Before releasing its 1964 Proof Sets, the United States Mint had been producing Proof coins for collectors starting in 1950. In 1965, Proof coin production was paused for three years as the Mint transitioned from silver coins to copper-nickel-clad coins. When Proof coins were reintroduced in 1968, the Mint moved production from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Assay Office (formerly known as the San Francisco Mint). From then on, Proof coins typically featured the “S” mintmark.
1964 United States Proof Set
The 1964 Proof Set was the last to be made in Philadelphia, marking the end of the 1950-1964 run. This set included one Proof coin of each denomination—from the penny to the half dollar—packaged in a soft plastic holder with individual pockets for each coin, along with an additional compartment containing a paper seal from the United States Mint.
Originally priced at $2.10, the Mint sold 3,950,762 of these sets. Today, the average value of a 1964 Proof Set is around $30.
As a single coin, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof is often graded and certified by CAC, NGC, or PCGS. Most examples earn a Proof 65 grade or higher, with a smaller number achieving the Cameo or Deep Cameo/Ultra Cameo distinctions, depending on the level of frosting on the coin’s raised designs.
According to CoinWeek’s analysis, fewer than 5% of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proofs exhibit enough frosting to be classified as Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo. These coins command the highest premiums, with PR68DCAM examples typically selling for several hundred dollars, while PR69DCAM coins can fetch $2,000 or more at auction.
A notable variety of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof shows more detailed hair above Kennedy’s ear. Coins in this variety, especially in top grades, can sell for at least five times the price of the common variety.
Regular Proof Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
The population of PCGS Proof 70 grades for the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof has been stable for over two decades, with only 31 graded PR70 as of November 2024. Interestingly, most of these coins were graded before 2003 from a single large submission, while others have been graded as PR69.
Since late 2024, there have been small increases in the numbers of PCGS PR69DCAM and NGC PF69UC coins. The CAC population remains steady.
Some notable auction results include:
- PCGS PR70 (#7722384) sold for $9,400 at Heritage Auctions in 2013.
- PCGS PR69DCAM (#71055746) fetched $2,160 in January 2025.
- PCGS PR69DCAM (#45492637) brought $5,520 at a 2022 auction.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof – Accented Hair
The “Accented Hair” variety, often called Type I, features an obverse die with more detailed hair strands near Kennedy’s ear. About 3% of the 3,950,762 coins minted show this enhanced detail, which is considered a key variety in the series.
Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens for Accented Hair
The population of PCGS PR69DCAM Accented Hair coins has increased slightly in recent months. NGC also added to its PF69UCAM population recently.
Several high-value sales for this variety include:
- PCGS PR69DCAM (#46367613) sold for $46,800 in January 2024.
- NGC PF69UCAM (#6486001-005) sold for $45,600 in December 2022.
- PCGS PR68DCAM coins have sold in the $6,000 to $19,000 range over the past few years.
Design
Obverse:
Designed by Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, the obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Kennedy adapted from his inaugural medal. The word LIBERTY arches above the portrait, with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST displayed straight across. The date 1964 appears at the bottom, and Roberts’ initials are near Kennedy’s neck.
Reverse:
Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro created the reverse based on the Seal of the President of the United States. It depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, holding an olive branch and arrows. Above the eagle is a banner with E PLURIBUS UNUM, surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. Rays, clouds, and 50 stars embellish the background. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR appear around the edges. Gasparro’s initials, FG, are located near the eagle’s legs.
Edge:
The coin has a reeded edge.
Coin Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 1964 |
| Denomination | Half Dollar (50 cents) |
| Mintmark | None (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | 3,950,762 (up to 3% with Accented Hair) |
| Alloy | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Designer | Frank Gasparro |
| Quality | Proof |
FAQs
Q1: What is a Proof coin?
A Proof coin is a specially made coin with a high-quality finish, struck using polished dies to produce sharp details and a mirror-like background.
Q2: Why were Proof coins not produced between 1965 and 1967?
The Mint paused Proof coin production during these years to switch from silver coins to copper-nickel-clad coins.
Q3: What is the difference between regular and Accented Hair 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proofs?
The Accented Hair variety shows more detailed strands of hair near Kennedy’s ear and is rarer and more valuable than the regular variety.
Q4: How valuable is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof coin today?
Values vary based on condition and variety, with some high-grade Deep Cameo coins selling for thousands of dollars, while average Proof coins usually sell for a few hundred dollars.