A Guide to Collecting Rare Kennedy Half Dollars

Are you intrigued by the history and beauty of  Kennedy Half Dollars but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone! The Kennedy Half Dollar has captured the attention of collectors since its introduction in 1964, making it a fantastic entry point into coin collecting. Whether you're interested in completing a full set or focusing on rare dates and errors, this guide will help you navigate the essentials of building a rewarding Kennedy Half Dollar collection.

Kennedy Half Dollars

The Kennedy Half Dollar first made its debut in 1964 to commemorate President John F. Kennedy Jr. after his assassination. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was met with tremendous success as many Americans wanted to save the coin as a memento. As a result, the Kennedy Half Dollar became one of the most successful half dollar coin programs in the history of the U.S. Mint. A total of 273,304,004 mint state 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars were minted at the Philadelphia Mint and 156,205,446 were minted at the Denver Mint. The U.S Mint also made a proof version of the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. The total mintage of the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar came in at 3,950,762, which is one of the highest mintages for any proof half dollar.

The History and Design of the Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964, just months after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, as a tribute to the fallen leader. Designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, the coin features Kennedy’s portrait on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse.

While originally intended for circulation, Kennedy Half Dollars became so popular with collectors that their presence in circulation dwindled over the years. Today, most Kennedy Half Dollars are struck primarily for collectors, and their designs, mintages, and materials have evolved over the decades.

Types of Kennedy Half Dollars to Collect

When starting your collection, you’ll encounter several types of Kennedy Half Dollars. Here's a quick rundown of the main categories to consider:

• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: This is the first year of issue and is highly sought after because it was struck in 90% silver. It remains one of the most desirable coins for both collectors and silver enthusiasts.
• 1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollars: These coins contain 40% silver, a reduction from the 90% silver content of the 1964 issue. The 1965-1970 half dollars are considered semi-key coins due to their silver content and relatively low mintage.
• 1971–Present Copper-Nickel Clad Kennedy Half Dollars: Beginning in 1971, the composition shifted to a copper-nickel clad alloy. These coins are not as valuable for their metal content but can still be desirable for completing sets.
• Proof Coins: These are specially minted coins for collectors, featuring a mirror-like finish. Proof Kennedy Half Dollars can be found in both silver and clad versions, with some rarer proof coins commanding significant premiums.
• Silver Proofs (1992-Present): Since 1992, the U.S. Mint has issued 90% silver proof Kennedy Half Dollars as part of annual silver proof sets. These coins are popular among collectors due to their beauty and limited availability.

Rarity and Key Dates to Look For

While many Kennedy Half Dollars are easy to find, some are considered rare or highly collectible. As you begin your collection, keep an eye out for these key dates:

• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% Silver): The first year of issue is always significant. While millions were minted, high-grade examples and those from the Denver Mint (marked by a "D" mintmark) are especially valuable.
• 1964 Accented Hair Proof: A special variety of the 1964 proof Kennedy Half Dollar, this coin features more pronounced hairlines on Kennedy’s portrait and is one of the most coveted proofs in the series.
• 1965-1970 40% Silver Coins: These half dollars were struck during a time when silver content was still used but reduced to 40%. Lower mintages and silver content make them desirable among collectors.
• 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar: Struck only for collectors, this coin is considered the key date of the copper-nickel series. Finding one in high grade can be a challenge.
• 1998-S Matte Finish Silver Kennedy Half Dollar: A modern rarity, this coin was included in a special commemorative set. Its matte finish makes it stand out from regular proofs and has a very limited mintage.
• Errors and Varieties: Error coins are always a fun aspect of coin collecting. Look for doubled dies, off-center strikes, and planchet errors. These can add significant value to your collection.

Different Approaches to Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars

Depending on your interests and budget, there are several ways to approach collecting Kennedy Half Dollars. Here are a few strategies:

• Date and Mint Mark Collection: Many collectors aim to gather one coin from every year, including all the mintmarks (such as “D” for Denver and “S” for San Francisco). This is a straightforward but rewarding approach, allowing you to explore the series' history.
• Silver Kennedy Half Dollars: If you’re a silver investor or just love precious metals, focus on the 1964 and 1965–1970 half dollars, as well as modern silver proofs.
• Proof Kennedy Half Dollars: Proof coins offer stunning designs and finishes. Collecting these from various years, especially silver proofs, can make for an aesthetically pleasing collection.
• Errors and Varieties: Some collectors enjoy the thrill of the hunt for rare error coins and special varieties like the 1964 Accented Hair or doubled-die coins. Error coins often increase in value over time due to their uniqueness.

Preserving Your Collection

Once you've started your Kennedy Half Dollar collection, it's crucial to keep your coins in the best possible condition. Store your coins in a climate-controlled environment and use protective cases like coin capsules or albums to prevent tarnishing and damage.

For higher-value coins, consider professional grading and certification through services like PCGS or NGC. Grading can increase the coin’s value and make it easier to sell in the future.

Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars offers an exciting mix of history, artistry, and treasure hunting. Whether you're building a set based on key dates or focusing on silver issues, remember that coin collecting is as much about the experience as it is about the coins themselves. Take your time, enjoy learning about each coin, and watch your collection grow!

Are you ready to start your Kennedy Half Dollar collection? Explore the wide array of coins and get started on this fascinating journey today!

FAQ

How Much Silver is in a Kennedy Half Dollar?

The silver content in a Kennedy  Half Dollar depends on the year. In 1964, both the mint state and proof version of the Kennedy Half Dollar were composed of 90% silver. The rest of the content in the coin was copper. The 90% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar contains a total of .3617 troy ounces of silver. From 1965-1970, the Kennedy Half Dollar’s silver content was reduced to 40%. 40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollars are also quite popular in the coin collecting community Kennedy Half Dollars minted from 1971 to present day are considered to be "clad," meaning they contain no silver content. Although, the U.S. Mint has made special Kennedy Half Dollars that contain silver after 1971, the standard issue each year is clad.

What U.S. Mint Locations Have Made Kennedy Half Dollars?

The U.S. Mint has produced Kennedy Half Dollars at the Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point Mints. However, most of the coins have been minted at the Philadelphia and Denver Mint. The West Point mint only made a Kennedy Half Dollar in 2014. The 2014 Kennedy Half Dollar was minted as a special commemorative strike. To determine where a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was minted, one can look underneath where the eagle on the reverse of the coin where it grasps the olive branch. Kennedy Half Dollars minted after 1964 have their mintmark under the neck of Kennedy on the obverse of the coin. Don’t be confused if you do not see a mint mark, as Philadelphia minted Kennedy Half Dollars do not carry a mint mark.

What Kennedy Half Dollar is Best to Buy?

Although there is no definite answer to this question, many rare coin collectors and rare coin dealers believe that the 1964 Denver Kennedy Half Dollar gives you the best bang for your buck. The  1964 Denver Kennedy Half Dollar is 90% silver , therefore you get the most silver content for your dollar out of any other Kennedy. The 1964 Denver Kennedy Half Dollar is twice as rare as the 1964 Philadelphia Kennedy since half as many were minted. Since you can typically buy the Denver version for only a little bit more than the Philadelphia version, it makes sense to buy the lower mintage piece.

Bullion Shark makes it easy to buy Kennedy Half Dollars. Check out our inventory of Kennedy Half Dollars  here.

*These are solely the opinions of Bullion Shark, LLC and are not intended to be used as investment advice.