A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver. It was the first and last year the Kennedy Half was struck in 90% silver. Its melt value updates in real time based on the current silver spot price — use the calculator below.
Melt value only. Collector premiums and dealer spreads not included. Based on 0.3575 troy oz silver per coin (standard circulated weight).
Coin Specifications
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Specs
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Gross Weight
12.50g
Silver Content
0.3575 troy oz
Face Value
$0.50
Mint Years
1964 only
Mint Marks
Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D)
Diameter
30.6mm
Designer
Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Background
Why Stackers Track This Coin
The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in November 1963. Congress acted quickly — the coin entered circulation just three months after his death. The 1964 issue was struck in 90% silver, the same composition used for half dollars since 1892. It was also the last. The Coinage Act of 1965 reduced the silver content to 40%, and by 1971 silver was eliminated entirely. Because 1964 was the only 90% silver year, it remains the most collected and most liquid Kennedy Half for stackers. For silver stackers, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is part of constitutional silver — valued primarily for its metal content rather than rarity.
Compare
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value vs Similar Coins
All 90% silver half dollars contain 0.3575 oz of silver. The difference between them is collector demand, not metal content.
Coin
Composition
Silver (oz)
Melt Value
Notes
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Valuethis coin
90% silver, 10% copper
0.3575 oz
—
—
Walking Liberty Half (1916-1947)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, higher numismatic premium
Franklin Half (1948-1963)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, slightly less collected
Kennedy Half (1965-1970)
40%
0.14792 oz
—
Less than half the silver of the 1964
Barber Half (1892-1915)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, higher collector premium
Common Questions
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value FAQ
How much silver is in a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar?
A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver. It is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper with a gross weight of 12.50 grams. This is the circulated weight used by dealers and stackers — the theoretical mint weight is slightly higher at 0.36169 oz. Dealers calculate 90% silver using a standard of 0.715 troy ounces per $1 face value, which equals 0.3575 oz per half dollar.
Why is 1964 the only 90% silver Kennedy Half Dollar?
The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters entirely and reduced the Kennedy Half Dollar from 90% to 40% silver. Rising silver prices made it uneconomical to mint 90% silver coins for circulation. 1964 was the last year before the law took effect, making it the only 90% silver Kennedy Half.
Is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar worth more than melt value?
Common date 1964 Kennedy Halves in circulated condition typically trade at or very close to melt value. Unlike Morgan Dollars, there is minimal numismatic premium for circulated examples. Uncirculated (MS65+) or proof examples can carry a premium, but for stacking purposes the melt value is the relevant price.
How do I tell if my Kennedy Half Dollar is 90% or 40% silver?
Check the date. Only 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are 90% silver. Halves dated 1965 through 1970 are 40% silver. Halves dated 1971 and later contain no silver at all. You can also check the edge — a 90% silver coin has a solid silver edge while a 40% coin shows a faint copper core.
How much is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar worth today?
The melt value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar changes with the silver spot price. At $30 silver it is worth approximately $10.73. At $35 silver approximately $12.51. At $40 silver approximately $14.30. At $80 silver approximately $28.60. Use the live calculator above for the current value based on today's spot price.
If you're tracking multiple coins, MyOunces automatically calculates your total melt value across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with live spot prices.