Following President Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, there was a national outpouring of grief and a desire to honor his legacy.
What distinguishes the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar from other coins of its era is its composition.
Unlike its predecessors, which were made of 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
This change in composition was a result of the Coinage Act of 1965, which reduced the silver content in most U.S. coins due to a silver shortage.
Additionally, the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar bears a one-year-only design, featuring a portrait of President Kennedy on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse.
The design was created by Gilroy Roberts, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and Frank Gasparro, Assistant Engraver.
This distinctive design further enhances the coin's appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.