of the portrait and the feathers of the heraldic eagle.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive 1964 strike characteristics, correct luster for 90% silver vs clad, reeded edge without copper core visible.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia Mint (due to lack of visible mint mark on many 1964 issues).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern Numismatics; Cold War era United States memorial coinage.
Age Estimate
Dated 1964; produced between early 1964 and throughout 1965 (using 1964 dies).
Cultural Significance
Served as a mourning symbol and permanent memorial for the American public following the national tragedy in Dallas in 1963.
Condition Notes
Very Good to About Uncirculated depending on contact marks; visible surface scratches and light tarnish consistent with circulation or loose storage.
Value Estimate
$10 to $15 based on current silver spot prices (melt value) plus a small numismatic premium for high grade examples.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value; store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent toning and scratches.
Similar Pieces
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars (40% silver clad), 1971-present Kennedy Half Dollars (Copper-Nickel clad), Franklin Half Dollars (90% silver).
Interesting Facts
The 1964 Kennedy half was so popular as a souvenir that it rarely circulated, leading to massive hoarding and contributing to the silver shortage of the mid-60s.