The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a rare and historical coin in the US coinage. This coin is not just a piece of metal, though, it is a representation of the emotions, history and memories of that period. Interestingly, this coin came out in 1964, few months after the sad murder of President John F. Kennedy (November 1963). This has seen it become one of the most popular and collectable coins in the American history.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar has these characteristics.
This coin is made up of 90% of silver and 10 cupolas. It has a weight of about 12.5 grams. Because of being made of the metal, it possesses a certain “melt value, which is also depending on the value of silver price. The silver content of half dollar coins that were minted later was lowered and thus the 1964 half dollar coin was more of a specialty.
Moreover, this coin became a reminder of the memory of President Kennedy to the people of that time. Millions had made it a souvenir.
Historical Significance
President Kennedy was regarded as being one of the most charismatic leaders in America. The assassination of him was a shock to the whole world. The fact that he issued this coin in his honor at such a time was not only an economic decision, but also an endeavor to bridge the hearts of people. Hence, the popularity of the coin rose at once and even nowadays it is emotionally and historically significant to the collectors.
Availability and Rarity
In 1964 more than 430 million of this coin was minted. Nonetheless, after the silver prices shot up in the 1970s, a significant number of the coins were melted. Many of them were taken as souvenirs. Therefore, mint coins are rare in the modern day and their price has increased in line with these.
Minting Quirks and Change.
To a collector, the value of coins does not necessarily lie in their age or the metal material in them. The rare varieties and the minting errors of a coin are the factors that determine the real identity of the coin.
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Doubled Die Reverse (DDR): These have been doubled printed on letters or designs and they are extremely rare and consequently valuable.
- Accented Hair Proof Variety: The variety has a slightly different appearance on the hair of Kennedy. Such sets of proofs exist in large numbers and collectors desire them greatly.
- 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set): This is very rare. There were only a number of sets created and only a small number of them are presently in circulation.
Value Range
This coin is also subject to the condition, variety, and rarity.
- Money coin: $8-12 (depending more or less on whether silver is expensive or not).
- Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63): $12 to $25.
- Gem Uncirculated (MS-65): $30 to $50+.
Top Grade (MS-67+): $100 to $300 or more, particular when the coin possesses other characteristics such as a Full Cameo.
Prices of Rare Varieties:
- Accented Hair Proof: $200 to $3,000+.
- False Dimes: 1,000 and 10,000 and in a few instances, 50,000 and 4.5 million.
- SMS (Special Mint Set): $100,000 to $500,000. It is in a great condition and may fetch up to $1 million.
Who is attracted to this coin?
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is attractive to the coin collector of every type.
- Novice collectors: To them, this coin is interesting due to its content of silver and historical value.
- Intermediate collectors: These are interested in locating and picking up of special varieties and error coins.
- High level of collectors: They are interested in high grade coins and extremely rare types (SMS set).
The Process of determining a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar of Brilliant Value?.
Suppose you happen to have this coin, or you have seen one: you will observe a few points to explain its real value:
Date: The 1964 mark is mandatory.
- Mint Mark: Peep below the neck of Kennedy. The coin marked with a D is the work of a Denver Mint, the unmarked one is of the Philadelphia Mint.
- Metallic Luster: Real silver coins possess a dark deep lustre and can not be attracted to magnets.
- Mistake: Finds two impressions on the margins of the letters or the irregularity of the drawing.
Condition: Unscratched and undamaged coins: The larger the better.
Professional Grading: In case a coin is rare or special, then it should be graded by some professional grading company such as PCGS or NGC.
Conclusion
The 1964 Kennedy Half Doll is not only a significant historical coin of the United States, but also one of the coins that are of particular importance to the collectors and investors. The 90% silver content, the memory of President Kennedy and rare varieties that it bears makes it a rare gem in the collection of the coin collector.
FAQs
Q1. Why was the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar created?
The coin was minted to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in November 1963, making it both a tribute and a collectible piece of history.
Q2. What makes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar special?
It was the first year of issue and the only Kennedy half dollar minted with 90% silver content, which adds to its rarity and appeal.
Q3. How much silver is in a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
Each coin contains approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver.
Q4. What is the current value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
The value depends on silver prices, condition, and rarity. On average, circulated coins are worth their silver content, while uncirculated or proof versions can fetch much higher prices.
Q5. How can I tell if my 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable?
Factors such as mint mark (Philadelphia or Denver), condition (circulated vs. uncirculated), and special errors (like double dies) influence value.
