Are you curious about the value of a 1964 half dollar? At HOW.EDU.VN, we provide expert insights into the worth of these historic coins, considering factors like silver content, condition, and rarity. Understanding the true market value can help collectors and enthusiasts make informed decisions. Discover the potential worth of your 1964 Kennedy half dollar with our comprehensive guide, including current silver prices and numismatic evaluations, and explore related aspects like coin grading and investment potential.
1. A Historical Overview of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar stands as the design that has been in service for the longest time in United States history among half dollar designs. This debut issue was released just a few months following a national tragedy, and it is the only issue in the entire series that has been struck using 90% silver. The coin stands as a poignant tribute to a fallen leader, forever etched in the annals of American numismatic history.
1.1. A Half Dollar Struck to Honor a Slain President
The Franklin Half Dollar was first produced in early 1948, replacing the revered but difficult-to-strike Walking Liberty design. By law, the Franklin design should have remained in use until at least 1973, but the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, sped up its demise.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. Image: NGC / CoinWeek
Within days of the assassination, Treasury Secretary C. Douglas Dillon informed United States Mint Director Eva Adams that he wanted to honor Kennedy by placing his likeness on the half-dollar coin. Congress had bestowed a similar honor on President Franklin Delano Roosevelt when it placed his portrait on the dime in 1946.
On November 27, Eva Adams instructed Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts to get to work on the Kennedy Half Dollar as Congress drew up legislation to authorize the new design. Given the short time frame, Roberts adapted the Kennedy portrait he designed for the President’s inaugural medal. For the reverse, Roberts tasked Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro with creating a design based on the Presidential Seal.
Production of the Kennedy Half Dollar got underway in January 1964, and the Treasury released the memorial coinage on March 24 to significant public interest. Lines formed around the Treasury Department’s cash window in Washington, D.C., and the Mint’s allocation of 70,000 pieces sold out quickly and the 26 million coins that the Mint had struck were hoarded upon release.
Similar scenarios played out nationwide as banks and department stores tried to keep up with demand. By the end of its 1964 production run, the Philadelphia Mint had struck 273,304,004 business strike Kennedy Half Dollars, while the Denver Mint had produced 156,205,446.
2. Factors Influencing the Value of a 1964 Half Dollar
Even with a mintage of more than a quarter of a billion coins, very few 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars circulated. Besides the public hoarding of the coins for sentimental and patriotic reasons, the era of circulating 90% silver coins was ending. Several factors can influence the worth of a 1964 Half Dollar, including silver content and condition.
2.1. Silver Content and Intrinsic Value
The Coinage Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 23, 1965, eliminated silver from the dime and the quarter and lowered the silver composition of the half dollar to 40%. This debasement of the half dollar pushed the 90% coins out of circulation following the economic principle known as “Gresham’s Law”.
These circumstances directly impact the value of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar today.
As a baseline, every 1964 Kennedy half is worth considerably more than its stated 50 cents face value due to its silver composition. At the current silver spot price (as of November 2024), each 1964 Kennedy half is worth more than its face value. Uncirculated coins sell for a premium over spot price, with the typical Choice Uncirculated example retailing for between $12 and $15.
2.2. Grading and Condition
Grading is a critical aspect of determining the value of a coin. Professional grading services like CAC, NGC, and PCGS assess the condition of coins based on a standardized scale, which directly impacts their market value.
| Grading Service | Website |
|---|---|
| CAC | CAC |
| NGC | NGC |
| PCGS | PCGS |
NGC and PCGS report a combined population of 36,800 certified business strike 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars. As CAC is a relatively new grading service, most ’64 halves in certified holders will have been graded by NGC and PCGS.
The typical grade of these coins is MS64 or MS65, and one would expect that most of them were submitted through the bulk or modern tier grading lines. The firms’ most experienced graders likely reviewed the coins found in the highest grades.
MS66 and MS67 coins remain affordable to most collectors, but superb gem examples at MS67+ or higher (NGC top pop, pop 1 is MS68 as of November 2024) command premiums starting at about $3,000.
3. Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens of 1964 Half Dollars
Staying updated on market trends and noteworthy specimens is crucial for collectors and investors. This information provides insights into the potential value and rarity of specific coins. The PCGS MS67+ population has increased from 18 to 21 since May 2024. The NGC MS68 population has increased from two to four over the course of the same period.
Top Population: PCGS MS67+ (21, 11/2024), NGC MS68 (4, 11/2024), and CACG MS67 (2, 11/2024).
4. The Design Elements of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
Understanding the design elements of a coin is essential for collectors, as it enhances their appreciation and knowledge of numismatics. The obverse and reverse designs of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar are rich in symbolism and history.
4.1. Obverse Design
Gilroy Roberts adapted the Kennedy half-dollar obverse from his work on Kennedy’s Inaugural medal. Kennedy’s left-facing portrait is the design’s central motif. Wrapping around the upper portion of the rim is the inscription LIBERTY. The national motto IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed in a straight line that extends from the left edge to the right edge of the coin, with “GOD” and “WE” separated by the truncation of Kennedy’s neck. The date 1964 wraps around the bottom of the design. Roberts’ initials appear on the truncation of Kennedy’s neck above the word “WE”.
4.2. Reverse Design
Frank Gasparro adapted the Kennedy Half Dollar reverse design from the Seal of the President of the United States. A heraldic eagle is splayed, its chest protected by the Union shield. Clutched in its beak is a ribbon emblazoned with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. A glory of rays, clouds, and stars fans out from behind the eagle. The 13 stars represent the original British American colonies, while the rays and clouds signify heaven and the divine providence the founders believed inspired the formation of the United States. The eagle’s talons grip an olive branch in its dexter and a spray of arrows in its sinister. Fifty stars surround this central motif.
The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA wraps around the top of the design. The denomination HALF DOLLAR wraps around the bottom. Frank Gasparro’s initials FG appear between the eagle’s left leg and tail feathers.
4.3. Edge
The edge of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is reeded.
5. Key Specifications of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The specifications of a coin, including its composition, weight, and diameter, are critical details for collectors. These specifications help in identifying and authenticating coins.
| Kennedy Half Dollar | 90% Silver Type |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue: | 1964 |
| Denomination: | Half Dollar (50 Cents USD) |
| Mintmark: | None (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage: | 273,304,004 |
| Alloy: | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight: | 12.5 g |
| Diameter: | 30.6 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| OBV Designer: | Gilroy Roberts |
| REV Designer: | Frank Gasparro |
| Quality: | Business Strike |
6. Additional Resources for Coin Collectors
For those interested in delving deeper into coin collecting, numerous resources are available. These references provide valuable information and insights into the world of numismatics.
6.1. Reputable Publications
There are several reputable publications that offer in-depth knowledge about coin collecting and investing:
- Bowers, Q. David. The Experts Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins. Whitman Publishing.
- Bowers, Q. David. A Guide Book of United States Type Coins. Whitman Publishing.
- Breen, Walter. Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins. Doubleday.
- Guth, Ron and Jeff Garrett. United States Coinage: A Study by Type. Whitman Publishing.
- Taxay, Don. The U.S. Mint and Coinage. Arco Publishing.
- Yeoman, R.S. and Jeff Garrett (editor). The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins. Whitman Publishing.
7. Understanding the Intended Search of Users
When individuals search for information on the value of a 1964 half dollar, their intentions can vary. Understanding these intentions helps in providing targeted and relevant information.
7.1. Common Search Intentions
- Determining Current Value: Users want to know the current market value of their 1964 half dollar based on its condition and silver content.
- Understanding Factors Affecting Value: They seek information on what factors, such as grading, mint mark, and condition, influence the coin’s value.
- Historical Significance: Some users are interested in the historical context and significance of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.
- Investment Potential: Users may want to assess whether the coin is a good investment opportunity.
- Identifying Rare Varieties: They might be looking for information on rare or error varieties of the 1964 half dollar that could increase its value.
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11. FAQs About 1964 Half Dollar Valuation
Q1: What makes a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar valuable?
A1: The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable due to its 90% silver content, historical significance, and condition. Uncirculated coins and those with high grades command a premium.
Q2: How can I determine the grade of my 1964 Half Dollar?
A2: You can determine the grade by comparing your coin to grading standards or by submitting it to professional grading services like NGC, PCGS, or CAC.
Q3: What is the silver value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
A3: The silver value depends on the current spot price of silver. As of November 2024, each 90% silver half dollar contains a significant amount of silver, making it worth more than its face value.
Q4: Are there any rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars?
A4: While the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is not particularly rare, coins in exceptional condition or with certain errors can be more valuable.
Q5: Where can I sell my 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
A5: You can sell your coin to coin dealers, at auction, or through online marketplaces. Consulting with an expert at HOW.EDU.VN can help you determine the best approach.
Q6: How do I protect my valuable coins?
A6: Store your coins in protective holders or albums to prevent damage. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Q7: Can I clean my 1964 Half Dollar to increase its value?
A7: No, cleaning coins can damage them and reduce their value. It is best to leave them in their original condition.
Q8: What is the difference between a business strike and a proof coin?
A8: Business strike coins are made for general circulation, while proof coins are specially made for collectors and have a higher level of detail and finish.
Q9: How does the mint mark affect the value of a 1964 Half Dollar?
A9: The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was minted in Philadelphia and Denver. Mint mark can affect the value.
Q10: Is coin collecting a good investment?
A10: Coin collecting can be a good investment, but it requires knowledge and careful planning. Consulting with an expert can help you make informed decisions.
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