1964 Kennedy Silver Half Dollars

Selling Kennedy Half Dollars Since 1973

The 1964 Kennedy 90% silver half dollars have been popular since their introduction.  The coins carry the image of President John Kennedy were the last 90% half dollar coins minted. Consequently, Americans began hoarding Kennedy half dollars immediately on their release. In fact, people worldwide hoard 1964 JFK half dollars.

Further increasing the popularity of 1964 Kennedy half dollars, in 1965 the U.S. Mint removed all silver from dimes and quarters. However, not wanting to disdain a popular president who had been assassinated, the Mint continued to put silver in JFK half dollars, but at a reduced amount.

Kennedy Half Dollars 1965-1969

Kennedy half dollar coins dated 1965-1969 contain only 40% silver and are known as 40% clad half dollars. The Mint’s removing silver from dimes and quarters, and reducing the silver content of half dollar coins to 40%, heightened the hoarding of all 90% silver coins but especially the 1964 Kennedy half dollars.

JFK Half Dollars, the cheapest

For several reasons, circulated 1964 Kennedy half dollars are cheaper than either the Walking Liberty half dollars or the Franklin half dollars, the other two half dollars commonly available. Although minted only one year, 277.3 million 1964 JFK half dollars were produced.

By comparison, only about 477 million Walking Liberty half dollars were minted during their 32-year life. And, during their 16 years of use, only 309.4 million Franklin half dollars were minted.

Consequently, 1964 Kennedy half dollars never circulated widely, which meant that few became worn enough be destroyed by the Mint as had millions of Walking Liberty and Franklin half dollars. So today, Kennedy half dollars are more abundant than either Walking Liberty or Franklin half dollars.

Half Dollar Coins Silver Content

A pre-1965 half dollar contained 0.36169 ounce of silver when minted, which means a $1,000 face bag (2000 coins) contained 723 ounces. However, because of wear, a bag of half dollars ($1,000 face) and will net 718-720 ounces of silver if smelted. A bag of dimes or quarters will yield about 715 ounces. A bag of 90% silver half dollars weighs right at 54.5 pounds on a bathroom scale.

Uncirculated Kennedy Half Dollars

Bags of BU (brilliant uncirculated) condition Kennedy half dollar coins are sometimes available. When available, they can carry premiums of $400 to $600 a bag over bags of circulated Kennedy half dollars.

Buying and Selling Kennedy Half Dollars

Because of the popularity of 1964 Kennedy half dollars, since its inception in 1973 CMIGS has been buying and selling them. We usually have a supply of 1964 Kennedy half dollar coins on hand, and we stand ready to buy more.

If you would like to discuss buying or selling 1964 Kennedy half dollars, call us at 1-800-528-1380. We take calls 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MST, Mondays through Thursdays, Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.