By: Mobin
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar featuring JFK's profile was authorized by Congress weeks after his tragic assassination to pay tribute.
All 1964 Kennedy halves contain 90% silver - the last year for this composition. This gives them a minimum melt value over bullion content.
Over 429 million business strikes were produced in 1964 at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, along with nearly 4 million proofs.
Several rare Doubled Die Obverse and Repunched Mintmark varieties of the 1964 Denver issue trade for big premiums in top grades.
Only about a dozen examples are known of the experimental satin finish 1964 SMS Kennedy half. Recently selling for over $150,000 at auction.
Early proofs from January 1964 with over-emphasized hair detail on JFK's portrait are worth a nice premium over regular proofs.
Even with huge mintages, 1964 Kennedy halves are still affordable collectibles thanks to continued popularity decades later.