1964 Kennedy Half Dollars- Unveiling the Truth About Their 90% Silver Content

Are all 1964 Kennedy half dollars 90 silver? This question often comes up among collectors and enthusiasts of the classic U.S. coinage. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is a popular coin among collectors due to its historical significance and the fact that it contains a high percentage of silver. Let’s delve into the details to determine if all 1964 Kennedy half dollars are indeed composed of 90% silver.

The Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964 to commemorate the centennial of the birth of President John F. Kennedy. It was minted in both 90% silver and clad compositions. The 90% silver coins were minted from 1964 to 1969, while the clad coins, which contain no silver, were introduced in 1971.

The 90% silver Kennedy half dollars are highly sought after by collectors due to their silver content, which makes them valuable beyond their face value. The silver content of these coins is 0.36169 ounces, which is equivalent to 361.69 grains of pure silver. This high silver content makes the 1964 Kennedy half dollar a valuable piece for collectors and investors alike.

So, are all 1964 Kennedy half dollars 90 silver? The answer is no. While the coins minted from 1964 to 1969 contain 90% silver, there are some exceptions. The U.S. Mint produced a limited number of silver proof sets in 1964, which included a 90% silver Kennedy half dollar. However, the regular circulation strikes of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar are not 90% silver.

The reason for the non-silver circulation strikes lies in the government’s decision to reduce the silver content of coins due to the rising cost of silver. In 1965, the U.S. Mint began producing Kennedy half dollars with a clad composition, which consists of copper and nickel. These clad coins are still minted today and have no silver content.

In conclusion, not all 1964 Kennedy half dollars are 90 silver. The coins minted from 1964 to 1969 contain 90% silver, but the regular circulation strikes of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar are not silver. Collectors who are interested in owning a 90% silver Kennedy half dollar should look for the coins that were produced as part of the proof sets or special collector editions.