1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, 90% Silver business strike
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver); Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar series, first year of issue
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver); Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver
Dimensions
30.6 mm diameter; 12.5 grams total weight
Description
A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, notable as the only year this series was struck for circulation in 90% silver. It serves as a commemorative circulation piece honoring the late President John F. Kennedy following his 1963 assassination.
Key Features
1964 date; 'Accented Hair' variety check required (standard variety likely); 90% silver content; high luster
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver
Finish & Decoration
Lustrous business strike; Obverse features the left-facing profile of John F. Kennedy; Reverse (not visible) features the Presidential Seal
Hallmarks & Stamps
Labeled "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST", date "1964". No mint mark visible on obverse (Philadelphia coins have no mark; Denver marks 'D' are on the reverse for 1964)
Construction Details
Die-struck at a high-pressure minting press with reeded edges
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping; legal tender denomination of 50 cents
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; standard coinage form factor
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-work by U.S. Mint engravers; consistent striking depth and sharp reeding on the edge
Authentication Indicators
Weight (12.5g), diameter (30.6mm), and distinct 'ring' of 90% silver when tapped. Visible '1964' date confirms silver content versus 1965-1970 40% clad versions.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia or Denver Mint
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century America; Cold War / Post-Assassination Memorial period
Age Estimate
Dated 1964; 60 years old as of 2024
Cultural Significance
A poignant symbol of American mourning for JFK; represents the end of the 90% silver era in U.S. circulating coinage
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated (AU) to Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) based on visible hair detail and lack of heavy rim damage. Minor surface bag marks present.
Value Estimate
$10 to $15 based on current silver spot prices (melt value) plus a small numismatic premium for uncirculated condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder (flip or capsule) to prevent tarnish/toning.
Similar Pieces
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars (40% silver); 1971-present Kennedy Half Dollars (Copper-Nickel Clad); Walking Liberty Half Dollars
Interesting Facts
The public hoarded these coins immediately upon release in March 1964, leading to a shortage. They were produced in massive quantities (over 400 million) yet rarely circulated.