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Identifying an Accent Hair 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof

Identifying an Accent Hair 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof

Posted by Carl Hahn on 27th Nov 2020

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 – known as the Accent Hair variety. 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). There were 3,950,762 Kennedy proof half dollars minted in 1964 – the first year of issue. It is estimated that only 1% to 3% of the total 1964 proof mintage is of the initial Accent Hair variety (estimated Accent Hair strikes: 40,000 - 120,000). Not surprisingly, the Accent Hair proofs command a significant premium relative to the regular strike.

Both the Accent Hair strike and the regular strike are shown below. Despite their similarities at first glance, identification of the Accent Hair type is straightforward upon closer observation.

There are four primary points that differentiate the Accent Hair variety from the regular strike. First, of course, is the accentuated hair detail for which the Accent Hair variety is known. This is most obvious directly above the ear where the heavily accented hair makes a wishbone like design. The wishbone is absent in the regular strike, as is some of the hair detail above it at the part line of Kennedy’s hair.

The second differentiating feature between the Accent Hair strike and the regular strike is found in the “LIBERTY” motto on the obverse (face) of the coin. The “I” in “LIBERTY” on the Accent Hair strike has a truncated serif on the lower left edge of the letter, while the regular strike has a full serif on the “I”.

The third differentiating feature between the Accent hair and regular strike is found on the reverse face of the coin. The rays that emanate from behind the eagle and radiate up through the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” banner on the right side have noticeable weakness, and in some cases gaps near the stars and banner on the Accent Hair strike, while the regular strike displays strong, complete rays.

The final prominent differentiating feature between the Accent Hair strike and the regular strike are the initials “FG” on the reverse below the eagle wing. On the Accent Hair strike, the “G” has a straight arm on the right side that does not end in a serif, while in the regular strike the “G” terminates in a serif that appears to make the “G” tilt out slightly.

The 1964 Kennedy half dollar proof is a beautiful coin and is generally available in high grade. With a little perserverance and some luck, you too may uncover a premium Accent Hair variety hiding in an old 1964 proof set.  Happy hunting!

Nustoria offers Kennedy half dollars here: Coins - Half Dollars - Kennedy Half Dollars (1964 - date) - Nustoria