The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is one of the most popular modern U.S. coins. As the first year of issue and the only 90% silver business strike in the series, it holds a special place for collectors and silver stackers alike.
Issued just two months after John F. Kennedy‘s tragic assassination in 1963, the half dollar bearing his likeness served as a numismatic memorial to the beloved president. Over 400 million were struck between the Philadelphia and Denver Mints to address a nationwide coin shortage at the time.
Today, these half dollars are sought after in all grades and varieties. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll examine everything you need to know about 1964 Kennedy half dollar values – from the price of a regular circulated example up to the auction records set by rare varieties and errors.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
A staggering number of 1964 Kennedy half dollars were produced in an effort to thwart the coin shortage and combat widespread hoarding of silver coins due to rising bullion prices. Here‘s a breakdown of the output from each mint:
- 1964 (P) Philadelphia – 273,304,004 minted
- 1964 D Denver – 156,205,446 minted
- 1964 Proof – 3,950,762 minted
Both the Philadelphia and Denver issues were struck for circulation in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a net weight of 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver. They measure 30.6 millimeters in diameter and weigh 12.5 grams.
Proof versions minted at Philadelphia contain the same silver composition but were produced with polished dies and specially treated planchets to achieve a mirror-like finish. Sold directly to collectors, most survived in pristine condition.
With so many minted, the 1964 half dollar is extremely common in circulated grades up through choice uncirculated. Entry level collectors can acquire a nice example for little over melt value. However, superb gem examples, rare varieties, and errors are a different story.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Values
The value of a 1964 Kennedy half dollar depends primarily on its condition, mint mark, and variety. Let‘s take a look at some average retail prices for regular issue coins in various grades:
Circulated
- Heavily worn (AG-G4) – $6.50+
- Moderate to light wear (VG8-AU58) – $6.60 to $7
As long as they‘re authentic and not damaged, even the most worn 1964 halves are worth close to 10x their face value because of the silver content. There‘s generally not much premium for better circulated grades.
Uncirculated
- MS-60 – $8
- MS-61 – $8
- MS-62 – $9
- MS-63 – $12
- MS-64 – $15
- MS-65 – $50+
- MS-66+ – $125 to $1,000+
Uncirculated examples display no wear but can show varying degrees of contact marks, bag abrasions, and luster. Premiums start to escalate in gem grades of MS-65 and higher as eye appeal and surface quality improve.
Proof
- PR-60 – $15
- PR-63 – $17
- PR-64 – $20
- PR-65 – $28
- PR-66 $35
- PR-67 – $50
- PR-68 – $120+
- PR-69 – $400+
Values for the 1964 proof Kennedy half dollar are more dependent on grade than business strikes. Flawless, deeply cameo examples in PR-69 routinely sell for hundreds of dollars. The record is $28,800 for a 1964 PR-70 Deep Cameo.
Rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties
While most 1964 Kennedy halves are relatively common, there are several rare varieties that can be worth big bucks. Here are a few to look out for:
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS)
The 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar is an extremely rare special issue created early in the production run. Researchers believe only a few dozen were minted as prototypes.
Distinguishing features include an incredibly sharp strike, satiny surfaces, and die polishing lines in the fields. Only a handful have been authenticated by major grading services.
In 2013, a 1964 SMS graded SP-67 by PCGS sold for a staggering $108,000. Another SP-67+ example brought $48,000 at auction in 2016. It‘s by far the most valuable Kennedy half dollar variety.
1964 Accented Hair
The Accented Hair variety is another rare proof-only issue that collectors dream about. Early dies prepared for the Kennedy half dollar featured bold accents in the hair above JFK‘s ear. But his widow Jacqueline reportedly disapproved of the detail, and it was quickly revised.
A small quantity of proofs – likely fewer than 100,000 – were struck with the Type 1 Accented Hair design before transitioning to the modified Type II. Examples are approximately 30x scarcer than the regular 1964 proof.
In PR-69 Ultra Cameo, this variety has traded hands for over $45,000. Even PR-68 examples can sell for $15,000 to $20,000. Identifying the Accented Hair is tricky, so certification is highly recommended.
1964 Doubled Die Obverse
At least six different doubled die obverse varieties have been attributed for the 1964 Kennedy half dollar. Most are minor and require magnification to discern. Values depend on the magnitude of doubling, die state, and overall eye appeal.
One of the most coveted is the FS-104 (DO-1), showing clear doubling on the IN GOD WE TRUST motto. An MS-63 example sold through Heritage Auctions in 2021 for $225.
1964 D/D Repunched Mintmark
Look closely and you may spot a repunched mintmark on some 1964-D half dollars. Several different styles exist, with the secondary D punched north, south, or even 90 degrees rotated from the primary D.
Most are relatively common and add minimal value in circulated grades. However, strong repunched mintmarks can bring $50 to $100 in mint state.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Error Coins
Along with notable varieties, striking errors and planchet mistakes can also significantly enhance the value of a 1964 Kennedy half dollar. Some error types to watch for include:
- Off-center strikes – $25 to $250+
- Double strikes – $300 to $1,000+
- Struck on wrong planchet – $1,000 to $10,000+
- Broadstrikes – $100+
- Clipped planchets – $30+
- Cud dies – $250 to $500+
The most valuable 1964 half dollar errors are dramatic off-centers, multi-struck coins, and pieces struck on incorrect planchets. One 1964 half overstruck on a silver quarter sold for $8,100 in 2013. A 1964-D struck on a cent planchet realized $5,462 in 2014.
How to Detect a Genuine 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
With such a diversity of rare and valuable varieties, authentication is critical when pursuing 1964 half dollars. Here are a few tips to ensure your coin is genuine:
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Weigh the coin. A real 1964 Kennedy half should weigh 12.5 grams and measure 30.6 millimeters in diameter. Underweight and undersized examples may be struck on wrong planchets.
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Check the date and mintmark. The date should have a flat baseline on the 9 and the 4. The designer initials "GR" will appear on the truncation of the neck. Denver coins will show a small D just above the key date.
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Inspect the edges. The edge will be reeded with 150 reeds. Seams may indicate a counterfeit.
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Look for wear and luster. Uncirculated examples should have no wear and a frosty or satiny luster. Circulated pieces will show flatter areas and less mint luster.
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Use a magnet. Silver is not magnetic, so a 1964 half dollar will not stick to a magnet. Many counterfeits are struck in cheaper ferrous metals and will attract.
For peace of mind with rare varieties and high grade examples, consider sending your coin to PCGS, NGC, ANACS, or ICG for certification. These expert third party grading services can authenticate your 1964 half dollar and assign a numerical grade from 1 to 70 based on its condition.
How to Buy and Sell 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
Building a collection of 1964 Kennedy half dollars is relatively easy thanks to the high original mintage. Circulated examples are readily available from coin dealers and in online marketplaces like eBay.
For uncirculated and proof specimens, a trusted coin dealer or auction house is the way to go. Collector coins are typically sold in sonically sealed plastic slabs with a grade from PCGS or NGC.
Some of the most reputable dealers for 1964 half dollars include APMEX, JM Bullion, Littleton Coin Company, and Modern Coin Mart. For top-pop registry coins and rare varieties, check out Heritage Auctions, Stack‘s Bowers, David Lawrence, and GreatCollections.
When it comes time to sell, auction houses are again a solid choice, especially for five- and six-figure rarities. You may also find luck with "We Buy Coins" dealers and even pawn shops if you just have regular circulated and uncirculated pieces.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar FAQs
Q: Why is the 1964 half dollar 90% silver if other denominations were reduced to 40%?
A: To avoid delaying production, the composition of the 1964 half dollar was left unchanged from the previous Franklin design. Dimes and quarters were also still 90% silver in 1964.
Q: Are 1964 Kennedy half dollars rare?
A: In general, no. Over 400 million regular strikes were produced. However, the 1964 SMS, Accented Hair, and certain doubled dies are rare and highly sought after.
Q: What makes a 1964 Kennedy half dollar valuable?
A: The three biggest factors are condition, variety, and errors. Gem uncirculated regular strikes, rare varieties like the SMS and Accented Hair, and error coins like off-centers and wrong planchets are the most valuable.
Q: How much is a 1964 Kennedy half dollar worth?
A: Circulated examples are worth about $6.50, or the current melt value of the silver. Uncirculated coins range from $8 to over $1,000 depending on grade. Rare varieties and errors can bring anywhere from $100 to $100,000+.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1964 Kennedy half dollar?
A: The mintmark appears above the key date on the obverse (front) of the coin. Philadelphia coins will have no mintmark, while Denver issues feature a small D.
The Bottom Line
While often overlooked by non-collectors, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar is a fascinating modern issue with something for everyone. Whether you‘re looking for an affordable silver bullion piece or a five-figure rarity, chances are there‘s a 1964 half out there for you.
As you build your collection, be sure to familiarize yourself with the diagnostics for rare varieties and always buy from reputable dealers. With a discerning eye and some luck, you may just find a 1964 Kennedy half dollar that‘s worth a mint!
