No other Kennedy Half Dollar is like it in American history or numismatics. This Coin is extremely valuable to investors and collectors since it honors President John F. Kennedy’s life and is the final half-dollar in circulation to contain 90% silver.
Below, we’ll look at the unique qualities, historical Significance, and current value of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.
A Brief History of the 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was first released not long after President Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963. Within weeks of his passing, the U.S. Mint started working on a new half-dollar design in his honor.
Frank Gasparro drew the Coin’s back, which features the Presidential Seal, while Gilroy Roberts developed the Coin’s obverse based on an earlier image of Kennedy.
Both the Denver and Philadelphia mints produced this Coin. In 1964 alone, more than 429 million Kennedy Half Dollars—both business strikes and proof coins—were struck.
Why Is the Kennedy Half Dollar from 1964 Worth So Much?
1. 90% Silver Composition
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar’s 90% silver content is one of the key factors contributing to its high demand. Because each Coin has 0.36169 ounces of silver, its intrinsic worth depends on changes in the price of silver.
The coin’s melt value Coine is about $7 in the current market, where an ounce of silver is traded for $20. However, depending on the rarity and condition of the Coin, Coin value may increase dramatically.
2. Historical Significance
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was produced as a tribute to one of the country’s most adored presidents at a critical juncture in American history. Because so many Americans kept these coins as mementos, they were removed from circulation soon after they were released.
3. A rarity in High Grades
Although there were millions of Kennedy Half Dollars struck in 1964, the value of a coin can rise dramatically if it is found in proof or mint state (M.S.).
At the auction, coins with a grade of MS65 or better, particularly those with the Deep Cameo (DCAM) quality, can bring many thousands of dollars. An MS68 sample, for example, brought $22,325 at auction.
4. Different types and mistakes
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar coin is also very valuable because of some important differences and errors. Some of them include:
- Accented Hair Variety: This variation, which may be found on some proof coins, has a more noticeable hair detail on Kennedy’s portrait. These are far more valuable than regular issues.
- Doubled Die Errors: Rare coins with a doubled die on the obverse or reverse can fetch a premium price.
- 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set): These extremely rare SMS Kennedy Half Dollars were created in tiny quantities. One of these coins sold for $156,000 in SP68 grade.
Key Factors That Affect the Value
- Condition (Grade): Coins in near-mint or mint condition can fetch much higher prices. A coin with a grade of MS67 or better may fetch a premium.
- Mint Mark: The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at Denver (“D”) and Philadelphia (no mint mark). Because fewer coins were produced, Denver mint coins are typically more valuable.
- Rarity: Special variations, such as the SMS and Accented Hair versions, are significantly more valuable than regular strikes since they are far rarer.
- Market Trends: The base value of the Coin Coinostly determined by the price of silver. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar’s melt value varies with silver prices.
How to Buy and Sell a 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar
There are a few essential actions to take if you want to purchase or sell a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar:
- Get the Coin Coined: When coins are graded by PCGS or NGC, they usually sell for more money. When a coin is certified, you can be sure it is real and in good condition.
- Find a Reputable Dealer: Dealing with a reliable coin dealer is essential whether buying or selling. GreatCollections and Heritage Auctions are two great online auction sites where you can find valuable Kennedy half-dollars.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar has increased in value over time and is now a prized collectible in addition to a piece of American history. Any professional coin collector must own this CCoinbecause of its 90% silver content, historical Significance, and uncommon variants.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is an investment likely to appreciate over time, regardless of your interest in its intrinsic value as a silver bullion or its rarity as a numismatic treasure.