The Ultimate Guide To The 1964 Gold Half Dollar

What is a 1964 gold half dollar?

The 1964 gold half dollar is a commemorative coin struck by the United States Mint in 1964 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.

The coin is made of 90% gold and 10% copper, and weighs 8.35 grams. It has a diameter of 30.61 millimeters. The obverse of the coin features a bust of Lincoln, while the reverse features the Lincoln Memorial.

The 1964 gold half dollar was designed by Gilroy Roberts. Roberts was a well-known sculptor and coin designer, and his work can be found on many other US coins, including the Jefferson nickel and the Kennedy half dollar.

The 1964 gold half dollar was a popular coin when it was first released, and it remains popular with collectors today. The coin is a valuable piece of Americana, and it is a great way to commemorate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

1964 gold half dollar

The 1964 gold half dollar is a commemorative coin struck by the United States Mint in 1964 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.

• Commemorative: The coin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.
• Gold: The coin is made of 90% gold and 10% copper.
• Half dollar: The coin has a face value of 50 cents.
• 1964: The coin was struck in 1964.
• Gilroy Roberts: The coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts.
• Popular: The coin was a popular coin when it was first released, and it remains popular with collectors today.

The 1964 gold half dollar is a valuable piece of Americana, and it is a great way to commemorate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The coin is also a popular collector's item, and it can be found for sale in many coin shops and online.

1. Commemorative

The 1964 gold half dollar was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. This is significant because it shows that the coin was created to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in American history. The coin is a reminder of Lincoln's contributions to the United States, including his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War and his efforts to end slavery.

• Historical Significance: The coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, highlighting the importance of his role in American history.
• Legacy and Remembrance: The coin serves as a lasting tribute to Lincoln's legacy and ensures that his contributions continue to be remembered and celebrated.
• Symbol of Unity: Lincoln's efforts to preserve the Union during the Civil War make the coin a symbol of unity and national identity.
• Anti-Slavery Symbol: Lincoln's role in ending slavery adds a powerful dimension to the coin, making it a symbol of freedom and equality.

In conclusion, the commemorative nature of the 1964 gold half dollar underscores its significance as a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln and his enduring impact on the United States.

2. Gold

The composition of the 1964 gold half dollar, consisting of 90% gold and 10% copper, holds significance for several reasons:

• Intrinsic Value: The high gold content gives the coin inherent value, making it a desirable collectible and investment.
• Durability: Gold's resistance to corrosion and wear ensures the coin's longevity, preserving its aesthetic qualities and historical significance.
• Historical Context: The use of gold in coinage has been a tradition for centuries, connecting the 1964 gold half dollar to a rich numismatic heritage.
• Artistic Appeal: The warm luster and distinctive color of gold enhance the coin's aesthetic appeal, making it visually striking and collectible.

In summary, the composition of the 1964 gold half dollar not only adds to its intrinsic value but also contributes to its durability, historical significance, and artistic appeal, making it a valuable and cherished piece of Americana.

3. Half dollar

The face value of 50 cents assigned to the 1964 gold half dollar holds significance in understanding the coin's monetary worth and historical context:

• Purchasing Power: In 1964, the purchasing power of 50 cents was relatively higher than today, making the coin a substantial amount of money at the time.
• Commemorative Value: The face value reinforces the coin's commemorative nature, as it was not intended for everyday circulation but rather to honor the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.
• Numismatic Value: The face value serves as a reference point for collectors and numismatists, helping determine the coin's worth and rarity.

Furthermore, the half dollar denomination has a rich history in American coinage, dating back to the early 19th century. The 1964 gold half dollar continues this tradition, connecting it to a broader legacy of American currency.

In conclusion, the face value of 50 cents on the 1964 gold half dollar is not merely a monetary designation but also reflects the coin's commemorative significance and its place within the historical continuum of American coinage.

4. 1964

The year 1964 holds significance in relation to the 1964 gold half dollar due to several key factors:

• Commemorative Anniversary: 1964 marked the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth, which the coin commemorates.
• Historical Context: The Civil War had ended less than a century before, and Lincoln's legacy was still fresh in the minds of Americans.
• Numismatic Significance: The coin's release in 1964 added to the series of commemorative coins honoring notable figures and events in American history.
• Economic Climate: 1964 was a period of economic growth and prosperity in the United States, contributing to the popularity of commemorative coins.

In conclusion, the year 1964 is inextricably linked to the 1964 gold half dollar, as it represents the centennial anniversary of Lincoln's birth, a time of historical reflection, and a favorable economic climate for commemorative coin collecting.

5. Gilroy Roberts

Gilroy Roberts' involvement in designing the 1964 gold half dollar is significant for several reasons:

• Artistic Vision: Roberts' design expertise and artistic vision brought the coin to life, capturing the essence of President Lincoln and the commemorative nature of the coin.
• Historical Accuracy: Roberts' attention to historical detail ensured the coin accurately represented Lincoln's likeness and the symbolism associated with his legacy.
• Legacy and Recognition: The coin's design has become synonymous with Roberts' work and is recognized for its artistic merit and historical significance.

Furthermore, Roberts' design choices played a crucial role in the coin's overall impact and popularity:

• Obverse Design: The obverse features a captivating bust of Lincoln, conveying his strength and determination.
• Reverse Design: The reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial, symbolizing his enduring legacy and the nation's gratitude.
• Symbolic Elements: Roberts incorporated symbolic elements, such as the stars representing the states and the inscription "In God We Trust," reinforcing the coin's patriotic message.

In conclusion, Gilroy Roberts' design for the 1964 gold half dollar showcases his artistic talent and contributes significantly to the coin's historical, commemorative, and aesthetic value.

6. Popular

The popularity of the 1964 gold half dollar can be attributed to several key factors that contribute to its enduring appeal among collectors:

• Commemorative Significance
  

  The coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth, making it a highly sought-after collectible for those interested in American history and numismatics.

• Artistic Design
  

  Designed by renowned sculptor Gilroy Roberts, the coin features intricate details and a classic design that appeals to collectors of all levels.

• Limited Mintage
  

  With a mintage of just over 1.5 million coins, the 1964 gold half dollar is relatively scarce, adding to its desirability among collectors.

• Intrinsic Value
  

  The coin's composition of 90% gold gives it inherent value, making it an attractive investment for collectors and investors alike.

In conclusion, the 1964 gold half dollar's popularity stems from its historical significance, artistic design, scarcity, and intrinsic value, solidifying its status as a cherished collectible among numismatists and history enthusiasts.

FAQs about the 1964 Gold Half Dollar

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the 1964 gold half dollar, providing concise and informative answers to common queries and misconceptions.

Question 1: What is the significance of the 1964 gold half dollar?

Answer: The 1964 gold half dollar was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth, making it a significant collectible for those interested in American history and numismatics.

Question 2: Who designed the 1964 gold half dollar?

Answer: The coin was designed by renowned sculptor Gilroy Roberts, known for his intricate and classic designs that have graced many US coins.

Question 3: How many 1964 gold half dollars were minted?

Answer: The 1964 gold half dollar has a mintage of just over 1.5 million coins, making it a relatively scarce collectible.

Question 4: What is the composition of the 1964 gold half dollar?

Answer: The coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, giving it a distinctive golden luster and intrinsic value.

Question 5: Why is the 1964 gold half dollar so popular among collectors?

Answer: The popularity of the 1964 gold half dollar stems from its historical significance, scarcity, artistic design, and intrinsic value, making it a sought-after collectible for numismatists and history enthusiasts.

In summary, the 1964 gold half dollar is a valuable and historically significant coin that continues to captivate collectors with its unique design, commemorative nature, and enduring legacy.

Transition to the next article section: For further exploration of this fascinating coin, please refer to the comprehensive resources provided in the next section.

Conclusion

The 1964 gold half dollar stands as a testament to the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and the enduring power of commemorative coinage. Its historical significance, artistic design, scarcity, and intrinsic value have solidified its place among the most sought-after collectibles for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.

This comprehensive exploration of the 1964 gold half dollar has provided insights into its historical context, design elements, production details, and enduring popularity. As we reflect on the legacy of President Lincoln and the significance of this commemorative coin, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage and honoring the contributions of those who have shaped our nation's history.

The 1964 gold half dollar serves not only as a valuable collectible but also as a tangible reminder of the enduring spirit of unity, perseverance, and the pursuit of a more perfect Union.