1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Sterling Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar (First Year of Issue)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (900 Fine Silver). Total weight 12.5 grams.
Dimensions
30.6 mm diameter; 2.15 mm thickness; 11.25 grams of pure silver content.
Description
A pristine example of the most iconic 20th-century American silver coin. Introduced to honor the assassinated President John F. Kennedy, the 1964 issue is the only year of this series minted in 90% silver for general circulation. It features a sharp, dignified profile of JFK and serves as a primary vehicle for silver bullion investment and historical numismatic collecting.
Key Features
1964 date (90% silver indicator); reeded edge; sharp strike on hair detail; 'In God We Trust' placement.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (900 Fine Silver). Total weight 12.5 grams.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with luster; obverse features the profile of John F. Kennedy, reverse features the Presidential Seal. Relief design by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date: 1964; Mint marks (if present) found on reverse above the 'L' in Half; '900 Fine' implied by year and US Coinage Act standards.
Construction Details
Planchet struck by high-pressure steam/electric coin presses at the US Mint using hardened steel dies.
Functional Features
Reeded edge as a security feature to discourage 'clipping' of precious metal.
Handle & Grip Details
None; currently housed in a standard 2x2 cardboard and mylar coin flip for preservation.
Craftsmanship Details
Master die hand-engraved by Gilroy Roberts; production exhibits high uniformity and crisp lettering characteristic of mid-20th century US industrial minting.
Authentication Indicators
Weight consistency (12.5g), magnetic test (non-magnetic), correct date font, and characteristic 'ring' sound of 90% silver compared to later clad versions.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco Mint).
Era & Period
Modern (1960s); Post-Civil Rights Act era US Minting.
Age Estimate
Produced in the 1964 calendar year (though 1964-dated coins were struck into 1965/66 due to shortages).
Cultural Significance
Represents a transition in American history and memory, serving as a mass-produced memorial to a fallen leader and the end of the US silver standard for circulating currency.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) or high-grade About Uncirculated (AU) condition. Minor surface bag marks visible. No significant tarnish or 'milk spots' observed through the mylar.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $15.00 USD based on current silver spot prices and numismatic premium; higher if professionally graded MS65+.
Care & Maintenance
Store in PVC-free holders (like the pictured mylar flip); avoid handling with bare hands as skin oils cause toning; do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars (only 40% silver); 1971-present (Copper-Nickel Clad); Franklin Half Dollars (previous 90% silver series).
Interesting Facts
Public demand was so high for this coin that it was hoarded immediately upon release, leading to a silver coin shortage in the US and the eventual removal of silver from coinage in 1965.