Designed by: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Issue Date: 1964
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 7.61 grams (117.46 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 429,509,450
Proof Mintage: 3,950,962
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar ... Read More
Designed by: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Issue Date: 1964
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 7.61 grams (117.46 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 429,509,450
Proof Mintage: 3,950,962
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar stands as a poignant and historic tribute to President John F. Kennedy, following his tragic assassination in November 1963. Introduced with remarkable speed, the design was created by Gilroy Roberts(obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), and remains one of the most iconic modern U.S. coinage issues.
Obverse: A left-facing portrait of President Kennedy, with LIBERTY encircling the upper rim, IN GOD WE TRUST positioned just above the date.
Reverse: Based on the Great Seal of the United States, featuring a heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch—an homage to earlier 19th-century coinage designs.
Unlike later issues, the 1964 Kennedy half was struck in 90% silver, making it the only year of the series with this composition. From 1965 onward, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and eventually phased out entirely in 1971 for circulation strikes.
First-year issue following the national mourning period after Kennedy’s death.
Struck in both Philadelphia and Denver, with a combined mintage exceeding 430 million coins, yet few entered circulation due to widespread hoarding.
Seen as a patriotic memento, this coin became a symbolic keepsake across the nation, with many pieces preserved in original Mint State condition.
Readily available in Uncirculated (MS60–MS66) and Proof (PR60–PR69) grades.
High-grade specimens, especially Proof examples with deep cameo contrast, are actively sought by collectors.
The 1964 Kennedy half remains an essential coin for:
Silver stackers
Modern U.S. type collectors
Presidential and historical memorabilia enthusiasts
The only year with full 90% silver content
Historically significant as the first Kennedy half dollar
Affordable entry point into silver coin investing
Popular among both casual hobbyists and serious registry set collectors
Whether you're building a complete Kennedy half dollar series, assembling a 20th-century type set, or simply commemorating one of America’s most admired presidents, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a cornerstone addition to any collection.
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