The Kennedy half dollar was issued in 1964 to commemorate the life and service of President John F. Kennedy who was killed in office on November 22, 1963 the prior year. The initial proof issue was struck with significant accents in the hair of Kennedy above the ear. Shortly after striking the initial coins, the dies were modified to remove some of the accent detail in Kennedy's hair (reportedly at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy, although possibly to simply improve production quality of the coin). It is estimated that only 1% to 3% of the total 1964 proof mintage is of the initial Accent Hair variety. This example is the Double Die Obverse (DDO) variety VP-003. Among the varieties of the Accent Hair half dollar, the VP-003 is quite rare, with only eight examples graded by NGC. This example is a beautiful PF65 grade. The obverse shows distinct doubling in the motto, as well as the characteristic marks of the Accent Hair type.
More information about the Kennedy Accent Hair variety is available in our blog:
Identifying an Accent Hair 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof - Nustoria
Proof Mintage: 3,950,762 (estimated Accent Hair strikes: 40,000 - 120,000)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm
Designer: Gilroy Roberts
