The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a treasured coin in the history of American numismatics. This coin is not only historically important, but it also possesses unusual characteristics that can render it highly valuable to collectors.
Historical Background
Following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, this commemorative half dollar coin was released in his honor in 1964. The Franklin Half Dollar was replaced by this coin, and the coin contained 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin’s obverse has a picture of Kennedy, and the reverse has the Presidential Seal of the United States.
Key Factors Affecting Coin Value
The value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is based on a number of factors:
1. Condition
Coins are given a grade from 1 to 70, and higher grades are more valuable. If the coin is in mint state or proof condition, it is worth thousands of dollars.
2. Mint Mark
- Coins produced by the Philadelphia Mint are without mint mark.
- Denver Mint coins bear a “D” mark, which may influence its worth.
3. Varieties and Errors
Certain coins become very valuable because of unique designs or minting errors. For instance:
- “Accented Hair” variety: This variant features Kennedy’s hair above his ear more accentuated.
- Special Mint Set (SMS) coins: These coins possess a distinct surface compared to other regular coins and are scarce.
High-Value Versions of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
Following are some of the rarest coins that have been sold for extremely high amounts at auction:
- 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Specimen-68
- This special coin with a matte finish and fantastic details was sold for $108,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2019.
- 1964 Accented Hair Proof (PF68)
- This coin features Kennedy’s hair more prominently and in a 68 grade sold for $19,975.
- 1964 SMS Specimen-67
– This coin from a special mint set sold for $87,188 at the Great Collections auction in 2019. - 1964 Regular Strike MS68
– A regular half dollar coin but in higher grade (Mint State 68) sold for $57,600.
How to Identify Valuable Coins?
If you own a 1964 Kennedy half dollar and are wondering if it’s worth something, take note of these:
- Check the date and mint mark on the coin – Ensure that it’s a 1964 coin and check the “D” mint mark on the reverse.
- Check for the Special Design – For the “Accented Hair” design, examine the hair protruding above Kennedy’s ear closely.
- Assess the condition – If the coin is clean and free of any scratches, there is a possibility that it will be more valuable.
- Professional grading – For proper assessment of the coin, have it graded by professional agencies such as PCGS or NGC.
How to protect your coins
If you own valuable coins, your concern should be to ensure that they are kept safe:
✔ Proper storage – Keep coins stored away from air and moisture, such that they are not damaged.
✔ Do not clean – Cleaning the coins can scratch the surface of the coins, which can decrease their value.
✔ Handle with care – Hold coins always in the edges and handle them using gloves to prevent fingerprints.
| Coin Type | Year | Grade | Auction Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Specimen-68 | 1964 | SP68 | $108,000 | Matte finish, scarce edition |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof PF68 | 1964 | PF68 | $19,975 | More accentuated hair |
| 1964 SMS Specimen-67 | 1964 | SP67 | $87,188 | Special Mint set with sharp details |
| 1964 Regular Strike MS68 | 1964 | MS68 | $57,600 | High Grade Common Edition |
Conclusion
The Kennedy Half Dollar of 1964 is not only a coin, but also a valuable piece of American history. Many of the less common versions of these widely found coins are worth a great deal of money. If you happen to possess this coin, take a close look at it – you might have a very rare heirloom worth thousands of dollars!
FAQs
Q1. Why is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar valuable?
Some versions, like the “Accented Hair” Proof and Special Mint Set (SMS) coins, are rare and highly sought after by collectors. High-grade specimens can fetch thousands of dollars.
Q2. How can I tell if my 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is rare?
Check for the “Accented Hair” variety, Special Mint Set features, or high Mint State (MS) grades. Also, look for mint errors or unique characteristics.
Q3. Where can I get my 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar appraised?
You can send it to reputable grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for an official evaluation.
Q4. What is the highest price a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar has sold for?
A 1964 SMS Specimen-68 coin was sold for $108,000 at a Heritage Auctions event in 2019.
Q5. Should I clean my 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar to increase its value?
No! Cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and significantly decrease its value. It’s best to leave it in its original condition.