$1 FV 90% Silver 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars

In the wake of one of America’s darkest moments, a nation mourned the loss of its beloved 35th president. Just over a month after John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963, the United States government took swift action to honor his memory. In an unprecedented move, Congress authorized the creation of a commemorative half dollar bearing Kennedy’s likeness. By January 1964, the U.S. Mint had begun production, and by March 24th, the first Kennedy Half Dollars were released to the public.

The public response was overwhelming. Long lines formed outside the Treasury Department in Washington D.C., with the initial allocation of 70,000 coins selling out almost instantly. Banks and department stores nationwide struggled to meet demand as Americans eagerly sought to possess this tangible memorial to their fallen leader. By the end of 1964, the Philadelphia Mint had struck an astonishing 273,304,004 coins, while the Denver Mint produced an additional 156,205,446 – together creating nearly 430 million pieces.

Despite this extraordinary mintage, few Kennedy Half Dollars actually circulated. Americans hoarded the coins out of patriotic sentiment and for their collector value. Moreover, 1964 marked a pivotal moment in American numismatic history, as it would be the last year that U.S. circulating coinage contained 90% silver. The Coinage Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, would reduce the silver content in half dollars to 40% and eliminate it entirely from dimes and quarters.

This timing created a perfect numismatic storm. The Kennedy Half Dollar stands as both the first commemorative coin of its kind and the last of an era in American silver coinage. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar uniquely bridges two distinct periods in U.S. minting history – the traditional 90% silver standard that dated back to the nation’s founding and the new clad coinage era that continues to this day.

When examining these historical coins, one holds more than just 0.36169 troy ounces of silver. Each piece represents a poignant moment in American history, capturing both the collective grief of a nation and the end of an era in U.S. coinage. For collectors and investors alike, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar occupies a special place as both a memorial to a beloved president and the final chapter in America’s long tradition of 90% silver circulating currency.

Design Features

The obverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar features a striking left-facing portrait of President John F. Kennedy, meticulously crafted to capture his youthful vigor and charismatic essence. The design was created with remarkable speed by Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, who based it on Kennedy’s presidential medal. Roberts’ work beautifully captures Kennedy’s characteristic swept-back hair and confident expression. Surrounding the portrait are the word “LIBERTY” along the top edge, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” split on either side of Kennedy’s image, and the year “1964” at the bottom.

The reverse side, designed by Frank Gasparro, presents a bold rendering of the Presidential Seal. At its center stands the American bald eagle with wings spread wide, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other – symbolizing America’s desire for peace but readiness for war. The eagle’s breast is covered by a shield with 13 stripes representing the original colonies. Above the eagle is a banner containing the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One). Surrounding this impressive central image are 50 stars representing each state of the union, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arching along the top and “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom. This carefully balanced composition creates a powerful visual statement that complements the solemn dignity of the obverse portrait.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.715 oz
• Grade: Average Circulated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of President John F. Kennedy with “LIBERTY” along the top edge, “IN GOD WE TRUST” split on either side, and the date “1964” at the bottom.
• Reverse: Presidential Seal featuring an eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows, surrounded by 50 stars, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” inscriptions.

Investment Appeal

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar represents a unique intersection of historical significance, numismatic importance, and precious metal value. As the only Kennedy Half Dollar to contain 90% silver (compared to later issues containing just 40% or no silver at all), these coins offer substantially more precious metal content than their successors. Each coin contains approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver, providing tangible intrinsic value beyond their collector appeal.

What truly distinguishes these coins as investment pieces is their dual heritage. They simultaneously represent the end of America’s 90% silver circulation coinage era and serve as lasting memorials to one of the nation’s most beloved presidents. This combination of precious metal content and historical significance creates a floor for their value while allowing significant upside potential as both silver prices rise and the numismatic premium increases over time.

For the serious collector or investor, acquiring these 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars in average circulated condition offers an accessible entry point into an iconic piece of American numismatic history. Unlike many modern bullion products, these coins combine silver content with genuine historical significance and widespread recognition. Their status as the last 90% silver half dollars in American history ensures they will remain sought after by collectors and investors alike, potentially appreciating in both numismatic and precious metal value over time.