1964 Kennedy Half Dollar 90% Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver branch)
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar, First Year of Issue (1964), Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro design
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver branch)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper; contains approximately 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver
Dimensions
30.61 mm (1.205 in) diameter, 2.15 mm thickness, 12.50 grams total weight
Description
An iconic piece of American numismatic history, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck as a memorial to the 35th President. It is the only year the Kennedy Half was struck for circulation in 90% silver, making it a favorite for both silver stackers and coin collectors.
Key Features
Single-year 90% silver composition for circulation; first-year issue; Gilroy Roberts' obverse signature 'GR' on truncation of the neck
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper; contains approximately 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a satin-to-lustrous silver finish; features the left profile of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1964'. Mint marks (if present) are on the reverse above the 'L' in Half; 'D' for Denver, absence of mark for Philadelphia
Construction Details
Machine-struck using hardened steel dies on prepared 90% silver planchets with a reeded edge
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with a face value of 50 cents; reeded edge to prevent clipping and counterfeiting
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage); reeded edge provides tactile grip for counting and prevents silver shaving
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die striking; crisp lettering and well-defined borders characteristic of early-run master dies used in 1964
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive 1964 date; 'white' silver luster on edges (unlike later clad coins which show a copper-colored core stripe); correct diameter and weight
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia or Denver Mint workshops
Era & Period
Modern US Coinage - Kennedy Tribute Era, mid-20th Century (Post-Assassination)
Age Estimate
Produced in 1964; approximately 60 years old
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American mourning and national tribute following the 1963 assassination; represents the end of the high-purity silver era for American circulating coinage
Condition Notes
The specimen shows moderate circulation wear (Circulated/Fine to Very Fine). High points of the hair are flattened, and the field shows minor contact marks and light tarnish/toning.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $15.00 (primarily driven by silver 'melt' value and modest collector premium for circulated examples)
Care & Maintenance
Collectors advise against cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic value; store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent environmental toning
Similar Pieces
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars (40% silver 'clad'); 1971-present Kennedy Half Dollars (Copper-Nickel clad, no silver content)
Interesting Facts
Due to the public's desire for a memento of JFK, these coins were hoarded instantly upon release, leading to a silver shortage that prompted the US to lower silver content to 40% in 1965