Posted 14 years ago
kristin
(14 items)
This is the oldest JFK half dollar I could find in the collection (1964). After drooling over his handsomeness, I was able to take the picture of this vintage coin. It must not be old enough to call antique but I think 46 years is enough.
I like it! I was born in '64, and its also the last year the U.S. mint made coins that were all (or mostly) real silver. Actually, the Kennedy half dollar was the last to switch over to the new "clad sandwich" composition of (I think) copper and some othr silvery metal (?nickel). The switch was because there was a run on silver by both hoarders/investors and collectors and the mints stockpiles of silver ran down. The intrinsic value of the silver in the coins was either at or over the face value so they had to make the switch. Interestingly, the mostly-silver Kennedy dollars were produced well into 1965 but they kept the 1964 date on them as part of the switchover. So you see alot of 1964s. Its also the year everyone was reeling from Kennedy being shot. p.s. Don't call me an antique! Just vintage... :) Dave
Thanks for all that information! I tried to get some information when I found all these coins from my dad but either he got them from his mom or dad or he just kept them knowing they would be something later. I definitely wasn't calling you antique Dave, you're young. The coin seems old to me because I think of it being carried around by middle age people back then who are old now. Don't worry, I think you are young :)
Very nice coin Kristin. Kennedy half dollars have always been one of my favorite coins. The only reason I buy U.S. Mint Sets is because it's the only way I can get the newest one each year. Here is some more information about them:
The assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 created a desire to have him placed on one of our coins. The Benjamin Franklin half dollar became the obvious choice to be replaced since it was the only coin that didn't already have a former President on it. Although the law required a design to be used for 25 years before a change could be made, Franklin was replaced after only 16 years by an Act of Congress.
Within months of Kennedy’s assassination, the new half dollar was released in early 1964. The coin was so popular that everyone had to have one and they were quickly hoarded. Also, the reduction to 40% silver in half dollars the following year would make the 1964 Kennedy half dollar unique as the only regular issue (non-proof) to have a composition of 90% silver.
People must like the coin, now 40+ years later and Kennedy is still on the half dollar.
That information is great, thank you so much for adding more to my show and tell. When I was talking to my dad about his coins, he didn't have much information about them and so I showed him your comment. We both appreciate you taking a look at the coin and giving us the information! This experience has made me really enthusiastic with coin collecting myself.
How much is a coin like that worth?
50 cents.
haahaa Viking, U know condition is everything. This one hmmm, 3 maybe $4...
I was just going through a bunch of coins I bought from my son and daughter-in-law before Christmas (she works at a bank and saves silver coins she finds!)
There are about 3 dozen Kennedy half dollars. I was reading up and it says in the red book 1965 to 1970 they still had .1479 silver, compared to .36169 silver in the 1964. Then in 1971 and forward, they were nickel and copper. Now I know why one of the three 1964's I have has the copper color in the edge reeds. Interesting, thanks 'vintage' Dave!
I will give you 32.00 for 64 Kennedy half dollars . Jack
Melt value ended at $10.54 today for this coin.
Glad someone knows the values on these coins. I have recently came across several of them and am needing to place a value on them! Thanks.
Ok, so since no one "got" my joke I suppose I will have to explain it . 32.00 dollars is the exact face value x 64 . No I don't really want to buy any . I am aware of site policy , just a play on words . Jack
Hi Kristin,
I just found this site a couple weeks ago and have been busy posting items but coin collecting has been my passion for as long as you have been on this earth. If you have any questions about any U.S. coins, I'm pretty much up on them. It's one of the few things I have a "degree" in. There are some basic do's and don'ts when it comes to coins that if you want to continue with them, you should know. I have only posted one of my gold coins up to now but will try to get one posted from each 20th century denomination. If you have questions, post a comment to my "lone" coin or maybe by the time you get there, I'll have a few more up. Good luck to you as you venture into what is known as "The Hobby of Kings".
Kindest regards, Kerry
P.S. In fact I will post a "proof" example like the Franklin half you have posted now.
The coin you posted is a 1964, 90% Silver worth about $ 12.00 and up.
I found this in eBay 3 Kennedys 1964.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280861004331?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649