1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

Notes: There are a few key points to remember in regards to the 1964 Kennedy Half dollar and they are...

• -Type I & Type 2 reverses
• -Proofs are minted at Philadelphia
• -90% silver
• -Accent Hair FS-401 worth more

(Click to Enlarge Image)

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Type 1 vs Type 2 Reverse

The main differences between the type 1 and type 2 reverse are as follows.

Type 1

• Eagle feathers more detailed
• Arrows feathers are also more detailed
• Shield - lines on the shield are more crisp and distinct.

Type 2

• Eagle feathers less detailed
• Arrows feathers are also less detailed
• Shield - lines on the shield are more dull.

(1964 Half Dollar Reverse Types)

We have tried our best here to help differentiate the differences between the two types. It's easier in person, and a bit harder to illustrate examples online. Use the reference above, as just that, a reference.

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1964 was the first and only year that the Kennedy Half Dollar was minted in 90% silver. This coin was minted after his assassination, and some of the 1964 proofs have the Accented Hair. Kennedys wife requested the changes be made so that his hair would look better. Those are valued at between $100 and $1500 depending on the condition and the market. Key date. High value listed would be for a coin in perfect condition, certified, and never having seen circulation.

Accented hair specimens are found in 1964 proof sets or loose 1964 P Proof Halves. Jacqueline Kennedy requested JFKs hair to be improved upon. The US mint made the improvements to the die and struck what is now termed as accented hair half dollars. See the image below for reference.

(Click to Enlarge Image)

(Double Die Half Dollar Error)

Is My 1964 50c Kennedy A Proof?

Use the guide below to help you decide if your coin is a proof or not. Proofs are generally better struck with more fine hair detail. They are also polished to a mirror like finish.

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$57,600 MS68 Half Dollar?

Price Chart

Rates listed here refer to professionally graded and slabbed coins. If new to collecting the prices below might not make sense.

Deep Cameo on the proofs sometimes listed as DCAM, Ultra Cameo, and toning on original 1964 90% silver Kennedy half dollars will make a slight improvement to the rates listed below.

• Grade MS61 = $2-$4
• Grade MS62 = $4-$6
• Grade MS63 = $5-$9
• Grade MS64 = $8-$13
• Grade MS65 = $15-$25
• Grade MS66 = $45-$75
• Grade MS67 = $53-$88
• Grade PR67 = $26-$44
• Grade PR68 = $38-$63
• Grade PR69 = $75-$125

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These prices are for those coins that have been give the accented hair, termed ACCENT HAIR or FS-401. These coins are NON DCAM

• Grade PR62 = $19-$39
• Grade PR63 = $30-$63
• Grade PR64 = $38-$63
• Grade PR65 = $45-$75
• Grade PR66 = $60-$100
• Grade PR67 = $94-$156
• Grade PR68 = $188-$313

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These prices are for those coins that have been give the accented hair, termed ACCENT HAIR or FS-401. These coins are DCAM and therefore the top top top tier that this coin has to offer. There are many instances of this coin in PF69 Deep Cameo selling for $6,000 or $7,000 at online auctions like Heritage and Sacks Bowers.

• Grade PR64 = $60-$100
• Grade PR65 = $71-$119
• Grade PR66 = $86-$144
• Grade PR67 = $98-$163
• Grade PR68 = $150-$250
• Grade PR69 = $600-$1,000

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Is the list above a little overwhelming? If so, take 5 minutes to learn all about Coin Grading.

It's also important to note...Prices are subject to the same supply and demand laws as everything else. Coins sold at the same auction house 10x, would fetch drastically different bids each session. To raise your chances of receiving top dollar read How to Get the Most for your Coins.

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We've personally researched these values. If you enjoy our content please return the favor and share this page with your friends.

How much is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around $10.00, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $55 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1964, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].

What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any kennedy half dollar in your collection.

Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 11.34 g, a diameter of 30.6 mm, and a thickness of 2.15 mm. It's edge is Reeded, and the coins are composed of 1971 - Present 75% copper, 25% nickel, 1965-1970 40% silver 60% copper, 1964 - 90% Silver 10% copper.

Designer: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro

Front (Obverse): The front or coin obverse contains the profile of John F. Kennedy gazing to the left. The words In GOD We Trust and Liberty are engraved. Mint marks are located to the bottom center of the bust. The date is present as well.

Back (Reverse): Contains a bald eagle grasping 13 arrow in its right claw, and am olive branch also containing 13 olives. A shield protects the eagles chest. 13 stars radiate along lines stemming from the eagles wings. These represent the original 13 colonies. The words United States of America and Half Dollar are present and engraved on the reverse as well.

P, D, S, W mint marks are present on coins. The initials FG stand for Frank Gasparro the designer of the coins reverse.

Yes! Kennedy Half Dollar's produced in 1964 are 90% silver to be precise, and contain .3617 troy oz or 11.25 grams in total of .999 pure silver. Silver weight is measured in troy ounces. Troy ounces weigh about 2 grams more than the standard ounce. CoinTrackers has built a tool that will let you know if your coin is silver or not. The tool is called Is My Coin Silver?.