There is no president from 20th century America that was more popular than John F. Kennedy. Elected in 1960 as the youngest man to hold the office, and the first-ever Catholic, Kennedy was immensely popular among Americans of all generations. The Silver Kennedy Half Dollar coin is now available from Harvard Gold Group.

Coin Highlights:
• Minted in 1964
• Issued a face value of $.50 (USD) backed by the United States.
• Obverse features John F. Kennedy’s portrait.
• Reverse: Displays a heraldic eagle holding a cluster of arrows and an olive branch.
• Mintage of 3,950,762 pieces.

President John F. Kennedy influenced America for more than a decade with his wonderful speaking abilities and his vision for a brighter future for the nation. However, he would serve for just two years in office before his assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.

Within hours and days of his assassination, the United States Mint hoped to put his face on one of the nation’s larger silver coins. The dollar, half-dollar, and quarter were originally targeted. US Mint Director Eva Adams reached out to Gilroy Adams, Chief Engraver of the Mint, within days for potential designs.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy played a role in her husband’s face landing on the half dollar within three months of his death. Mrs. Kennedy didn’t want to see President George Washington replaced on the quarter and thought the most appropriate replacement would be that of Benjamin Franklin on the half dollar.

By January 1964, President John F. Kennedy’s portrait was on the half dollar and in circulation. The left-profile portrait of Kennedy was created by Gilroy Roberts, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. It is accompanied by engravings of the word “Liberty” and the phrase “In God We Trust,” along with the year of issue.

The reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar is the image of the modified presidential shield. It includes the American bald eagle, as well as the traditional arrows and olive branch in the eagle’s talons.

All 90% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Coins listed here are from 1964. This is the only year in which Kennedy Half Dollar coins were struck with .900 silver content. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated the use of pure silver in circulation coins, leaving only the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with 90% silver content.

Silver Kennedy half dollars have been proven as an excellent store of value. Americans buying gas in 1964 could have purchased 1.667 gallons of gasoline for fifty cents - the face value of one of these coins. Today, these coins have a value greater than that amount of gas. The fiat dollar may buy dramatically less, but the purchasing power of silver has held up as a better form of money.

These coins are "honest" money. They have worked well to protect investors from the destruction of the fiat US dollar in the decades since politicians and central bankers abandoned the gold and silver standard that once underpinned our currency.

To ensure the safe arrival of your purchase, Harvard Gold Group ships each mailing package discreetly with security in mind. Additionally, every mailing is insured so customers will be fully compensated in the rare event that their package is damaged or goes astray in the mail. Coins in Circulated Condition come in a canvas bag, while Brilliantly Uncirculated coins come in plastic flips, rolls, or tubes. We'll provide you with a tracking number when they are ready to ship.

We encourage Harvard Gold Group customers to ask questions. Our customer service team is available to you on the phone toll-free at 844-977-GOLD, via email, or by filling out the online form.