1965 Kennedy Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Kennedy Half Dollars Silver Clad 1965-1970 series — the first year of the series. In 1965, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 68.2 million. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below the series median of 124.3 million. The obverse features John F. Kennedy facing left, based on the presidential medal by Gilroy Roberts and the reverse displays the Presidential Seal — a heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows. Composition reduced from 90% to 40% silver. No mint marks used during the 1965-1967 transition period. Struck in 40% silver, 60% copper, weighing 11.5 grams, 30.61 mm in diameter, with a 150 reeds edge. Collectors have cataloged 22 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, doubled working hub obverse and 1 other types. Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1970 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $16 to $101 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $9.0K in MS67+ grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro.