The Kennedy half dollar was originally issued by the United States Mint in 1964, just a few months after popular President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated.
The Kennedy half dollar, which replaced the Benjamin Franklin half dollar, is comprised of 90% silver and 10% copper.
However, from 1965 to 1970, the Mint produced coins with a core of 79% copper and an outer shell of 80% silver and 20% copper. The metal swap was caused by the current copper shortage.
Beginning in 1971, all half dollars were produced with a core of 75% silver and 25% copper, or with a pure copper core.
The coin’s design has remained unchanged from its first mintage in 1964. The front features a face of President Kennedy looking left, while the reverse depicts a heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other, representing independence.
Kennedy half dollars were coined at San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia. An estimated 156,205,446 half dollars were coined in 1964 alone. Beginning in 2002, the Mint reduced manufacture of these coins, producing only collector Kennedy dollars, which anybody can buy for face value.
In early 1992, the Mint produced a rare 90% silver Kennedy half dollar coin for collectors. In 1998, the 90% silver half dollar was produced in matte and glossy finishes.
The Kennedy dollar’s most well-known variety is the 1964 hair accent coin. Kennedy’s hair was clearly delineated on the early coins, but the president’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, disliked the design, so the Mint softened the hair. The Mint made the necessary adjustments, but a small quantity of proof coins had already been produced.
Rare Kennedy Half Dollar Coins
More than two decades later, in 2022, the Federal Reserve directed the Mint to create additional Kennedy coins for circulation. This means that you may now readily purchase a current Kennedy half dollar. The silver Kennedy half dollars, which were struck between 1964 and 1970, are the most valuable.
The 1964 Kennedy Special Strike Half Dollar
Among all the coins created over the years, the 1964 Kennedy Special Strike half dollar is the most rare and error-free in its series. Its unusual features distinguish it from other coins made that year.
A Special Strike 1964 half dollar is distinguished by its flawless surface, unique obverse, and elaborate reverse design features. Furthermore, the edges are quite clear and well-defined.
These unique coins are typically free of contact marks, indicating that they were manufactured and properly kept in order to retain their special nature. Unlike proof coins, the specially produced Kennedy half dollar has a matte appearance, with the only noticeable defects being the die polish lines.
To date, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has only authenticated twelve 1964 special mintage Kennedy half dollars, indicating that this is the most scarce of any special mintage pieces issued that year.
The pricey 1964 Kennedy half dollar special mintage, graded SP68, sold for $156,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction.
Find out the value of other coins through the expert website Coin Value.
Here’s a table summarizing key Kennedy Half Dollar information:
| Year | Mint Locations | Metal Composition | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | First Kennedy half dollar |
| 1965-1970 | San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia | 79% Copper (Core), 80% Silver (Outer Layer) | Metal composition change due to copper shortage |
| 1971-Present | San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia | 75% Silver (Core), Pure Copper (Core) | Standard mintage |
| 1964 Special Strike | San Francisco | 90% Silver | Smooth finish, rarest Kennedy coin |
Also See :- How to Maximize Your Monthly Income in 2025: Key Tips for Higher Benefits