A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with a “strike through” error is a fascinating and valuable collector’s item. Strike through errors occur when a foreign object, such as a piece of metal debris or a planchet fragment, gets between the coin blank and the die during the minting process. This causes the design to be struck incompletely or distorted in the affected area, resulting in a unique, noticeable error.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is particularly interesting for error collectors since it involved an unprecedented large production run and complexity in the minting process after President Kennedy’s assassination. Strike through errors on these coins can range in size and severity, and an “enormous strike through” implies a large area of the coin’s design is affected, making the coin distinct and often more valuable than typical examples.
Such error coins remain collectible not only for their silver content (90% silver, 12.5 grams) but also because the visual uniqueness captures the interest of numismatists. Even if the coin is graded at a circulated level like AU (About Uncirculated), the presence of a significant strike through error can add premium value relative to standard coins of the same grade.
Prices for a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with a large strike through error vary depending on the extent of the error, coin grade, and market demand, but these coins have been known to sell for over $100 or more in recent auctions. For collectors, these striking mistakes offer a rare glimpse into the minting process and add excitement and variety to Kennedy Half Dollar collections.
In summary, a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with an enormous strike through error is a rare and valuable anomaly that enhances the coin’s collectibility. Its distinctive appearance and historical significance, combined with silver content, make it a desirable piece for both error collectors and Kennedy Half Dollar enthusiasts.