The Value of the 24kt Gold Kennedy Half Dollar

Introduction

The Kennedy Half-Dollar Collection with Platinum and Gold Highlights is a stunning and valuable collectible. Minted by the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, these 24KT gold-plated JFK Kennedy Half Dollar coins are truly exceptional. The Merrick Mint utilizes a genuine process to enhance the original design with 24KT gold plating, resulting in an industry-leading, everlasting coin of the highest quality. Each coin features a portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse, and a modified version of the presidential seal on the reverse. These coins are not only beautiful collectibles but are also authentic U.S. legal tender. Each coin comes with a Full Color 2-sided Authenticity Certificate and is packaged in an acrylic coin container.

What is the Value of the 24kt Gold Kennedy Half Dollar?

The value of the 24kt Gold Kennedy Half Dollar is approximately $1250. Each coin is struck in 3/4 of a troy ounce of 24 karats (99.99% pure) gold with a proof finish, making it a specially issued commemorative coin to mark the 50th anniversary of the series. With a diameter of 1.205 inches (30.61 mm) and a thickness of 0.085 inches (2.16 mm), these coins match the specifications of a standard half dollar.

Initially priced at $1,240 each upon release in 2014, the current market price for these coins ranges from as low as $900 to as high as $1350. The value of the coin is linked to the current price of gold as well.

The Story behind the Kennedy Half Dollar

On November 22, 1963, shortly after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Mint began planning to create a coin in his honor. Mint engravers worked diligently to design a new fifty-cent coin featuring the President’s likeness on the obverse side and the Presidential Seal on the reverse. On December 30, 1963, President Johnson approved the design, and minting began shortly after. For over 50 years, the Kennedy Half Dollar has served as a collectible tribute to President Kennedy’s life and accomplishments.

The Design of the Kennedy Half Dollar

The design process for the Kennedy Half Dollar involved the expertise of Gilroy Roberts, the Mint’s Chief Engraver at the time. Roberts worked tirelessly to create a profile sculpture of President Kennedy for the obverse side and a revised Presidential Seal sculpture by Gasparro for the reverse. The final design, with minor adjustments over the years, has remained relatively unchanged for the past five decades. The Mint has produced approximately 4.1 billion Kennedy Half Dollars since 1964, many of which have become treasured items in coin collections. It’s worth noting that a significant number of 1964-dated coins were melted down in the 1970s due to high silver prices.

Circulation of the Kennedy Half Dollar

Just four months after President Kennedy’s tragic death, on March 24, 1964, the Treasury released the first Kennedy Half Dollar coins to the public. Customers eagerly lined up outside banks across the country to get their hands on this new currency. Initially, the Treasury intended to sell only 40 coins per person due to the expected high demand. However, by midday, the initial supply of 70,000 Kennedy Half Dollars had been depleted.

To meet the overwhelming demand, the Mint swiftly increased its production goal from 90 million to 140 million or even 160 million coins. Yet, Americans continued to purchase Kennedy Half Dollars as fast as the Mint could produce them. Congress granted special permission for the Mint to mint 1964-dated coins throughout 1965, resulting in a total of 410 million coins.

In 1965, due to the depletion of the government’s silver hoard caused by the extensive minting of Kennedy Half Dollars, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965. This act authorized the production of silver “clad” coins with copper cores. The silver content of Kennedy Half Dollars decreased from 90% to 40% starting with 1965-dated pieces. Silver usage was completely discontinued in 1971, except for certain commemorative editions.

Conclusion

The enduring popularity of the Kennedy Half Dollar is a testament to the lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy and the timeless beauty of the coin itself. Recognizing its appeal primarily as a collectible item, the Mint reduced its production of the currency in 2002 to meet the demands of collectors.

Today, the Kennedy Half Dollar coins are exclusively offered to collectors through the Mint, with prices marked above their face value of fifty cents. In 2014, the Mint released a special edition proof coin made with pure gold, along with several additional versions to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar. Just like in 1964, the demand for the new gold coin quickly exceeded its supply, and the Mint halted sales after just three days.

If you’re interested in collecting this beautiful coin, it’s not only a valuable investment but a piece of history that captures the spirit of President Kennedy’s incredible legacy.

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