1966 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in a composition which included 40% silver. The net weight of pure silver within each coin is 0.1479 troy ounces, resulting in a premium to face value even for circulated examples of the issue. Accumulations of the coins may be sold as 40% junk silver.
The circulation strike coins had a mintage of 108,984,932 pieces and were struck without the use of mint marks. Despite the high mintage, these coins can be difficult to find in higher mint state grades. Incredibly, there are fewer than ten pieces that have graded MS67 or higher at PCGS and NGC.
In addition to the coins issued for circulation, the US Mint produced collector versions of the coin for inclusion in special mint sets. These coins have sharper strikes and reflective surfaces. Finding SMS examples with cameo or deep cameo contrast is uncommon, and these pieces will be prized by collectors.
1966 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 108,984,932
SMS Mintage: 2,261,583
Mint Marks: none
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper
Weight: 11.50 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm
1964-1969 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964, closely following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The new half dollar design cut short the life of the prior Franklin Half Dollar, which had not yet run through its required 25 year stint.For the initial year of release for the new series, the coins were struck in a composition of 90% silver. In the following years, the silver content of the coin was reduced. A composition of 40% silver was used for half dollars issued from 1965 to 1969. The silver content was completely phased out of the denomination starting in 1971.
Despite high mintages for the half dollars of this date range, superb gem examples graded MS67 or higher are difficult to find and command strong premiums. For the proof and special mint set issues of this era, coins are desirable and rare with deep cameo or ultra cameo finishes.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin 1964 Accented Hair Variety Kennedy Half Dollar
1968 Kennedy Half Dollar 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar