The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Accented Hair Proof is considered a key variety for collectors, and here’s why it stands out:

✅ First-Year Issue & Historic Significance
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was created to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in November 1963. It became a symbol of national mourning, and the public eagerly hoarded both circulating and proof versions, making it an emotionally significant coin.

✅ “Accented Hair” Design Variety
The Accented Hair variety refers to a distinctive feature on some 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollars where President Kennedy’s hair above his ear has extra lines or details, making it appear more pronounced compared to later proofs. This was part of Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts’ original design but was modified shortly after the initial proofs were struck, reportedly at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy, who felt the hair looked too “rough.”

✅ Low Survival & Scarcity
Although over 3.9 million proof coins were struck in 1964, only a fraction are the Accented Hair variety. Estimates suggest maybe 1–3% of the proofs carry this feature, making it notably scarcer than the standard Proof Kennedy Half Dollars.

✅ Easily Identifiable Markers
Collectors can identify the Accented Hair variety by:

• Heavier hair details above Kennedy’s ear.

• A missing serif on the “I” in LIBERTY (the lower left side is missing, a result of the same master die).

✅ First and Only Year of 90% Silver Kennedy Halves
1964 was the only year Kennedy Half Dollars were struck in 90% silver for circulation (later issues were 40% silver or clad). This adds appeal to the 1964 proofs, especially special varieties like the Accented Hair.

✅ Strong Collector Demand
Because it’s a first-year, limited-variety, silver proof coin with presidential and historical significance, the 1964 Accented Hair Proof is considered an essential piece for Kennedy series collectors and U.S. modern proof enthusiasts.

Summary: Why It’s Special

The 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar is prized because it’s a rare design variety from a historic, emotional moment in American history, tied to a beloved president, struck in 90% silver, and representing the original artistic vision. That combination makes it both a numismatic and sentimental favorite.