The Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the most iconic coins in American numismatics, with its production spanning over several decades.
Minted for the first time in 1964, this coin has undergone numerous changes in design, composition, and production process. Below is a detailed look at the mintages of Kennedy Half Dollars from 1964 to the present day.
Kennedy Half Dollar Mintages Overview
The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Initially struck in 90% silver, the composition of the coin changed over the years due to rising silver prices and a shift in U.S. Mint practices.
1964 Mintage Data
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar holds a significant place in coin collecting, with the first mintages issued in high numbers at both the Philadelphia and Denver mints.
- Philadelphia Mint: A total of 273,304,004 were produced.
- Denver Mint: The Denver Mint produced 156,205,446 coins.
- Proof Set: 3,950,762 coins were issued in proof format for collectors.
1965-1967 Mintage Changes
In 1965, the United States experienced a coin shortage caused by the rising price of silver.
The U.S. Mint eliminated mint marks on coins produced between 1965 and 1967 to discourage hoarding, and the composition of the Kennedy Half Dollar changed to 40% silver.
- 1965: 65,879,366 coins minted at the Philadelphia Mint.
- 1966: Production increased to 108,984,932 coins at the Philadelphia Mint.
- 1967: The highest production year of this era, with 295,046,978 coins minted.
1975-1976 Special Commemorative Issue
To mark the bicentennial of the United States, special commemorative Kennedy Half Dollars were struck in 40% silver with the dual date of 1776-1976.
- These coins were produced in both proof and business strike formats.
- Special editions were created in anticipation of high demand, with some featuring unique design elements to commemorate the historical event.
Minting Data For Later Years
After the early years of the Kennedy Half Dollar, mintages remained steady, though the coin’s composition continued to evolve and by 1971, the coin transitioned fully to a copper-nickel clad composition, and production increased in line with the nation’s coin circulation needs.
Mintage Table
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage Number | Composition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Philadelphia | 273,304,004 | 90% Silver | First Year Minted |
| 1965 | Philadelphia | 65,879,366 | 40% Silver | No Mint Marks |
| 1966 | Philadelphia | 108,984,932 | 40% Silver | No Mint Marks |
| 1970 | San Francisco | 2,632,810 | Copper-Nickel | Proof Only |
Conclusion
The Kennedy Half Dollar remains a beloved part of American coinage, with many collectors seeking out rare versions and minting errors.
Whether you’re interested in the early 90% silver coins or later issues, there’s a wide range of production numbers that influence the rarity and value of these coins today.
FAQs
What is the Kennedy Half Dollar made of?
The Kennedy Half Dollar was originally made of 90% silver in 1964 but shifted to a 40% silver content from 1965-1970, and then transitioned to copper-nickel clad from 1971 onward.
How many Kennedy Half Dollars were minted in 1964?
A total of 273,304,004 Kennedy Half Dollars were minted in 1964 at the Philadelphia Mint, along with 156,205,446 at the Denver Mint.
What is the significance of the dual date on the 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar featured a dual date of 1776-1976 to mark the bicentennial of the United States, with special editions struck in 40% silver.
Why were mint marks removed from coins between 1965-1967?
Mint marks were removed during these years to prevent hoarding, as people were melting down silver coins for their metal value rather than using them for circulation.
How can I tell if my Kennedy Half Dollar is a proof coin?
Proof coins, like those from the San Francisco Mint, have a mirror-like finish with sharp, well-defined details. They were minted specifically for collectors.
