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 guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on January 12, 2026 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kennedy half dollars silver?
Only some: 1964 Kennedy halves are 90% silver (0.3617 oz). 1965–1970 are 40% silver (0.1479 oz). 1971–present are copper-nickel clad with no silver. Silver proof versions have been struck since 1992.
Why do people hoard 1964 Kennedy half dollars?
The 1964 Kennedy half was hoarded both as a memorial to the assassinated president and for its 90% silver content. The massive hoarding contributed to the coin shortage that led Congress to remove silver from circulating coins starting in 1965.
What is a Kennedy Accented Hair half dollar?
The 1964 Accented Hair is an early die variety showing stronger, more detailed hair above Kennedy's ear. It's worth $50+ in MS-65 and more valuable in proof versions ($200+ in PR-67 Cameo).
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