The Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the most iconic coins in modern American coinage. First struck by the United States Mint in 1964 after the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy, this remarkable coin is still produced to this day. These coins have been struck at four official U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S), and West Point (W). Among the most popular Kennedy Half Dollar examples to acquire are special silver Proof coins struck in limited quantities.
Designers Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro both contributed to the timeless design of the Kennedy Half Dollar coin. Roberts based the obverse on the Kennedy Presidential Medal that he produced, with his initials, "GR", located in the shaded truncation of JFK’s bust. Gasparro adapted the Presidential Seal for the eye-catching reverse design; his initials, "FG", can be found between the eagle's left leg and tail feathers. The historical significance of the Kennedy Half Dollar series cannot be overstated, as it is currently the longest-running Half Dollar design produced by the United States Mint.
Circulation, Mint, and Key Dates
First-year-of-issue 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are highly sought-after, especially those with the rare Proof Accented Hair variety. As one of the lowest mintage Proof Kennedy pieces, the Accented Hair Variety is a standout in any Kennedy Half Dollar collection.
The first year of the Kennedy series is of particular interest to collectors because both circulation examples and silver Proofs had a composition of 90% silver. To this day the 1964 circulation Kennedy is the only circulating example to be struck from 90% silver. Due to precious metal hoarding, the silver content was reduced to 40% for the years 1965 through 1970. Silver was then removed from all general circulating coinage starting in 1971.
The location of the mint mark on the Kennedy Half Dollar has changed throughout the series. Initially it was placed on the reverse beneath the eagle’s right talon for the first year of issue in 1964. Starting in 1968, however, the mint mark found its permanent home beneath Kennedy’s portrait on the obverse.
In 1976, the U.S. Mint did something it had never done before by creating a one-year-only design that was used on the Kennedy Half Dollar to commemorate the 1976 Bicentennial of the United States of America.
Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars with RCTV
This selection of Kennedy Half Dollars showcases a variety of types and dates, including silver issues, rare varieties, and modern issues struck with the latest minting technology. Rare Collectibles TV offers a wide variety of these iconic coins for collectors assembling a Kennedy Silver Half Dollar coin collection. Whether you are looking for early silver circulation issues, proof silver coins, uncirculated pieces of varying grades, there is a coin for every collector. We even offer a range of special Kennedy Half Dollar issues that are highly valued by collectors, featuring unique finishes and limited mintages. And each of these remarkable examples showcase the iconic obverse and reverse design that defines the Kennedy as the longest running Half Dollar series in American history.
For over 60 years, the Silver Kennedy Half Dollar has been among the most highly sought-after and valuable coins for collectors. Whether part of a larger set or a standout piece on its own, each coin carries the legacy of our 35th President John F. Kennedy and his monumental impact on American history.
