1964 Kennedy Half Dollar — 90% Silver First-Year Issue. The coin a grieving nation struck to honor President John F. Kennedy, and the only year the Kennedy half was made in 90% silver.

• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, Philadelphia (no mint mark)
• 90% silver, 0.36169 troy oz actual silver weight
• Gaspar­ro portrait of JFK facing left; Presidential Seal eagle reverse
• Lightly circulated with original toning

Grade — Curiosity Coins in-house estimate (raw, not certified): We grade this Extremely Fine. The obverse retains crisp hair and jaw detail with only light friction on the highest points, while the reverse eagle shows modest wear on the breast and wing tips. Expect some light field marks and natural toning consistent with a coin that saw brief circulation. A solid, honest first-year silver Kennedy.

A bit of history: President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963, and Congress moved quickly to place his likeness on the half dollar. The 1964 issue was released to enormous public demand, with many examples saved as keepsakes rather than spent. Nineteen-sixty-four was a pivotal American year — the Civil Rights Act was signed that July — which adds to the coin's appeal as a snapshot of the era.

Series note: Designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), the Kennedy half debuted in 1964 in 90% silver. The Mint reduced the silver content to 40% from 1965 through 1970 before switching to copper-nickel clad in 1971, making the 1964 the only 90% silver date and a natural anchor for any Kennedy set.

Silver value: This coin contains 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver. At your session spot of $[SPOT]/oz, melt = 0.36169 × $[SPOT] = $[__]. Per house policy this listing is priced at or above melt.

Curiosity Coins — Medway, Massachusetts | Est. 1999 | ANA • PCGS • NGC • Heritage Auctions Member / Buying & selling US and world coins, silver, gold, currency, and collectibles since 1999. Many auctions start at $5 — combined shipping always available. Questions welcome.