Kennedy Half Dollar

Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-1970, 1971-2001)

The Kennedy Half Dollar was created as a memorial to the President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963 and is still being minted to this day.

The original 1964 version was minted in 90% silver, the 1965-1970 versions were only 40% silver (note silver coins from 1970 can only be found in silver proof sets and similar as the government never released them into actual circulation). The coins from 1971 and up are not silver but are a good looking coin nonetheless.

Current silver melt value for the 1964 coin (90% Silver) is about $22.91 based off the current silver spot price. Current silver melt value for the 1965-1970 coins (40% Silver) is about $9.37 based off the current silver spot price.

The Kennedy Half Dollar coin was designed by Frank Gasparro, the front has JFK's Picture while the rear has the presidential seal.

Breakdown of U.S. Half Dollar coin series:

• Flowing Hair: 1794–1795.
• Draped Bust: 1796–1807 (Small Eagle then Heraldic Eagle reverse).
• Capped Bust: 1807–1839 (Large & Small sizes, with/without Motto).
• Seated Liberty: 1839–1891 (No Motto then With Motto).
• Barber (Liberty Head): 1892–1915.
• Walking Liberty: 1916–1947 (Key dates include 1916-S, 1921s, 1938-D).
• Benjamin Franklin: 1948–1963 (90% silver).
• Kennedy:
  • 1964: 90% silver, first year.
  • 1965–1970: 40% silver.
  • 1971–Present: Clad (copper-nickel) for circulation, with special silver proofs issued annually.
  • 1976 Bicentennial: Special design issued.

Key things to note about dates:

Silver Content Changes: 1964 (90%), 1965-1970 (40%), 1971+ (clad, except proofs).
Key/Rare Dates: Early dates, specific issues like 1921s, 1938-D, or errors on 1964-D (doubled die) are valuable.