The Kennedy Half Dollar was first made in 1964. It is now a popular coin among fans, and some very rare examples sell for very high prices. Collectors may need to know how much Kennedy Half Dollars are worth because some coins are worth a lot more than their face value because they were made in very small numbers or because they have special flaws. We will talk about the five rarest and most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars in this piece. We will also talk about the important qualities that make them valuable.
History of the Kennedy Half Dollar
Between 1961 and 1963, John F. Kennedy, who is often just called “JFK,” was president of the United States. Kennedy half dollars were made by the U.S. Mint in March 1964, just a few months after he was killed in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. Read on to find out more about the 2025 most expensive Kennedy half dollars.
What Makes Kennedy Half Dollars Valuable?
People in the United States really love Kennedy half dollar coins, as expected. While there are other half dollar coins in the U.S., these ancient silver coins stand out. Kennedy half dollars are valuable for many reasons, such as their historical value, the silver they contain, and the fact that some important times or types are hard to find. Coins made between 1964 and 1970 are highly sought after by fans because they are 90% or 40% silver. Due to their scarcity, certain types, like the 1964 Proof Accented Hair or the 1970-D (the last year of 40% silver), are very sought after. Also, error coins, low-mintage coins, and coins in great shape, like those rated highly by expert grading services, can fetch large premiums. Because they were linked to President John F. Kennedy, they have emotional and historical value that makes them even more appealing to fans.
How to Identify Rare Kennedy Half Dollars
To find rare Kennedy half dollars, you need to pay close attention to certain dates, mint marks, types, and mistakes. Here’s a full breakdown:
- 1964 Proof Accented Hair: This is a rare type of the first-year Kennedy Half Dollar Proof. It can be told apart from other types by the extra detail in Kennedy’s hair above his ear and the “I” in LIBERTY not having a serif. Because these were changed so quickly, the original form is now hard to find, and fans want it.
- 1970-D: Rare and only found in mint sets, this is one of the most important numbers in the series. It was the last Kennedy half dollar that had 40% silver in it, which makes it more valuable.
- 1998-S Matte Proof: This coin is one of two that were made to honor the Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar. It has a unique finish and was only minted in 62,000 pieces, which makes it very valuable.
Bugs and Different Types:
- 1964-D Double Die Obverse: The picture on the front of this coin is doubled, and you can see it most clearly in the letters “LIBERTY” and the date. This kind of increase adds a lot of value.
- 1974-D Double Die Obverse: The saying “IN GOD WE TRUST” is doubled, which can make the coin worth a lot more.
- Missing Designer Letters (No FG): The “FG” letters of designer Frank Gasparro are missing from some coins, like some 1966 and 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollars. They are hidden below the eagle on the face. These mistakes are very valuable to collectors.
- Low Mintage or High Grade: High-grade coins that were only made in small numbers, like the 1965–1967 Special Mint Set coins, can be worth a lot of money. Also, coins rated MS67 or higher, especially from times that aren’t very popular with collectors, often sell for a lot more than they’re worth.
- Silver Content: Any Kennedy half dollar from 1964 (90% silver) or 1965–1970 (40% silver) is valuable because it is made of metal, and coins that are in better shape can fetch higher prices.
To tell the difference between rare Kennedy half dollars, use a coin loupe or magnifying glass to see small features. For key finds, get them authenticated and certified by a professional coin grading service.
What Are the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars?
People can still get silver Kennedy half dollars from some banks for their face value, but you won’t often find them as change. There are some small differences, but not many problems that are very rare or expensive.
There are, however, Kennedy half dollar coins that are worth more than their face value. Depending on the year they were made and the state they are in, Kennedy coins can be worth more than fifty cents.
Let’s talk about how much Kennedy half dollars are worth. Here are five of the rarest and most expensive Kennedy Half Dollars, along with important events in the series:
Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars:
- 1964 SP68 Special Mint Set
- 1967 SMS MS69
- 1964-D MS68
- 1968-S PF70
- 1964 Accented Hair PF68
- 1970-D MS66
- 1964 SMS PR68 Deep Cameo
- 1976 Bicentennial No S Proof
- 1981-S Type II Deep Cameo
- 1998-S Matte Finish
- 1966 SMS MS67 Cameo
1964 SP68 Special Mint Set — $156,000
The US Mint first made the Kennedy Half Dollar set in 1964. It came in both mint sets and proofs. Due to the rising price of silver, this was also the last year that 90% silver coins were made.
People have never seen anything like the 1964 Special Strike Kennedy Half Dollar coins before. Over the years, about a dozen of these have been found. They are the rarest Kennedy half dollars that are not errors.
1964 SMS coins have a unique finish that is satin-like and smooth. Most of the time, the fields are well hit, and the edges are straight and sharp. You’ll notice that the surfaces don’t reflect light like proof coins from this time.
A 1964 Special Mint Set (SP68) sold at auction for $156,000, which was the most ever paid for one. This uncommon coin was part of a one-of-a-kind special mint set. It sold at auction for this high price because it is so rare and in great shape.
1967 MS69 Special Mint Set — $31,200
The United States Mint started making coins again in 1967, after a short break that started in 1965 because people were hoarding so much. The Special Mint Sets were made to make coin fans happy.
It’s interesting to note that the 1967 Kennedy SMS coins were made without mint marks. Rather than the soft plastic cases from 1965, these silver coins were kept in hard cases to protect them better.
There is 40% silver and 60% copper-nickel metal in these very rare Kennedy half dollars. They were the only money in circulation that still had silver in it.
1967 SMS Kennedy Coin fans like to buy half dollars that have cameo or deep cameo on them.
The most money that a 1967 Special Mint Set (MS69) ever sold for at auction was $31,200. This coin sold for such a high price because it is so rare and in perfect shape. Collectors are eager to get their hands on it.
1964-D MS68 Kennedy Half Dollar — $32,900
The 1964-D (Regular Strike) Kennedy Half Dollars are 90% silver, and they are only made for this year. In the following years, from 1965 to 1970, Kennedy half dollar coins in circulation were made with 40% silver.
It seems like the Denver Mint’s half-dollar coins from this year are better made than the Philadelphia Mint’s Kennedy half-dollar coins. At least one is known to be in MS68 condition, and several are in MS67 form for the 1964-D.
This confirmed Kennedy coin is the best of the bunch. It has beautiful shades of rose, emerald green, yellow, and gold that make it stand out.
A 1964-D MS68 Kennedy Half Dollar has been sold at auction for as much as $32,900. Collectors really like this coin because it is in great condition, and the first-year Kennedy Half Dollar is important in history.
1968-S PF70 Kennedy Half Dollar — $22,325
The Kennedy Half Dollar from 1968-S (Proof) was made at the San Francisco Mint branch and has 40% silver in it. There were just over three million silver proofs made, which is a much smaller number than most Kennedy Half Dollar coins.
On the front of the silver coin is a face of John F. Kennedy from the side, and just below the picture is an “S” mint mark. The 1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar has a shiny, reflecting sheen, but Kennedy’s picture has a dull finish.
As proof, these were the first coins ever made that were 40% silver. As a limited run of this year’s coins, the San Francisco Mint made proof sets. Because silver proofs are the best U.S. coins, they are a great choice to add to your collection.
A 1968-S PF70 Kennedy Half Dollar has been sold for as much as $22,325 at auction. This coin sold for a very high price because it has a perfect grade (PF70), and early Kennedy half dollars in proof form are very popular with collectors.
1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Half Dollar PF68 — $19,975
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar coin came in two different styles: one with highlighted hair on the portrait of John F. Kennedy and one without the highlights on the picture on the front of the coin.
The version with the highlighted hair is thought to be the first design used on Kennedy Half Dollars, though there are only a few examples of this type on proof coins from 1964. People have said that they are “somewhat common,” but it will be very rare to find one in Deep Cameo of this type.
A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with hair that is highly highlighted is worth a lot more than its face value as a proof coin that has never been used. This year, though, the style with the most accented hair is a Kennedy Half Dollar, which can be worth thousands of dollars if you can find one in Deep Cameo or very good shape.
A 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Half Dollar in PF68 has been sold at auction for as much as $19,975. Collectors really want this variety because of its unique form, and the fact that it’s a high grade makes it even more valuable.
FAQs
What are the most valuable Kennedy half dollars?
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) coin and the 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse type are the most expensive Kennedy Half Dollars. The SMS coin can be worth thousands of dollars. These coins are also very valuable: the 1970-D, the 1998-S Matte Proof, and the 1964 Proof.
How much is a 1964 Kennedy half dollar worth?
Because it is 90% silver, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth more than what it is worth. Based on current market trends, a commonly used example can fetch between $10 and $15, while better and proof examples can fetch a lot more.
Are Kennedy half dollars made after 1970 worth anything?
Kennedy Half dollars made after 1970 aren’t usually made of silver and are only worth their face value unless they are brand new, proof coins, or part of a special collector’s set. But dates like the silver Bicentennial coins from 1976 and some proof coins with low mintages can be worth more.
Why is the 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar valuable?
People want to buy the 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar because it was the last year that the half dollar was made with 40% silver, and it was only available in Mint Sets. The fact that it is hard to get makes it more valuable among fans.
How can I tell if my Kennedy half dollar is silver?
Kennedy Those made between 1965 and 1970 are only 40% silver, while those made in 1964 are 90% silver. Check the coin’s edge to tell the difference. Silver coins will have a full silver edge, while non-silver coins will have a copper stripe.
