The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: A Coin of History and Value

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Created to honor President John F. Kennedy after his tragic assassination, this coin holds significant sentimental and real value for collectors. In this article, we will explore the background of the Kennedy Half Dollar, focusing on the most valuable issue, including the rare Accented Hair variety.

The Creation of the Kennedy Half Dollar

In November 1963, the nation was shocked by the assassination of President Kennedy. To honor him, Congress decided to create a half-dollar coin. This decision was made just a month after his death. The design was based on an existing Presidential medal, and the U.S. Mint began striking the coins in early 1964, with the first ones released in March.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s Influence

Jacqueline Kennedy, the President’s wife, requested a slight change to the coin’s design. She asked for a modification to her husband’s hair, which led to the creation of the Accented Hair variety. This change makes certain coins from 1964 even more special and valuable.

Popularity and Composition

The emotional appeal of the Kennedy Half Dollar meant that many people kept these coins as mementos rather than spending them. When the mint first offered the coins to the public, they sold out quickly and remained in drawers and closets for years. Even though the mint produced more coins, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar remained scarce and sought after by collectors.

Silver Content and Value

One reason for the popularity of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is its silver content. The coin is made up of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it intrinsic value beyond its historical significance. This is the only year the Kennedy Half Dollar contains a high amount of silver. In 1965, the mint reduced the silver content to 40% due to rising silver prices, changing the composition to 40% silver and 60% copper.

Year	Silver Content	Composition	Notable Feature
1964	90%	10% copper	First issue to honor JFK
1965+	40%	60% copper	Reduced silver content

The Accented Hair Variety

Among the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars, the Accented Hair variety is particularly rare and valuable. This special version is valued at thousands of dollars, especially in excellent condition. It is estimated that only 1-2% of the proof sets from this year feature this unique design element.

Identifying the Accented Hair Variety

To determine if your 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is the Accented Hair variety, look closely at the hair over the ear. In the original design, the hair has a wishbone shape above the ear. Additionally, there are a few more identifying features to look for:

1. Obverse Side: The word “LIBERTY” is arched over Kennedy’s head. On this side, you can see that the bottom serif of the letter “I” is missing.
2. Reverse Side: There are broken rays behind the eagle, particularly on the right side among the stars. These rays appear choppy and uneven.

Identifying Feature	Description
Hair over the ear	Wishbone appearance above the ear
Liberty on obverse	Missing bottom serif on the letter “I”
Rays on reverse	Broken and uneven rays behind the eagle

Conclusion

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a significant piece of American history, representing a time of mourning and remembrance. Its design, influenced by Jacqueline Kennedy, adds to its charm and value. The combination of historical significance, emotional appeal, and high silver content makes this coin a favorite among collectors. The rare Accented Hair variety further elevates its worth, making it a treasure for any coin enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding the history and value of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar can enrich your appreciation for this iconic coin.

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