Are you interested in the value of your 1964 Kennedy half-dollar? You have stopped at the right page.
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was the first coin to feature President John F. Kennedy. It was minted shortly after his tragic assassination in 1963, becoming a cherished symbol for many Americans during a time of national mourning.
In this guide, we’ll explore the value, background, and rare errors of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar. Be sure to check out the FAQ section at the end.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Details
- Category: Kennedy Half Dollars
- Minted at: Philadelphia and Denver
- Obverse Designer: Gilroy Roberts
- Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.3617 oz
- Fineness: 0.900
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Weight: 12.5 g
- Edge: Reeded
This half dollar stands out due to its emotional design and historical importance, created by Roberts and Gasparro to pay tribute to the late president.
The Obverse
The front of the coin shows a portrait of Kennedy facing left with a gentle smile. It’s believed Gilroy Roberts thought this angle showed him more favorably. Jacqueline Kennedy even asked for more detail in her husband’s hair. Around the portrait are the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1964.”
The Reverse
The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, is based on the Presidential Seal. It features an eagle with outstretched wings, an olive branch in one talon for peace, and arrows in the other to symbolize strength. A shield sits on its chest, and 50 stars surround the eagle, representing all U.S. states. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top and “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom.
Additional Features
In 1964, the coins were made only at the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Denver pieces can be identified by a “D” mint mark on the reverse. Gilroy Roberts’ initials “GR” are below Kennedy’s neck.
From 1965 onwards, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and by 1971, silver was removed entirely in favor of a copper-nickel blend.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Condition | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated (MS60) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 (no mint mark) | $14 | $14 | $14 | $17 | |
| 1964 “D” | $14 | $14 | $14 | $17 |
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Grading
Coin grading is key to identifying a coin’s value. It measures wear, damage, and condition. The Sheldon Scale is widely used and ranges from 1 (Basal State) to 70 (Perfect Mint State).
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Poor to Very Fair |
| 4-6 | Good |
| 7-10 | Very Good |
| 12-15 | Fine |
| 20-30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60-70 | Mint State |
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value And Varieties Guide
The coin was released on March 24, 1964, during a major coin shortage. Due to its silver content and emotional significance, many were hoarded and rarely spent. Congress even froze the date “1964” for later years to reduce hoarding.
1964 “No Mint Mark” Kennedy Half Dollar Value
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Minted in: Philadelphia
- Face Value: $0.50
- Price Range: $14 – $5,200
- Mintage: 273,304,004
Most were struck in 1964, with the rest minted later under the same date. Circulated pieces range around $14–$15, while pristine examples graded MS67+ can sell for up to $4,650.
1964 “D” Kennedy Half Dollar Value
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Mint Mark: D
- Minted in: Denver
- Face Value: $0.50
- Price Range: $14 – $23,500
- Mintage: 156,205,446
These were also hoarded, and higher-grade coins (MS66 and up) are rare. One MS68 specimen sold for $22,325 in 2016.
1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Value
- Type: Proof Coin
- Mint Mark: None
- Minted in: Philadelphia
- Face Value: $0.50
- Price Range: Up to $2,800
- Mintage: 3,950,792
Proof versions have a reflective finish and were not meant for circulation. The highest-valued versions include deep cameo coins with pronounced contrast and full hair details.
| Type | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|
| No Cameo | PR60-PR70 | $11 – $2,800 |
| Cameo | PR60-PR68+ | $14 – $125 |
| Deep Cameo | PR66-PR68+ | $125 – $550 |
1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar History
After President Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963, the U.S. government chose to honor him with a new coin. Jacqueline Kennedy preferred replacing the Franklin half dollar rather than the quarter.
Mint designers Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro quickly developed the designs, and production began in early 1964. Despite a high mintage, most were saved rather than spent, causing shortages and leading to changes in the coin’s metal composition in later years.
Rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Error List
Some errors from this year can boost the coin’s value:
- 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse – Doubling is visible in “IN GOD WE TRUST.” One sold for $129.99.
- 1964-D Quadrupled Die Obverse – Very rare; one sold for $1,940.
- 1964-D FS-104 – A first-strike doubled die error, valued at $225+.
- 1964-D/D Re-punched Mint Mark – Shows overlapping “D” marks; MS66 examples can reach $400.
Where To Sell Your 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
Not sure where to sell your coin? You can use online platforms to get a free appraisal or find trusted dealers with reviews and ratings.
Why were so many 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars made?
Due to rising silver prices and strong public demand, people hoarded these coins. This led the U.S. Mint to produce hundreds of millions and even freeze the date to prevent excessive hoarding.