The Kennedy half dollar is more than a circulating coin. Between 1964 and 1970, silver varieties of the Kennedy half changed how Americans collected coins. This article explains the major silver varieties, how to identify them, and why they matter to collectors and investors.
Overview of Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties
When the Kennedy half dollar debuted in 1964 it was struck in 90% silver. That original issue, plus later 40% silver struck from 1965 to 1970, produced multiple collectible varieties. These differences include business strikes, proofs, Special Mint Sets (SMS), and identifiable error or die varieties.
Collectors focus on metal content, mint origin, strike quality, and die work. Those factors created new demand and helped spark modern interest in numismatics.
Why These Varieties Rewrote Coin Collecting History
Two changes made the Kennedy silver halves pivotal for collectors. First, the immediate demand and hoarding of the 1964 90% silver halves highlighted how quickly circulation and collecting could diverge.
Second, the Mint changed silver content and minting practices from 1965 to 1970. That transition introduced distinct sub-types that were attractive to collectors and encouraged specialty collecting by year, mint, and finish.
Key historical shifts to watch
- 1964: 90% silver business strikes and proofs introduced the series.
- 1965–1970: 40% silver composition replaced 90% and mint marks were temporarily removed (1965–1967).
- 1965–1967: Special Mint Sets (SMS) were issued with a unique satin finish and higher strike quality.
- 1971 onward: copper-nickel clad composition replaced silver, ending the silver-era varieties.
Common Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties and How to Identify Them
Use simple visual and weight checks to sort silver varieties from clad coins. A digital scale and a magnet are quick first tools. Silver pieces have a different sound and weight compared with copper-nickel clad halves.
Major varieties
- 1964 90% Silver Business Strikes: Regular circulation strikes made at Philadelphia and Denver. Look for mint marks (D) on Denver pieces.
- 1964 Proofs: Struck at San Francisco with mirror fields and sharp details. Proofs often show cameo contrast.
- 1965–1967 40% Silver Special Mint Sets (SMS): Satin-finish pieces with superior strikes and no mint marks. These were not proofs but are collectible for their finish and scarcity.
- 1965–1970 40% Silver Business Strikes: Circulation coins with lighter silver content; 1968–1970 include restored mint marks.
- Die varieties and errors: Doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and die cracks appear across dates. These errors can substantially affect value.
Practical Steps to Authenticate and Grade Varieties
Identifying a variety accurately requires a step-by-step approach. Use these checks before assuming rarity or value.
- Weigh the coin. Silver halves have distinct weight ranges: 1964 (90% silver) vs 1965–1970 (40% silver).
- Inspect for mint marks and finish. SMS and proof finishes are visually distinct from business strikes.
- Check for common error indicators: doubling, die cracks, or repunched mint marks.
- Consult reference guides or online databases for die varieties with photos for comparison.
- When in doubt, get a professional opinion from a reputable grading service.
The 1964 Kennedy half was issued just weeks after President Kennedy’s assassination. Public demand and hoarding of the 90% silver 1964 halves were so intense that many coins disappeared from circulation within months.
Common Questions Collectors Ask
Collectors often want to know which silver varieties are worth the most and which are safest to invest in. Value depends on rarity, condition, and collector demand rather than simply silver content.
- Are all 1964 halves silver? Yes — 1964 business strikes and proofs were 90% silver.
- Are 1965–1970 halves silver? Yes — but they are 40% silver, a different composition and collectible category.
- What makes SMS pieces special? The satin finish and controlled striking make them look different from both proofs and regular strikes.
Short Case Study: How a Simple Variety Added Value
A local collector purchased an unmarked 1966 Kennedy half from an estate lot. On closer inspection, the coin displayed a sharp, satiny strike unlike common circulation pieces. Research showed it matched known SMS characteristics for 1966.
The collector submitted the coin to a grading service and received a mid-grade certification as an SMS-type piece. The certified coin attracted interest from specialty collectors and sold for considerably more than typical 1966 business strikes. The key was correct identification and certification.
Practical Tips for New Collectors
Start with a few focused goals, such as collecting all silver-issued dates, proofs, or SMS finishes. This narrows the learning curve and increases your ability to spot meaningful varieties.
- Buy reference books or use reputable online catalogs with high-resolution photos.
- Acquire a loupe (10x), a small scale, and a good light source.
- Join a local club or online forum to compare notes and confirm identifications.
- When considering high-value purchases, ask for third-party grading or a professional opinion.
Understanding different silver Kennedy half dollar varieties helps collectors make informed choices. From 1964’s 90% silver strikes to the 40% silver SMS pieces of the late 1960s, these coins reshaped collecting habits and remain essential pieces in American numismatics.