The value of a 1964 Kennedy half dollar is determined by two primary factors: its intrinsic bullion value derived from its silver content and its numismatic value, which is based on its condition and rarity. The provided sources, Greysheet and the NGC Coin Explorer, are authoritative references for determining such values, though the specific price data is not included in the snippets.
All 1964 Kennedy half dollars were struck from a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them a significant base value tied directly to the fluctuating spot price of silver. This "melt value" represents the minimum worth of the coin, and even heavily worn or circulated examples will be worth at least this amount. As the price of silver changes, so does the base value of the coin.
Beyond its silver content, the coin's numismatic or collectible value is dictated by its physical condition, known as its grade. A circulated 1964 half dollar, showing signs of wear from use, will typically trade for a price very close to its silver melt value. However, an uncirculated coin that has been preserved in its original mint state will command a premium. The value increases substantially with higher grades on the numismatic scale (e.g., Mint State 65 or higher), as these pristine examples are much scarcer. While both the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver ('D' mint mark) issues from 1964 were produced in large quantities, exceptionally well-preserved specimens can be worth significantly more to collectors.
