Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-Date)

Coin Specifications

Years Composition Weight Diameter Edge
1964 90% silver, 10% copper 12.50 g 30.6 mm Reeded
1965–1970 40% silver (outer clad layer) 11.50 g 30.6 mm Reeded
1971–Present Copper-nickel (75% Cu / 25% Ni) 11.34 g 30.6 mm Reeded
Special Issues 90% silver (Proof/Bullion only) Varies 30.6 mm Reeded

Obverse:

  • Designer: Gilroy Roberts

  • Design: Portrait of President John F. Kennedy

Reverse:

  • Designer: Frank Gasparro

  • Design: Modified Presidential Seal: heraldic eagle, olive branch, arrows

 Key Dates & Varieties

  • 1964 (90% silver) – First year of issue, very high mintage.

  • 1964 Accented Hair Proof – Early proof with extra hair detail near JFK’s ear. Scarce and popular.

  • 1965–1970 – 40% silver coins only issued for circulation (1965–1969) and Mint Sets (1970).

    • 1970-D – Key low-mintage 40% silver coin (Mint Set only).

Major Varieties & Errors

  • 1964 Accented Hair Proof

  • 1972-D Type 2 Reverse – Missing details on the Earth; rare and valuable.

  • 1974-D Double Die Obverse (DDO) – Visible doubling on “WE TRUST” and Kennedy’s eye.

  • 1979-S & 1981-S – Type 1 vs. Type 2 Mintmark (clear vs. filled “S”).

  • 1982 No “FG” – Missing designer initials near eagle’s tail feathers.

  • 1990 No “S” Proof – Very rare proof coin missing the “S” mintmark.

  • 2002–Present – Not issued for general circulation; found only in sets or direct from the U.S. Mint.

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