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.
First Minting and Popular Demand
At the Philadelphia Mint, Kennedy Half Dollars were first struck in February of 1964. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was released for circulation to the public on March 24, 1964, and collectors were purchasing the coins as soon as they became available. Purchase limits of 40 per customer were imposed on collectors to try to meet the demand. The Treasury Department was forced to increase the planned number of coins being minted, and this move depleted the Treasury’s stores of silver.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
Kennedy Half Dollars were struck by the mint in massive numbers due to the demand by the public. Few Kennedy Half Dollars entered circulation due to most coins being added to personal collections. Though many Kennedy Half Dollars were melted for their silver content, due to the numbers minted, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars remain an inexpensive coin to add to a collection.
Type of Coin: Half Dollar
Year: 1964
Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total Mintage: 273,304,004
Metal Content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Face Value: Half Dollar
Weight: 12.50 grams
Edge: Reeded
Designer: Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
Diameter: 31 millimeters