Quick Answer: A circulated 1964 Kennedy half dollar is worth $8-$12. Uncirculated 1964 halves fetch $15-$50. The Accented Hair variety commands $50-$200+ in uncirculated. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) coins are worth $100-$500+. All contain 0.3617 troy oz of 90% silver (melt ~$9 at $25/oz).
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar holds a special place in American numismatics. Struck in the months following President Kennedy's assassination, it was the only year the half dollar was minted in 90% silver. The design by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse) for the U.S. Mint has remained largely unchanged for six decades. Collectors prize 1964 for its historical significance and precious metal content.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Overview
Historical Context
President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Within weeks, Congress authorized a new half dollar design to honor him. Production began in January 1964. The rush to produce the new coin, combined with design modifications, created several notable varieties.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Silver Content | 0.3617 troy oz |
| Weight | 12.50 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Type
1964 (Philadelphia) Regular Strike Value
Philadelphia struck 273,304,004 Kennedy halves in 1964. No mint mark (Philadelphia didn't use mint marks on circulation coins until 1980).
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8-$10 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $9-$11 |
| Fine (F-12) | $10-$12 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $11-$14 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $12-$16 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $14-$20 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $18-$25 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $25-$35 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $35-$55 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $100-$200 |
| MS-68 | $300-$600+ |
1964-D (Denver) Value
Denver produced 156,205,446 Kennedy halves. The "D" mint mark appears on the reverse, below the eagle's left talon.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8-$10 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $9-$11 |
| Fine (F-12) | $10-$12 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $11-$14 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $12-$16 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $14-$20 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $18-$25 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $25-$35 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $35-$50 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $80-$150 |
| MS-68 | $200-$400+ |
1964 Accented Hair Variety Value
Early 1964 Kennedy halves show more pronounced hair detail above Kennedy's ear—longer, more defined strands. This "Accented Hair" variety was quickly modified, making it scarcer.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $12-$25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $50-$75 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $75-$125 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $125-$250 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $400-$800+ |
Identification: Look for distinct, separated hair strands above the ear. The "I" in LIBERTY may show a serif. Compare to regular 1964 coins—the Accented Hair has more dramatic hair detail.
1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Value
A small number of 1964 Kennedy halves were struck with a satin-like finish for inclusion in Special Mint Sets. These are distinct from regular circulation strikes and proofs (no 1964 proof sets were issued to the public).
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS-65 | $100-$200 |
| MS-66 | $150-$300 |
| MS-67 | $300-$600 |
| MS-68 | $500-$1,000+ |
Identification: SMS coins have a satin finish, sharper strike, and often fewer bag marks. They can be difficult to distinguish from high-quality regular strikes; certification helps.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Every 1964 Kennedy half contains 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver.
| Silver Price (per oz) | Melt Value |
|---|---|
| $20 | ~$7.23 |
| $25 | ~$9.04 |
| $30 | ~$10.85 |
| $35 | ~$12.66 |
1964 halves consistently sell above melt due to collector demand. The CoinID app provides current melt values and helps identify varieties like Accented Hair.
1964 Proof Kennedy Halves
The U.S. Mint did not offer proof sets to the public in 1964. However, a limited number of 1964 proof Kennedy halves were struck for special purposes (diplomatic sets, etc.). These are extremely rare and valuable ($5,000-$20,000+). Most collectors will never encounter one.
How to Grade 1964 Kennedy Halves
Key Wear Points
- Kennedy's cheek - High point, wears first
- Hair above ear - Look for detail retention
- Shoulder - Wears with circulation
- Eagle's breast - Reverse high point
Luster and Surfaces
- Uncirculated coins should show full cartwheel luster
- Bag marks are common on MS-60 to MS-64
- MS-65+ should have minimal distracting marks
- Natural toning can add appeal on high-grade coins
Collecting 1964 Kennedy Halves
Basic Set
- 1964 (regular)
- 1964-D
- 1964 Accented Hair (optional upgrade)
Why Collect 1964
- Only 90% silver year - 1965-1970 are 40%; 1971+ clad
- First year of design - Historical significance
- Variety potential - Accented Hair, SMS
- Affordable entry - Circulated examples accessible
Where to Find 1964 Kennedy Halves
- Estate sales - Common in older collections
- Coin dealers - Both raw and certified
- Bank rolls - Rare but possible (search half dollar boxes)
- Online - eBay, APMEX, dealer websites
Frequently Asked Questions
How much silver is in a 1964 Kennedy half?
0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver (90% silver composition).
What's the difference between 1964 and 1964-D?
Mint of origin. Philadelphia (no mint mark) vs. Denver (D). Values are similar; Philadelphia sometimes commands a slight premium in high grades.
How do I identify the Accented Hair variety?
The hair above Kennedy's ear shows longer, more separated strands. The overall hair detail is more pronounced than on the regular 1964. Side-by-side comparison helps.
Are 1964 Kennedy halves rare?
No. Over 429 million were struck. They are common but valuable due to silver content and collector demand. Varieties (Accented Hair, SMS) are scarcer.
Conclusion
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar remains one of the most collected U.S. coins. Its 90% silver content, historical significance, and variety potential make it a cornerstone of Kennedy half dollar collections. Whether you have a worn circulated example or a pristine Accented Hair variety, your 1964 half carries meaningful value. Use CoinID to identify your coin and get accurate valuation based on type and condition.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Release
The Kennedy half dollar was released to the public on March 24, 1964, at the Boston Mint. Long lines formed as Americans sought to obtain the new coin. The Treasury initially limited sales to prevent hoarding, but demand was so intense that the mint was overwhelmed. Production continued at a rapid pace throughout the year. The Philadelphia and Denver mints both struck 1964-dated halves; no 1964 proof sets were issued to the public (though a small number of proofs were struck for special purposes). The design's immediate popularity and the emotional connection to the fallen president ensured that 1964 halves would be saved forever.
1964 vs. 1965-1970: Understanding the Silver Difference
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is unique: it's the only 90% silver Kennedy half. From 1965-1970, the composition changed to 40% silver (outer layers) with a copper-nickel core. The silver content dropped from 0.3617 oz to 0.1479 oz. Visually, 1964 halves have a slightly different edge—solid silver color—and a different weight (12.50g vs. 11.50g). The 1964 also tends to tone more attractively over time. When building a silver Kennedy set, the 1964 is the essential first coin.
Investing in 1964 Kennedy Halves
Some collectors view 1964 Kennedy halves as a silver investment with numismatic upside. The logic: silver content provides a floor; collector demand provides upside. In practice, common circulated 1964 halves track silver prices reasonably well. Uncirculated and variety coins (Accented Hair, SMS) have more numismatic component and can appreciate independently of silver. For pure silver exposure, bullion may be more efficient; for collectible silver with history, 1964 halves have appeal.