CoinWeek Giveaway # 644 Sponsored by…1964 Kennedy Half Dollar NGC PF 68★ Rick Tomaska Signature

Few modern U.S. coins carry the emotional force of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. The United States Mint introduced the design only months after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963. As a result, Americans greeted the new half dollar as more than pocket change.

This CoinWeek Giveaway #644 prize captures that moment in Superb Gem Proof quality. It also adds two important collector features: the NGC Star designation and the Rick Tomaska Signature Series Aspiration label.

A Proof Born From National Mourning

The Kennedy Half Dollar replaced the Franklin Half Dollar with remarkable speed. Mint Director Eva Adams contacted Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts soon after Kennedy’s death. Then, Roberts adapted Kennedy’s portrait from the Mint’s earlier presidential medal. Meanwhile, Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro prepared the reverse, which draws from the Presidential Seal.

Congress approved the new half dollar on December 30, 1963. Soon after, the Mint began production for 1964. Many people saved the pieces as memorial objects rather than spending them. That habit helped define the Kennedy half dollar from its first year.

Why the 1964 Proof Matters

The Philadelphia Mint struck 3,950,762 Proof Kennedy Half Dollars for 1964. Each coin came in the annual Proof Set. More importantly, each example used the original 90% silver and 10% copper alloy.

That silver content matters. In 1965, the Mint reduced the half dollar’s silver content to 40%. Then, in 1971, standard half dollars moved to copper-nickel clad. Therefore, the 1964 issue remains the only year in which all regular Kennedy Half Dollars, including Proofs and business strikes, used the classic 90% silver standard.

Proof coins also tell a different story than circulation strikes. The Mint made them for collectors. They show mirrored fields, sharp detail, and a special finish. A PF 68 grade places this coin near the top of the 70-point scale.

The NGC Star Advantage

NGC also awarded this coin its Star designation. That symbol does not raise the numeric grade. Instead, it identifies a coin with exceptional eye appeal for the grade.

For a Proof Kennedy half dollar, eye appeal can come from deep mirrors, strong frost, attractive contrast, or pleasing surfaces. In other words, the Star gives collectors a quick signal. It says this PF 68 example stands out visually.

The Rick Tomaska Connection

This coin also carries the Rick Tomaska Signature Series Aspiration label. Tomaska has built a major reputation through his work on Franklin and Kennedy half dollars. He authored A Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars, and collectors know his focus on cameo contrast and superior Proof quality.

Therefore, his signature label adds a strong specialty pedigree. It links the coin to one of the best-known modern half dollar specialists in the hobby.

A Classic Silver Proof With Modern Eye Appeal

This 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar offers history, silver, beauty, and pedigree in one compact prize. It recalls a defining American moment. Moreover, it represents the first year of a series that still attracts collectors today.

For Giveaway #644, CoinWeek offers a proof coin with the right story and the right look. Enter for your chance to win this 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar NGC PF 68★ with Rick Tomaska Signature Series Aspiration label.

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Entries into our Contest are accepted from June 6th until 8 AM on Saturday June 13th, 2026

Links to Entry Forms,  Extra Entry Options and Terms are Below

The CoinWeek Giveaway is open to all US Citizens 18 yrs and older. Just submit your Email Address into the Entry Form – CLICK HERE, and you will recieve One entry into the Giveaway. Good luck and enjoy the contest! Get up to 6 Extra Entries into this week’s Giveaway……. Follow the Links below. NOTE: ALL Entry pages and Options links  OPEN in new windows, so once you have finished your entry, just close the tab and you will return to this Main Giveaway Page to continue selecting additional Entry opportunities !

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To see a list of the Names and states of most of the Past Winners of the CoinWeek Givaway , along with the coins and paper money that has have given away. For over 11 years CoinWeek has held the free coin giveaway weekly, bring new classic and interesting Ancient, World and US Coins and currency to our readers. Click Here to view the list

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