Created in 1964 to commemorate assassinated President John F Kennedy, the Kennedy Half Dollar was a very popular coin with collectors. It initially had a high silver content, and, due to its popularity, it was minted in such large numbers that the 1964 run depleted the Department of Treasury’s silver stores. The Treasury was projected to completely run out of silver by 1968. Silver prices began rising dramatically, so President Lyndon B Johnson announced a plan to reduce the amount of silver in large coins like the half dollar and to eliminate it from dimes and quarters completely.
Coinage Act of 1965
Due to coin shortages in circulation and the silver shortage, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965, and it was signed by President Johnson in July of that year. The Coinage Act reduced the amount of silver in the Kennedy Half Dollar from 90% to 40%. The new coins were struck with the 1965 date, and they entered circulation alongside the pre-existing silver half dollars. Despite the change in content, the coins retained the same design and appearance as the previously minted coins, but it bears no mint mark.
1965 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
1965 Kennedy Half Dollars possess less silver content than the 1964 coins, but they remained a popular collectible coin due to their commemorative nature. Large numbers of the 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar were minted, making them easy to acquire for a collection. A 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar in uncirculated condition can run you around $10 or less at current silver prices of $18.50 an ounce.
Type of Coin: Half Dollar
Year: 1965
Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total Mintage: 65,879,366
Metal Content: 40% Silver, 60% Copper
Face Value: Half Dollar
Weight: 11.50 grams
Edge: 150 Reeds
Designer: Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
Diameter: 30.61 millimeters