$1 FV 90% Silver 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars – BU

In the days following November 22, 1963, a grieving nation sought ways to memorialize their fallen leader. Just over a month after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, the United States Mint began discussions with the Kennedy family to create a fitting tribute to the beloved 35th president. The result was the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – a coin that would become not just currency, but a tangible piece of American history that citizens could hold in their hands.

The Kennedy Half Dollar represented a pivotal moment in American coinage. When the Mint started production in January 1964 and released the first coins in March of that year, public response was overwhelming. Lines formed around the Treasury Department's cash window in Washington, D.C., with the initial allocation of 70,000 pieces selling out almost instantly. Banks and department stores nationwide struggled to meet demand as Americans eagerly sought this memorial to their fallen president.

What makes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar particularly significant in numismatic history is its unique place in the timeline of American silver coinage. As the last circulating half dollar to contain 90% silver, it stands as a monetary milestone. The Coinage Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, would forever change American coinage by eliminating silver from dimes and quarters while reducing the half dollar's silver content to 40%.

Despite the extraordinary mintage numbers – the Philadelphia Mint struck 273,304,004 coins while the Denver Mint produced 156,205,446 – few 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars actually circulated. Americans hoarded them out of patriotic sentiment and collecting interest, while rising silver prices triggered Gresham's Law, pushing these 90% silver coins out of circulation as people recognized their intrinsic value exceeded their face value.

Today, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar represents a unique convergence of historical significance, precious metal content, and numismatic appeal. These Brilliant Uncirculated specimens showcase the coin exactly as it appeared when it first captured the nation's attention, preserving both a moment in American history and the last gasp of traditional 90% silver U.S. coinage.

Design Features

The obverse of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar features a striking left-facing portrait of President John F. Kennedy, carefully crafted by Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts. The design captures Kennedy's youthful vigor and characteristic hairstyle, with the word "LIBERTY" arcing across the top of the coin. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears divided on either side of Kennedy's portrait, with the date "1964" positioned at the bottom. This portrait was based on Roberts' earlier work for Kennedy's presidential medal, and its adaptation for the half dollar was completed with remarkable speed following the president's assassination.

The reverse, designed by Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro, displays a modified presidential seal. At its center is an eagle with wings spread, holding an olive branch and bundle of arrows in its talons, symbolizing America's desire for peace but readiness for war. The eagle's breast bears a shield with 13 stripes representing the original colonies. Above the eagle is a banner containing the Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" ("Out of Many, One"), while "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" curves along the top rim and "HALF DOLLAR" appears at the bottom. This detailed imagery creates a dignified counterpart to the presidential portrait, completing a coin that honors both Kennedy and the office he held.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.715 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of President John F. Kennedy with "LIBERTY" above and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to sides.
• Reverse: Modified presidential seal featuring an eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows.

Investment Appeal

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar in Brilliant Uncirculated condition offers collectors and investors multiple layers of value. As the only Kennedy Half Dollar to contain 90% silver, these coins represent a tangible investment in precious metals with 0.715 ounces of pure silver content. Their historical significance as America's memorial to President Kennedy adds a premium that transcends mere metal value, creating lasting appeal in the numismatic marketplace.

These coins stand at the crossroads of American history and coinage development, marking both the commemoration of a beloved president and the end of an era for silver circulating currency. This dual significance creates enduring collector demand beyond typical bullion coins. For investors looking to diversify beyond standard bullion products, these 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars offer the perfect blend of recognized silver content, historical importance, and numismatic appeal, making them an excellent addition to any precious metals portfolio.