Kennedy’s half-dollar coin is an essential masterpiece of US currency produced after President Kennedy’s death to honour his memory. It is mostly 90% silver, is relatively scarce, and has been associated with history, making it very recommendable for collectors.
A limited-edition coin minted in 1964 that skyrocketed in value over the years
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was struck in two mints – Philadelphia and Denver with the latter showing the letter ‘D’ mint mark. Initially introduced as a memorial coin dedicated to John F. Kennedy, the 50th President of the United States, who was tragically killed in office, the coin soon became popular among people because of the event and the overall sadness of the nation. This initial stage of demand paved the way for the increase in the value of the product as a collectible item.
The years that have passed since the minting of the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar, especially the Denver mint, have become very rare, and this has also led to an increase in this coin’s value. These mint issues are usually sought after because of their rarity and the superior quality typically associated with these coins. The 1964 version, made of 90% of silver, gained even more value as the following releases had their silver content decreased, thus making the first release a highly sought collector’s piece among the members of the numismatics community.
Over the years, the historical significance of the coin, coupled with a relatively high percentage of silver, has made the coin one of the most sought-after for collecting and investment purposes. The rising value is not only in the fact that the item is scarce but in its historical significance for the United States. It no longer serves the purpose of money, but it has become a symbol of a nation and a coin collector’s delight.
Commemorating a grieving nation: How the Kennedy half-dollar became a symbol of remembrance
Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964, several months only after the assassination of John F Kennedy in November of 1963. At that time, the nation was grieving, and placing the president’s image on the half dollar was a good idea.
With the design being developed in a relatively short timeframe, the obverse side of the preparation featured Kennedy’s image. On the reverse, the presidential seal makes the coin an honour and a means to commemorate.
Paying homage to a popular president, these coins remind the people of a grieving era of one nation. Apart from the historical importance, the physical value of these coins is also essential as they are rare and hence mean more to collectors. The one created in 1964 is also unique and worth more because it was composed of 90 per cent silver, and the feature was changed.
Beginning in 1965, the U. S. Mint lowered the silver content to 40%, and by 1971, the coins no longer contained any silver.
SP68 Kennedy half-dollar: Why this version fetches thousands in auction houses
Of all the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar coins, the SP68 is in high demand for collectors and enthusiasts. This coin belongs to the initial set issued in the first year the US Mint was brought into the market. It has a satin finish with the highest artistry.
The SP68 label means that the item has been graded almost perfectly, and such coins are rare, as only several reach this standard. The SP68 differs from the standard proof in the texture; it has a semi-matte, nearly poreless feel as opposed to the high gloss of a proof coin.
For instance, one of these SP68 Kennedy half-dollars, when auctioned in 2019, sold for as high as $156,000, illustrating the market demand for this product. The high price is due to the product’s scarcity and flawless craftsmanship.
How to tell if your Kennedy half-dollar is worth a fortune: The ultimate guide for collectors
In the case of one with a Kennedy half-dollar of 1964, identifying whether the piece is fake or genuine and its worth is significant.
- Date and Mint Mark: The first one is getting to know the date and mint mark of the particular coin. The 1964 Kennedy half-dollars produced include the Philadelphia and Denver mint with the letter “D,” respectively. Coins created and circulated since 1965, are made of different materials, thus their worth is different from the 1964 ones.
- Weight and Diameter: The weight of a genuine President Kennedy half-pound in 1964 is about five grams, and it has a diameter of thirty-six millimetres. That means that any change in weight or size can suggest that you are holding a fake in your hands.
- Condition: For this reason, it is essential to note that the condition or grade of the coin is directly related to its value. The higher the grade, the higher the value is, and if it has SP68 or is a proof coin, it will have a much higher premium.
- Unique Varieties: Again, you can look for particular sorts, such as the Accented Hair Proof, or distinctive types of coins, such as the SMS one. These genetic variations are rare in the market. Hence, they attract higher market prices.
Anyone who has ever come across the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar can regard this not only as a monetary item of the USA but also as an invaluable piece of history, which may boast an individual collectible value or contain silver that may cost a pretty penny today.
