Coin collectors are going crazy for the 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar with the rare “Accented Hair” variety. This subtle design difference, visible only under close inspection, can turn a $20 proof set into a coin worth up to $46,000 at auction!
Let’s break down what makes this coin so special, how to identify it, and why collectors pay six figures for the finest examples.
🔍 Key Identification Features
👉 Accented Hair Diagnostic (Proof Only)
- Look just below Kennedy’s hair part.
- Normal Proof: smooth and flat with little texture.
- Accented Hair Proof: sharp, textured lines where the hair meets the forehead.
👉 Obverse Details
- Deep cameo mirror finish ❄️✨
- Struck in 90% silver at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark).
- Found only in 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollars.
🧬 Error & Variety Specifications
✅ Variety: Accented Hair Proof (FS-401)
✅ Created from an early proof die, later redesigned
✅ Scarcer than standard 1964 proof strikes
✅ Strong hairline detail + high-contrast mirrored fields
💰 Value Breakdown (2024 Market Prices)
| Grade | PCGS Value | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 CAM | $300–$500 | $600 |
| PR-67 DCAM | $1,200–$1,800 💎 | $2,100 |
| PR-69 DCAM | $4,000–$6,500 | $8,400 |
| PR-70 DCAM | RARE | 🏆 $46,000 |
📌 Record Sale: A top-graded PR-70 Deep Cameo example sold for $46,000, cementing this coin as one of the most valuable Kennedy halves in history.
🔐 5-Step Authentication Checklist
1️⃣ Hairline Check – Use a loupe or macro lens to spot extra textured lines at the hair part.
2️⃣ Proof Surface – Deep mirror-like fields with frosted devices.
3️⃣ Die Markers – Look for a weakened top bar on the “I” in LIBERTY.
4️⃣ Silver Content – Weight: 12.5 grams, composition: 90% silver / 10% copper.
5️⃣ Grading Service – Submit to PCGS or NGC for official FS-401 certification.
📈 Why This Coin Reaches $40K+
✔️ Found only in proof sets (not circulation coins)
✔️ Short-run prototype die, quickly replaced by the Mint
✔️ Early 1964 proof set inclusion = extreme rarity
✔️ Highest demand in Deep Cameo grades
💼 Selling Strategy for Collectors
🪙 Auction Houses
- Heritage’s Platinum Proof Showcase
- Stack’s Bowers U.S. Silver Spotlight
🤝 Direct Sale Channels
- Kennedy Half Dollar Collector Guild
- Deep Cameo Registry Set Buyers
🚨 Potential value: $5,000 – $50,000 depending on grade and contrast.
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