Numismatic

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof (Accented Hair, Spotted)

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In 1964, the United States introduced a half dollar honoring President John F. Kennedy. Produced in Philadelphia, this modern silver coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Among the proof specimens struck that year, a specific variety known to specialists as the FS-401 from the Cherrypickers Guide stands out due to its unique design details, particularly the heavily defined strands of hair above the president's ear. The obverse of the coin, designed by Gilroy Roberts, features a left-facing bust of Kennedy. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is split across the lower half of the portrait, with the date 1964 positioned at the bottom edge. On the reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, a detailed heraldic eagle clutches an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing peace and strength. The eagle is encircled by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR", alongside the traditional motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". This particular proof issue is recognized as the Accented Hair variety, representing a brief window in the very first year of the series. Out of a total proof mintage of 3,950,762, only a portion featured this initial hair rendering before the design was subtly modified, making it a highly studied piece for those who enjoy identifying minor variations in coinage.