For the second year of the half dollar series, the silver content was reduced from the previous 90% to 40% purity. Other denominations would see their silver content completely removed. As the nation struggled with a coin shortage, mint marks were not utilized this year and the production of the typical proof sets and mint sets was suspended.
The 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar has a net weight of 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver, which provides premium to face value even for circulated examples. This issue can be difficult to find in higher mint state grades.
The version of the coin included in 1965 Special Mint Set will have reflective surfaces and striking characteristics that are of better quality than a typical circulation strike, but not quite up to the standards of proof coinage.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia | Special Mint Set |
| 65,879,366 | 2,360,000 |