JarSort · Inherited coin values
1964 Kennedy half dollar value
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is the last 90% silver half dollar the United States made — and the one that fills inherited jars more than any other half. It holds 0.3617 troy ounces of silver, worth $19.46 at the Oct 24, 2026 spot price of $53.80 per ounce. Circulated examples sell for $20–$22.
The three numbers that matter
Prices as of Oct 24, 2026 · Silver spot $53.80/ozt (Kitco) · Circulated, common date, problem-free, raw (uncertified) unless stated
NGC melt $19.53 on Oct 24, 2026 (3:00 PM EST) cross-checks the $19.46 figure. All figures Oct 24, 2026.
1964 vs. 1965–1970: the 40% silver trap
Only the 1964 Kennedy half is 90% silver. Halves dated 1965–1970 are 40% silver — their melt floor is $7.96, less than half of a 1964. Halves from 1971 on are copper-nickel clad and worth face value in circulation. Check the date first, then the edge: silver halves have a solid silvery edge, clad halves show a copper stripe.
When a 1964 Kennedy is worth more than $22
The $20–$22 range is for common circulated coins. These are not in that range: the 1964 Accented Hair proof variety, the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) strikes, and uncirculated or certified examples. If your half looks unusually sharp or came from a mint set, get it checked before selling it as a common coin.
No signup wall for your first coin. No AI photo recognition is claimed or used — you confirm year and mint mark yourself.