To determine the value of a 1964 Kennedy coin, it is first necessary to clarify its denomination. The coin issued in 1964 featuring President John F. Kennedy is a half dollar, not a dollar. The provided search result sources from Greysheet and NGCoin both correctly identify the coin as the "Kennedy Half Dollar," confirming its face value of 50 cents. While these sources are authoritative price guides, the specific context provided does not include numerical values, so a general valuation based on established numismatic principles is required.
The worth of a 1964 Kennedy half dollar is primarily determined by two factors: its intrinsic bullion value and its numismatic, or collectible, value. The 1964 issue is distinct from later Kennedy half dollars because it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Consequently, its base value is tied to its silver content, which is approximately 0.36169 troy ounces. This "melt value" fluctuates daily with the spot price of silver. For most circulated examples that show signs of wear, the value will be closely tied to this bullion price.
The numismatic value, which can be significantly higher than the melt value, depends almost entirely on the coin's condition, or grade. Coins that never entered circulation and remain in pristine, uncirculated condition command a premium from collectors. This value increases substantially with higher grades on the numismatic grading scale. For example, a coin graded as Mint State 65 (MS-65) is worth considerably more than one graded Mint State 63 (MS-63). The coin's mint of origin, indicated by a mint mark, can also influence value in higher grades; business strike coins were produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark). Additionally, special proof versions were struck for collectors and can have higher values, with certain rare varieties like the "Accented Hair" proof commanding a very significant premium.
