Two 1964 Halves, One Dollar of Face Value
This lot is $1 in face value, two Kennedy half dollars, each struck in 90 percent silver in 1964. Together they hold about 0.715 troy ounces of actual silver. 1964 was the only year the Kennedy half was made in 90 percent silver, so every 90 percent example carries that one date.
Struck in Weeks, Saved on Sight
Congress authorized the Kennedy half in December 1963, weeks after the assassination, and the Mint had the coins in circulation within months. The public pulled them almost as fast as they were released, keeping them as keepsakes rather than spending them. The obverse is Gilroy Roberts’ left-facing portrait of Kennedy, and the reverse is Frank Gasparro’s heraldic eagle from the Presidential Seal, wings spread behind a striped shield inside a ring of fifty stars.
What Condition to Expect
These are circulated coins listed as various condition, so plan on honest wear and natural toning. Because so many were set aside in 1964, a lot can arrive nicer than typical junk silver, but there is no promise of that. Hero Bullion fills the order from stock, the Philadelphia or Denver mintmark is not something you can request, and we do not clean or dip the coins.
Why the Math Is Easy
Silver content comes straight off face value: every dollar of 90 percent coin holds about 0.715 ounces, whatever the denomination. The coins need no assay because a 1964 Kennedy half is recognizable on sight, and small lots trade at a modest premium over the melt value of the silver.
Specifications
The lot is two 1964 Kennedy half dollars, $1 in face value, roughly 0.715 troy ounces of silver at .900 fineness. Each coin is 30.6 mm across, 2.15 mm thick, with a reeded edge, and condition is listed as various. See the Specifications tab for the current packaging.
1964 Kennedy Half FAQ
How much silver is in $1 face of Kennedy halves?
About 0.715 troy ounces, split between two coins. Each half is 12.5 grams gross at 90 percent silver, and the silver weight scales directly with face value.
Why is 1964 the only 90% silver year?
Because Congress cut the silver after that year. The half was authorized in December 1963 and struck in 90 percent silver through the 1964 date, then the alloy dropped to 40 percent silver for 1965, and to copper-nickel for circulation from 1971.
What condition will the coins be in?
Circulated, with wear and toning, though not always heavily. Many 1964 halves were kept rather than spent, so some lots look better than usual for junk silver, but the listing is sold on silver weight, not grade.
Can I pick the mintmark or the specific coins?
No. Coins are pulled from current stock, and the mintmark, whether Philadelphia with no mark or Denver with a D, is our choice. Every coin still carries the 1964 date regardless.
Are these IRA eligible?
No. A precious metals IRA requires silver of at least .999 fineness in approved form, and these are .900 fine and circulated. They are for holding and spending, not for a retirement account.
After other denominations or a full bag? Our runs from single lots up to $100 face bags.
Hold two coins from the only silver year. Add $1 face value of 1964 Kennedy halves to your cart.