The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is not just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Created in the wake of President John F. Kennedy’s tragic assassination, this coin has become highly sought after by collectors. In this guide, we will explore what makes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar so special and valuable. Whether you’re a collector or just curious about coins, this information will help you understand their significance.
Why Is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Rare?
The rarity of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar comes from several key factors. With over 429 million minted, you might think they’d be easy to find, but various circumstances have made them hard to come by today. Let’s break down the reasons behind their rarity.
Reason 1: Mementos of a Popular President
John F. Kennedy was one of the most beloved presidents in U.S. history. After his assassination on November 22, 1963, many people bought the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar as a way to remember him. These coins were often kept as keepsakes rather than being spent, leading to fewer available coins today.
Reason 2: The Speculator Craze
In the months following Kennedy’s death, many people began to speculate about the value of the new half dollar. This led to a buying frenzy, with speculators purchasing as many coins as they could. Many of these buyers held onto their coins for years, further reducing the number that circulated.
Reason 3: Silver Content Hoarding
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is notable because it is made from 90% silver. After 1964, half dollars were made with less silver. Because of this high silver content, many collectors and investors hoarded these coins purely for their metal value, again reducing the number available to the public.
Reason 4: Melting Coins for Silver
During the silver price boom in the 1970s, many people melted down their silver coins, including millions of 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars. This melting caused a significant decrease in the number of these coins that are still around today.
The Value of 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
The demand for 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars remains high, especially among collectors. Because so many were lost to melting or hoarding, the ones that still exist can be quite valuable. The value of these coins depends heavily on their condition, which is rated on a scale from MS60 (circulated) to MS70 (perfect).
Average Prices for Different Grades
Here’s a quick look at average prices for different grades of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar:
| Grade | Price (1964) | Price (1964-D) |
|---|---|---|
| MS-60 | $16 | $16 |
| MS-61 | $17 | $17 |
| MS-62 | $20 | $20 |
| MS-63 | $24 | $24 |
| MS-64 | $30 | $30 |
| MS-65 | $48 | $52 |
| MS-66 | $90 | $150 |
| MS-67 | $650 | $575 |
| MS-68 | N/A | $26,500 (only one known) |
The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin.
Special Varieties of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
In addition to the standard 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, there are several special varieties that are even more collectible. These varieties were created due to unintentional changes during the minting process or intentional design modifications.
Major Varieties
| Variety | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Accented Hair | Features deeper hair detail before modification | $30 to $165 |
| Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | Coin struck with a shifted die, causing a double image | $16 to $300 |
| Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) | Similar to DDO, but on the reverse | $100 to $700 |
| 1964-D/D | Repunched mint mark variety | $40 to $1,450 |
| 1964-D DDO | Doubled die on the Denver Mint version | $30 to $800 |
| 1964-D TDO | Tripled die variety, very rare | $32 to $165 |
| 1964-D QDO | Quadrupled die variety, seldom seen | $40 to $1,450 |
These special versions can be significantly more valuable than standard coins.
A Brief History of the Kennedy Half Dollar Series
The story of the Kennedy Half Dollar begins just hours after President Kennedy’s assassination. The U.S. Mint quickly began designing a new coin to honor him. Congress approved the change in December 1963, and by March 24, 1964, the first coins were released to the public, sparking excitement and a rush to collect them.
Conclusion
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar stands out not just for its silver content but for its rich history tied to a pivotal moment in American life. From being cherished mementos to becoming valuable collectibles, these coins reflect the deep admiration Americans had for JFK. Understanding the factors that make these coins rare helps collectors appreciate their value and significance. If you’re considering collecting or investing in coins, knowing about the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a great starting point. Whether you find one in circulation or seek one out for your collection, you’re holding a piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar considered rare?
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is considered rare due to several factors: it was minted in the wake of President Kennedy’s assassination, many were bought as keepsakes and not spent, a large number were hoarded for their 90% silver content, and millions were melted down during the silver price boom in the 1970s.
2. How can I determine the value of my 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
The value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar depends on its condition, which is graded on a scale from MS60 to MS70. You can check price guides or consult a coin dealer to get an idea of your coin’s value based on its grade. Uncirculated coins typically fetch higher prices.
3. What are the different varieties of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
There are several notable varieties, including the Accented Hair, Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), and Doubled Die Reverse (DDR). These varieties often have higher values due to their uniqueness and rarity.