If you like collecting coins, you might want to keep an eye out for the 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar. This coin may not look very special at first, but it holds a big story and value. Many people have these coins tucked away in drawers or old coin jars without knowing how precious they really are.
Table of Contents
Story Behind the Coin
This coin was made after a very sad event. President John F. Kennedy was killed in 1963. Soon after, the U.S. Mint quickly made a new half dollar coin to honor him. This coin replaced the older Benjamin Franklin half dollar. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is special because it is the only year it was made with 90% silver. After that, coins had less silver because the price of silver went up.
This coin is not just about silver. It also shows a country’s sadness and respect for President Kennedy. The front has Kennedy’s face, made by the artist Gilroy Roberts. The back has an eagle that looks like the Great Seal of the United States. This design fits well because Kennedy inspired America’s space program, which later sent people to the moon.
Why Collectors Like This Coin
Many 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars were made, but some have become hard to find. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a lot of these coins were melted for their silver. Now, collectors want these coins more than before. New collectors especially like coins with important history, and this coin has a strong story.
The coin’s value comes from:
- Having 0.3617 troy ounces of 90% silver, which makes it worth more than 50 cents
- Coins in excellent condition (called MS-65 or better) are worth much more
- Special proof versions made for collectors look shiny and can be very valuable
- Sometimes original rolls of these coins are found, giving a chance to find coins that never circulated
Why the Silver Matters
Later Kennedy half dollars had less silver (only 40% from 1965 to 1970) or no silver at all after 1971. The 1964 coin is the purest silver version. Since silver prices usually go up, these coins keep their value over time.
Another cool fact is that half dollars stopped being used every day in the 1970s. So many 1964 coins were saved instead of worn out. This means collectors can still find good coins without paying too much. It’s a good first coin for new collectors to start with.
1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
You might have one without knowing! These coins often show up in old collections, estate sales, or even in bank rolls. To check if your coin is a 1964 silver Kennedy half, look for:
- The year “1964” below Kennedy’s face
- Clear details, especially the hair lines on the front
- No copper edge (silver coins have a solid silver edge)
- A clear ringing sound when you gently tap the coin (silver sounds different than other metals)
If you find one, store it carefully. Use special holders that protect the coin from scratches and color changes. If the coin looks very good, you might want to get it checked and graded by experts like PCGS or NGC.
More Than Just a Coin
What makes this coin special is not just the silver or money value. It also tells a story about a tough time in American history. For people who lived through 1963, it is a memory of sadness and hope. For younger collectors, it is a way to hold history in their hands.
As the coin gets older, it becomes both a valuable metal and a piece of history. Whether you are a serious collector or just interested in American stories, the 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar is worth a closer look. Sometimes, the most important treasures are the ones we forget about.
FAQs
What year was the silver Kennedy Half Dollar made?
1964 only.
Is it really 90% silver?
Yes, the 1964 coin has 90% silver.
Why is it valuable?
Because of its silver and historical importance.
Can I still find these coins?
Yes, sometimes in old collections or banks.
Should I get it graded?
If the coin looks very good, grading is a good idea.
