The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: A Commemorative Coin

Name: The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: A Commemorative Coin
Start: 1917-03-24
Location: Unspecified

The Legacy of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was minted to honor the late President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated on November 22, 1963. This coin marked a significant moment in American history and coinage, as it was one of the first instances where a coin was issued shortly after a president's death as a tribute. With the introduction of the new coin, it also transitioned from the previous design of the Franklin half dollar.

John F. Kennedy: A President Remembered

John F. Kennedy, born on May 29, 1917, in Brookline, Massachusetts, served as the 35th President of the United States from January 20, 1961, until his assassination. Kennedy’s progressive policies and strong leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis had a lasting impact on American society. His untimely death shocked the nation, and the issuance of the Kennedy half dollar served not only as a memorial but also salvaged a moment of national unity in mourning.

Design and Features of the Coin

The 1964 Kennedy half dollar features a left-facing profile of JFK on the obverse, designed by Gilroy Roberts, while the reverse showcases the presidential seal with a balanced eagle. The coin initially was struck in 90% silver, making it a desirable collector's item. The design was quickly embraced by the public, and the coin symbolizes both the legacy of Kennedy and the nation’s grief.

Impact on Coin Collecting and Minting

The introduction of the Kennedy half dollar had profound effects on coin collecting and public interest in numismatics. Collectors and the general public rushed to obtain this coin as a keepsake for their loved one, marking the coin as a staple in American coin collecting.

The Rarity of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1964 Kennedy half dollar gained fame for its silver content and unique historical significance. Due to high demand, many coins were hoarded, leading to a scarcity of specific mint marks over the years, with the 1964-D being notably limited. Collectors often search for these specific pieces, enhancing the values assigned to them in the collector market.

Fostering Patriotism through Coinage

This coin not only commemorated a president but also fostered a sense of national pride and unity as the country mourned his death. By 1965, the U.S. mint transitioned to a clad composition for future half dollars, making the 1964 rendition even more significant among coin collectors. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar remains a vivid symbol of the early 1960s and the legacy of President Kennedy.

Fun Fact

The First Coin After JFK's Passing

The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was remarkably the first circulating coin issued to honor a sitting president after their assassination, marking a notable moment in American history and numismatics.