Kennedy half dollar1964 Kennedysilver half dollaraccented hairbicentennialhalf dollar collecting
Kennedy Half Dollars: Silver to Modern
D
Dwight Ringdahl
March 9, 2026
A Nation's Tribute
The Kennedy half dollar was created with extraordinary speed following President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts designed the obverse portrait, and Frank Gasparro created the Presidential Seal reverse. The first coins were struck in January 1964 — just two months after Kennedy's death.
Composition Timeline
- 1964 — 90% silver, 10% copper. The public hoarded these coins as mementos, creating the silver coin shortage that led to the 1965 coinage change.
- 1965–1970 — 40% silver clad (outer layers of 80% silver/20% copper bonded to a 21% silver core).
- 1971–present — Copper-nickel clad (no silver). Same composition as dimes and quarters.
- 1992–present (proofs) — 90% silver proof versions available in Silver Proof Sets.
Notable Dates and Varieties
- 1964 Accented Hair — An early die variety with stronger hair detail above Kennedy's ear. $50+ in MS-65. More valuable in proof (PR-67 CAM: $200+).
- 1964 Heavily Accented Hair Proof — Even more pronounced hair detail. $150+ in PR-65.
- 1970-D — Not released for circulation; only available in Mint Sets. 40% silver. $25+ in MS-65.
- 1976 Bicentennial — Dual-dated "1776–1976" with Independence Hall reverse by Seth Huntington. Both clad and 40% silver versions.
- 1998-S Matte Finish — Special finish for the Robert F. Kennedy commemorative set. $200+ in SP-69.
- 2014-W Gold Kennedy — 50th anniversary ¾ oz gold issue. Original issue price $1,240.
Silver Content Values
- 1964 — 0.3617 oz silver. Worth $8–$12 at typical silver prices.
- 1965–1970 — 0.1479 oz silver. Worth $3–$5 at typical silver prices.
- 1971–present clad — No silver. Face value only unless in high Mint State grades.
Collecting Strategies
- Complete date set — Affordable. Clad dates are face value. Silver dates add $200–$300 total.
- 1964 collection — Collect the different varieties: regular, Accented Hair, proof, Accented Hair proof.
- Silver stacking — 1964 Kennedy halves are the most popular 90% silver coins for precious metal investors.
- Proof sets — Kennedy half proofs from 1964–present make an attractive, affordable collection.
Up Next
This article is for educational guidance. Where official grading rules, dealer memberships, legal requirements, or tax obligations apply, consult the relevant primary authority.
Last reviewed January 12, 2026 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
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