1964 Kennedy Half Dollars

One of the most popular American presidents of the 20th century was John F. Kennedy. The youngest man ever elected president and the first Catholic, Kennedy served until his assassination in November 1963. Kennedy is honored with his portrait on the nations circulation half-dollar coin, but the first year of the series was the most significant.

Product Highlights:

• First year of issue for Kennedy Half Dollars.
• Each coin¡¯s face value of $.50 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
• Contains approximately 7.23 oz of 90% silver.
• Obverse features a left-profile portrait of President John F. Kennedy.
• Reverse includes a modified presidential seal of the United States.

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The coins were designed in the immediate aftermath of Kennedys assassination in Dallas in November, 1963. US Mint sculptors Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro were tapped to modify existing dies, which allowed the quick turnaround and production of Kennedy Half Dollars to replace the existing Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars.

On the obverse of each coin is a left-profile bust of President John F. Kennedy created by Gilroy Roberts. It includes the simple engravings of Liberty above his head, In God We Trust on either side of his neck, and the year of issue below.

The reverse of the 90% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar includes Frank Gasparros modification of the Seal of the President of the United States of America. It includes the nations heraldic eagle in the center, with an olive branch in one talon and arrows in another. It holds a banner in its beak that reads E Pluribus Unum.

Your tube may contain coins with or without mintmarks. Philadelphia minted coins were unmarked that year and the Denver mint included a D mintmark on the reverse side.