Intrigued by the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D? Its captivating history and unique characteristics make it a prized possession among collectors.
Minted in 1964, the Kennedy half dollar D bears the visage of President John F. Kennedy on its obverse, while the reverse features the majestic American bald eagle. The "D" mint mark signifies its production at the Denver Mint.
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D holds significance for several reasons. Firstly, it was the first year of issue for the Kennedy half dollar, making it a highly sought-after coin. Secondly, its relatively low mintage of 180,510,000 pieces contributes to its rarity. Lastly, the coin's silver content (40%) adds to its value.
Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a worthy addition to any collection. Its historical significance, rarity, and inherent beauty make it a timeless treasure.
Main Article Topics:
- History of the Kennedy half dollar
- Design and symbolism of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D
- Collecting and valuing the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar D
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a significant coin in American numismatics. Key aspects to consider include:
- First year of issue: The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was the first year of issue for the Kennedy half dollar series, making it highly collectible.
- Low mintage: With a mintage of only 180,510,000 pieces, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is relatively scarce.
- Silver content: The coin contains 40% silver, adding to its value and desirability.
- Denver Mint: The "D" mint mark indicates that the coin was produced at the Denver Mint.
- Commemorative: The Kennedy half dollar was issued to commemorate President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.
- Iconic design: The coin features a portrait of President Kennedy on the obverse and the American bald eagle on the reverse, making it visually appealing.
These aspects contribute to the significance and collectibility of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D. Its historical importance, rarity, silver content, and beautiful design make it a prized possession among collectors.
1. First year of issue
The significance of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is inextricably linked to its status as the first year of issue for the Kennedy half dollar series. This inaugural release holds immense importance among collectors, as it marks the inception of a new era in American coinage.
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced to replace the Franklin half dollar, which had been in circulation since 1948. The new coin featured a portrait of President John F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated in 1963. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was a fitting tribute to the fallen president and quickly became a popular collector's item.
The high collectibility of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is further enhanced by its relatively low mintage. With only 180,510,000 pieces produced, this coin is scarcer than many other Kennedy half dollars. This scarcity adds to its value and desirability, making it a prized possession for numismatists.
In summary, the connection between the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D being the first year of issue and its high collectibility is undeniable. This inaugural release, coupled with its low mintage, has solidified the coin's status as a valuable and sought-after piece in the world of numismatics.
2. Low mintage
The low mintage of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a significant factor contributing to its scarcity and value. The mintage, which refers to the number of coins produced, plays a crucial role in determining the rarity and collectibility of a coin.
The relatively low mintage of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D can be attributed to several factors. One possible reason is the transition from the Franklin half dollar to the Kennedy half dollar in 1964. The Denver Mint, denoted by the "D" mint mark, may have produced fewer Kennedy half dollars during the initial year of issue due to the changeover in production.
The scarcity of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D has several implications. Firstly, it enhances the coin's collectibility. Coins with lower mintages are generally more sought after by collectors, as they are perceived as rarer and more valuable. Secondly, the low mintage contributes to the coin's premium value. Scarcer coins typically command higher prices in the numismatic market.
In summary, the low mintage of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a key factor that contributes to its scarcity and value. This scarcity makes the coin highly sought after by collectors and numismatists, resulting in a premium value in the market.
3. Silver content
The silver content of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a significant factor that contributes to its value and desirability among collectors and numismatists.
The inclusion of 40% silver in the coin's composition provides several advantages. Firstly, silver is a precious metal with intrinsic value, which adds to the overall worth of the coin. Secondly, silver coins often carry a premium value due to their scarcity and historical significance. Thirdly, the silver content enhances the coin's aesthetic appeal, giving it a lustrous and visually pleasing appearance.
The use of silver in the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is not only a practical decision but also a symbolic one. Silver has long been associated with wealth, prosperity, and prestige. By incorporating silver into the coin's composition, the United States Mint imbued the Kennedy half dollar with a sense of value and importance.
In summary, the silver content of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a crucial element that adds to its value, desirability, and historical significance. The presence of 40% silver not only enhances the coin's intrinsic worth but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal and collectible nature.
4. Denver Mint
The Denver Mint, denoted by the "D" mint mark, played a pivotal role in the production of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar.
- Production Facility: The Denver Mint is one of the two main production facilities for United States coinage, along with the Philadelphia Mint. It has been responsible for producing a significant portion of the nation's coins since its establishment in 1906.
- Historical Significance: The Denver Mint has a rich history in the production of commemorative and circulation coins. It has produced coins for various events, including the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, which was issued to honor the late President John F. Kennedy.
- Coinage Output: The Denver Mint is responsible for producing a substantial number of Kennedy half dollars, including the 1964 issue. The "D" mint mark on the coin indicates that it was struck at the Denver facility, adding to its historical significance and collectibility.
- Collector Value: Coins produced at the Denver Mint often carry a premium value among collectors. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is no exception, as its provenance from the Denver Mint enhances its desirability and collectible nature.
In summary, the Denver Mint played a significant role in the production of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D. The "D" mint mark on the coin serves as a testament to its origin and contributes to its historical significance and collector value.
5. Commemorative
The issuance of the Kennedy half dollar in 1964 was closely tied to the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. This commemorative aspect is an integral component of the coin's identity and significance, adding to its historical and collectible value.
The decision to create a commemorative coin honoring President Kennedy was a fitting tribute to his legacy and the profound impact he had on the nation. The Kennedy half dollar became a symbol of remembrance and a tangible way for the public to honor the late president.
The commemorative nature of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is not merely a historical footnote; it is a vital aspect that contributes to its collectibility and value. Collectors and enthusiasts recognize the significance of this coin as a commemorative piece, making it a sought-after item in the numismatic market.
In summary, the connection between the commemorative nature of the Kennedy half dollar and the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is inseparable. The coin's issuance as a tribute to President Kennedy adds to its historical importance, collectibility, and value, making it a cherished piece among collectors and enthusiasts.
6. Iconic design
The iconic design of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a significant factor that contributes to its popularity and collectibility.
- Portrait of President Kennedy: The obverse of the coin features a captivating portrait of President John F. Kennedy, capturing his likeness and embodying the legacy of his presidency. This design element adds historical significance and emotional appeal to the coin.
- American bald eagle: The reverse of the coin showcases the majestic American bald eagle, a symbol of strength, freedom, and national pride. The intricate details and soaring posture of the eagle enhance the coin's visual appeal and patriotic sentiment.
- Artistic execution: The overall design of the Kennedy half dollar, created by Gilroy Roberts, is a testament to artistic excellence. The combination of the Kennedy portrait and the American bald eagle creates a harmonious and visually striking composition.
- Timeless appeal: The iconic design of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D has stood the test of time, remaining popular and recognizable decades after its initial release. Its timeless aesthetic continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts.
In summary, the iconic design of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D, featuring the portrait of President Kennedy and the American bald eagle, contributes to its historical significance, visual appeal, and enduring popularity among collectors.
FAQs about the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar D
This section addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions surrounding the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D, providing clear and informative answers.
Question 1: What is the significance of the "D" mint mark on the 1964 Kennedy half dollar?
The "D" mint mark indicates that the coin was produced at the Denver Mint, one of the two main production facilities for United States coinage. This mint mark adds to the historical significance and collector value of the coin.
Question 2: Why is the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D relatively scarce compared to other Kennedy half dollars?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D has a relatively low mintage of only 180,510,000 pieces. This scarcity contributes to its higher value and desirability among collectors.
Question 3: What is the silver content of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D contains 40% silver, giving it intrinsic value and enhancing its desirability. Silver coins often carry a premium value due to their scarcity and historical significance.
Question 4: Why was the Kennedy half dollar created?
The Kennedy half dollar was issued in 1964 to commemorate President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The coin serves as a tribute to his legacy and the impact he had on the nation.
Question 5: What is the significance of the design elements on the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D?
The obverse of the coin features a portrait of President Kennedy, symbolizing his presidency and legacy. The reverse depicts the American bald eagle, representing strength, freedom, and national pride. These design elements contribute to the coin's historical significance and visual appeal.
Summary: The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D is a significant coin due to its low mintage, silver content, commemorative nature, and iconic design. These factors contribute to its value, desirability, and popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.
Transition to the next article section: Delving into the numismatic value and grading of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D...
Conclusion
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar D stands as a significant numismatic piece, embodying historical importance, rarity, and aesthetic appeal. Its low mintage, silver content, commemorative nature, and iconic design contribute to its value and desirability among collectors.
The legacy of President John F. Kennedy and the symbolism of the American bald eagle are forever intertwined with this coin, making it a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in United States history. Whether viewed as a historical artifact or a collectible treasure, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar D remains a captivating piece that continues to fascinate and intrigue.
