1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
A 1964 Kennedy half dollar is usually worth at least its silver value, with most circulated coins trading for bullion-related value plus a small premium, while nicer uncirculated examples can sell for hundreds or even thousands. Standard 1964 business strikes were made in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D), while 1964 proof coins were struck in Philadelphia. The most valuable 1964 Kennedy half dollars are top-grade mint state coins, Deep Cameo proofs, and the Accented Hair proof variety. Continue reading to learn more about 1964 Kennedy half dollar value.
Image source: PCGS
AUCTION RECORD: $12,500 • MS68
After the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963, Congress authorized the minting of the Kennedy Half Dollar to commemorate the popular president. The existing work of designers Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro were slightly modified and used to create dies to mint the coins, and minting began in January of 1964. The interest in President Kennedy and the high silver content of the coins led to collection in large numbers, and few Kennedy Half Dollars were broadly circulated.
What is a 1964 Kennedy half dollar worth?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is the first year of issue for the series and the only regular-issue Kennedy half struck in 90% silver for both Philadelphia and Denver business strikes. Because each coin contains 90% silver and weighs 12.50 grams, every authentic 1964 Kennedy half carries a strong base value even in worn condition. Premiums rise sharply for coins with better luster, fewer marks, stronger strikes, proof surfaces, or recognized varieties like Accented Hair.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Chart
| Coin type | Typical value range |
|---|---|
| 1964 no mint mark (circulated) | Usually tied closely to silver value |
| 1964-D (circulated) | Usually tied closely to silver value |
| 1964 no mint mark (uncirculated) | Higher premiums depending on grade |
| 1964-D (uncirculated) | Higher premiums depending on grade |
| 1964 proof | Usually more than common circulated pieces |
| 1964 Accented Hair proof | Strong premium over regular proof |
| Top-pop / elite examples | Can reach thousands to tens of thousands |
Important: exact values move with silver prices, certification, eye appeal, and grade. NGC notes that its published values are retail guide prices based on documented transactions and can lag fast-moving market conditions.
Why is the 1964 Kennedy half dollar valuable?
There are four main reasons this coin is valuable:
1. It is 90% silver
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, which gives even common worn examples meaningful intrinsic value.
2. It was the first Kennedy half dollar
Congress moved quickly after President Kennedy’s assassination, and the coin became an instant keepsake. The first-year issue status keeps collector demand strong.
3. Certain varieties are scarcer
The Accented Hair proof variety is especially popular, and cameo/deep cameo contrast can command much more than standard proof coins.
4. Condition matters a lot
A common 1964 Kennedy half in average condition is very different from a sharply struck, nearly flawless example. At the high end, prices can become dramatic. For example, a 1964 business strike graded MS68 sold for $57,600 at Heritage in May 2024, and PCGS lists the broad category auction record for 1964 business strikes at $57,600.
Types of 1964 Kennedy half dollars
Collectors searching “1964 Kennedy half dollar value” are usually looking at one of these types:
1964 no mint mark Kennedy half dollar
This coin was struck in Philadelphia and carries no mint mark. It is the most common business-strike 1964 issue and is often encountered in circulated and lower mint state grades.
1964-D Kennedy half dollar
This coin was struck in Denver and shows a D mint mark. PCGS notes the 1964-D is often better struck than the Philadelphia issue, with at least one example known as high as MS68.
1964 proof Kennedy half dollar
Proofs were struck in Philadelphia for collectors, with a mintage of 3,950,762 according to PCGS CoinFacts. Proof coins were made with specially prepared dies and planchets, giving them sharper detail and more reflective surfaces than normal business strikes.
1964 Accented Hair proof
This is the best-known 1964 Kennedy half dollar variety. It is a proof issue from Philadelphia with slightly different hair detail above Kennedy’s ear. It is collected as a separate major variety by PCGS and typically brings a premium over regular 1964 proofs.
Mint marks on a 1964 Kennedy half dollar
There are only two regular mint-mark possibilities for 1964 business strikes:
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- D mint mark = Denver
Proof coins from 1964 were struck in Philadelphia, so they also have no mint mark.
How condition affects 1964 Kennedy half dollar value
Circulated condition
Most circulated 1964 Kennedy halves are valued mainly for their silver content unless they have exceptional eye appeal, toning, or a recognized variety.
Uncirculated condition
Uncirculated coins with original luster and minimal contact marks can be worth significantly more. The price jump becomes much steeper in the highest mint state grades. Recent market evidence shows just how wide the spread can be: a 1964-D MS67 sold for $384 in June 2025, while a top-end 1964 MS68 realized $57,600 in May 2024.
Proof and Deep Cameo condition
Regular proofs are collectible, but coins with strong frost-on-mirror contrast can command larger premiums. PCGS lists an auction record of $9,400 for a 1964 proof PR70, and the 1964 Accented Hair Deep Cameo proof has an auction record of $46,800 for PR69DCAM.
Recent auction sales for the 1964 Kennedy half dollar
Here are fresh comps you can cite in the article:
- 1964 50C MS68 sold for $57,600 at Heritage Auctions in May 2024.
- 1964-D 50C MS67 sold for $384 at Stack’s Bowers in June 2025.
- 1964 Accented Hair Proof-68 sold for $240 at Stack’s Bowers in April 2025.
- 1964 Proof-68 Deep Cameo sold for $336 at Stack’s Bowers in December 2025.
These sales show the market clearly: common certified coins can sell for modest premiums, while elite-grade or top-pop coins can explode in value.
1964 Kennedy half dollar specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1964 |
| Denomination | Half dollar |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Weight | 12.50 grams |
| Diameter | 31.00 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designers | Gilroy Roberts / Frank Gasparro |
| Business-strike mints | Philadelphia, Denver |
| Proof mint | Philadelphia |
Is a 1964 Kennedy half dollar rare?
A regular 1964 Kennedy half dollar is not rare in lower grades, but it is still highly collectible because of its silver content, first-year status, and connection to President Kennedy. The coin becomes scarce in top mint state grades, and some proof varieties, especially Accented Hair Deep Cameo, are much more desirable than ordinary examples.
How to tell if your 1964 Kennedy half dollar is worth more
Your coin may be worth more if it has any of the following:
- strong original luster
- very few bag marks
- proof surfaces
- cameo or deep cameo contrast
- the Accented Hair variety
- certified high grade from PCGS or NGC
- unusual toning with strong eye appeal
Most 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth more than face value because they are 90% silver, but the biggest prices go to coins with the right type, mint mark, variety, and condition. For everyday coins, value is usually tied to silver and grade. For premium examples, especially MS68 business strikes, Deep Cameo proofs, and Accented Hair proofs, recent auction results show there is still strong collector demand.
FAQ
What is a 1964 Kennedy half dollar worth today?
Most 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth at least their silver value, while uncirculated, proof, and high-grade examples can be worth substantially more.
How much silver is in a 1964 Kennedy half dollar?
A 1964 Kennedy half dollar is struck in 90% silver and weighs 12.50 grams.
Is a 1964 Kennedy half dollar with no mint mark valuable?
Yes. A no-mint-mark 1964 Kennedy half dollar was struck in Philadelphia and is worth more than face value because of its silver content, with higher values for better grades and proof versions.
What makes a 1964 Kennedy half dollar valuable?
Silver content, first-year issue status, collector demand, proof versus business strike status, the Accented Hair variety, and overall condition all affect value.
What is the most valuable 1964 Kennedy half dollar?
Among regular issues, the highest prices are typically paid for top-grade business strikes and Deep Cameo proofs. PCGS shows a 1964 MS68 sale at $57,600, and an Accented Hair PR69DCAM auction record at $46,800.
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