1964 Kennedy 90% Silver Half-Dollars
Selling Kennedy Half-Dollars Since 1973
The 1964 Kennedy 90% silver half-dollars have been held in esteem since they were introduced. The coins carry the image of a popular president who had been assassinated only a few years before their release, and 1964 Kennedy half-dollars were the last 90% half-dollar coins minted. Consequently, Americans began hoarding Kennedy half-dollars immediately on their release. In fact, people worldwide hoarded 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 half-dollars and Franklin half-dollars. So, today, Kennedy half-dollars are more abundant than Walking Liberty half-dollars and 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 55 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 Fridays.
