Kennedy Half Dollars

Kennedy Half Dollars (1964–Present)

The Kennedy Half Dollar is a 50-cent U.S. coin first issued in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. Early issues contain silver and are highly valued by collectors and silver stackers, while later issues are primarily collected for numismatic interest.

The Kennedy Half Dollar (JFK Half Dollar) is one of the most recognized and widely collected U.S. coins. Issued by the United States Mint in 1964 following President Kennedy’s assassination, the coin combines historical significance, silver content, and long-term collector demand. Today, Kennedy Half Dollars appeal to coin collectors, silver stackers, and investors seeking trusted U.S. Mint–issued coinage.

What Is a Kennedy Half Dollar?

A Kennedy Half Dollar is a U.S. 50-cent coin featuring President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.

First minted in 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar replaced the Franklin Half Dollar. Early issues were struck in silver, making them especially valuable today. Modern issues are mostly copper-nickel clad, though special collector versions continue to be produced in silver.

Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar (1776–1976)

The Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar was issued in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence.

Key Bicentennial Features

• Dual date 1776–1976
• Special reverse design featuring Independence Hall
• Produced in clad circulation strikes and 40% silver collector editions
• Popular among collectors for its patriotic theme

Because of its historical design and limited silver versions, the Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar remains one of the most collected modern U.S. coins.

Kennedy Half Dollar Specifications

History of the Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy Half Dollar was authorized by Congress just weeks after President Kennedy’s death in November 1963. The U.S. Mint accelerated production to meet overwhelming public demand, releasing the coin into circulation in early 1964.

Because of its emotional significance and silver content, millions of coins were immediately hoarded. Rising silver prices later forced the U.S. Mint to reduce and eventually remove silver from circulation issues, creating distinct collecting eras within the series.

Kennedy Half Dollar Composition by Year

Understanding silver composition is essential when determining a Kennedy Half Dollar’s value.

Silver & Clad Composition Timeline

Special proof and collector editions issued in later years may contain 90% or .999 fine silver.

Are Kennedy Half Dollars Made of Silver?

Yes, some Kennedy Half Dollars contain silver, but not all.

• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars: 90% silver
• 1965–1970: 40% silver
• 1971–Present circulation coins: No silver
• Collector proofs & special issues: 90% or .999 silver

Silver content gives early Kennedy Half Dollars a built-in melt value floor, making them attractive to silver investors.

Kennedy Half Dollar Value: What Determines Worth?

Kennedy Half Dollar values vary widely based on several measurable factors.

Key Value Drivers

• Silver content and current silver spot price
• Year and mint mark
• Condition and professional grade
• Proof vs. circulation strike
• Rarity, mint errors, and special finishes
• Collector and bullion market demand

While many modern circulated coins trade near face value, silver issues and rare varieties can command significant premiums.

Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars

• 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS): Extremely rare experimental strikes
• 1964 Proof – Accented Hair variety: Distinct early proof design
• 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar: Issued only in mint sets
• Silver Proof Issues (1992–Present): High-purity collector coins
• Major Error Coins: Doubled dies, wrong planchets, missing initials

High-grade, certified examples often achieve the strongest auction results.

Kennedy Half Dollar Mint Marks Explained

• P – Philadelphia
• D – Denver
• S – San Francisco (proofs and silver collector issues)
• W – West Point (special releases)

Mint marks affect rarity, availability, and collector's desirability, especially proof and low-mintage issues.

Proof vs. Uncirculated Kennedy Half Dollars

Proof Kennedy Half Dollars

• Made specifically for collectors
• Mirror-like fields and frosted details
• Higher strike quality
• Typically command higher premiums

Uncirculated Kennedy Half Dollars

• Business strikes or mint-set coins
• No wear, but less refined finish
• Value depends on year, grade, and silver content

Kennedy Half Dollars for Collecting & Silver Stacking

Kennedy Half Dollars offer a balance of precious metal value and numismatic appeal.

Why Collectors Buy Kennedy Half Dollars

• Issued by the U.S. Mint
• Instantly recognizable and liquid
• Silver issues provide intrinsic value
• Strong long-term collector demand
• Lower entry cost compared to many bullion coins

For silver stackers, early Kennedy Half Dollars provide diversification beyond generic rounds and bars.

How to Identify a Silver Kennedy Half Dollar

Use these quick identification methods:

• Check the date (1964 or 1965–1970)
• Examine the edge (solid silver-gray vs. copper stripe)
• Weigh the coin (silver versions weigh more)
• Listen test (silver produces a higher-pitched ring)

Professional verification is recommended for uncertain pieces.

Collecting Strategies for Kennedy Half Dollars

Collectors typically follow one or more strategies:

• Type collecting (one coin from each era)
• Date and mint-mark sets
• Silver-only collections
• Proof and special issue collections
• High-grade certified registry sets

The Kennedy Half Dollar series is beginner-friendly yet deep enough for advanced numismatists.

Buying Kennedy Half Dollars Online

Buying Kennedy Half Dollars online gives collectors and silver stackers access to a wider selection with confidence and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar for sale or exploring a broad range of Kennedy Half Dollars for sale, CSN Mint carefully sources each coin and provides clear, detailed descriptions to help you choose pieces that align with your collecting or investment goals.

Reasons to Buy Kennedy Half Dollars from CSN Mint

• Authentic U.S. Mint–issued Kennedy Half Dollars
• Silver, proof, and uncirculated varieties available
• Transparent descriptions and condition details
• Competitive pricing backed by numismatic expertise
• Secure checkout and reliable U.S. shipping
• Knowledgeable support for collectors and investors

Collectors interested in Kennedy Half Dollars often explore other classic U.S. silver coins such as the American Silver Eagle, Morgan Dollar, Peace Dollar, and Eisenhower Silver Dollar, each offering unique historical value.

FAQs About Kennedy Half Dollars

1. When did Kennedy Half Dollars come out?

The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964, shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

2. How much silver is in a Kennedy Half Dollar?

1964 coins contain 90% silver, 1965–1970 contain 40% silver, and later circulation coins contain no silver unless specially issued.

3. How much is a Kennedy Half Dollar worth?

Value depends on year, silver content, and condition. Some are worth facing value, while rare or silver issues can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars.

4. How much is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar worth?

At minimum, its silver melt value. Uncirculated examples usually command higher premiums, while rare varieties sell significantly more.

5. What makes Kennedy Half Dollars collectible?

Silver content, historical importance, mint errors, proof finishes, and long-term demand drive collectability.

6. Are Kennedy Half Dollars still made today?

Yes. The U.S. Mint continues producing Kennedy Half Dollars primarily for collectors through annual coin sets.

7. Are Kennedy Half Dollars good for silver investing?

Silver issues offer both bullion value and collector appeal, making them popular among long-term precious-metal investors.