Kennedy Half Dollar coins-One of the four coins and among the rarest coins worth as much as $150,000. The Kennedy Half Dollars minted in 1964 are most probably the highly regarded coins in US coinage, issuing those coins to commemorate President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. Most of the ordinary half-dollars, but some of these rare editions are valuable such that some of the coins of this nature are auctioned for as high as $150,000. Here are the four rarest Kennedy Half-Dollar coins- the step-by-step process of identifying them and expert opinions on coin collecting and investing. Whether for a collector, an investor, or just for someone who wants something interesting to read about numismatics, let this informative piece help you ascertain whether you have a rare Kennedy Half-Dollar.
It’s probably in Kennedy Half-Dollar In between one of the most exciting coins in history in America. Each struck, although millions of coins, some special rare dates are really such that several sold at auction bid on as high as $150,000. Whether you are a collector, investor, or just someone going through your pocket change, learning how to identify rare coins can open doors to these amazing finds. If you suspect that you have a rare Kennedy Half-Dollar, get it graded professionally and ensure the value is realized.
The Kennedy Half-Dollar coin, among the top most interesting coins in history of America, although millions of them were struck, specific rare editions exist. Some of them actually fetch as high as $150,000 at auctions. Whether you’re an investor or a collector or just someone casually going through pocket change, it is learning how to recognize rare coins that will bring you good fortune. If you think that you may have a rare Kennedy Half-Dollar, profitably authenticate the coin through reputable grading so that its true value can be realized.
| Coin Type | Year | Notable Feature | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) | 1964 | Satin finish | $156,000 |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | Distinct hair design | $20,000 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1970 | Limited mintage | $150,000 |
| 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) | 1967 | Unique finish | $31,200 |
1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar
The U.S. Mint in 1964 produced a very few Special Mint Sets (SMS) with the half dollar of Kennedy. The satin finish and sharp detail of these few coins set them apart from standard proofs or circulation strikes.
Why It Is Valuable
- Super rare: Only a few dozen are known to exist.
- Satin finish with a weird surface that smoothens and does not reflect light.
- Auction price record: A 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar graded SP68 went for $156,000 in 2019.
How to Tell
- Finish: Satin, smoother than normal proof coins.
- Details: Sharper design elements especially around Kennedy’s profile.
- Mint Mark: No mint mark- it was struck in Philadelphia.
2. 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar
One of the most famous Kennedy Half-Dollars, the 1964 Accented Hair Proof had an extra coiffure design above Kennedy’s ear that was initially there right after the coin was released. However, Jacqueline Kennedy asked for it to be changed and, so, is now rare because it did not go through to mass production.
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Why It Is Valuable
- Early production variation was the favourite of collectors.
- Only about 1-3% of 1964 proof coins have this design.
- Auction price record: The best-conditioned ones can go as much as $20,000.
How to Identify It
- Hair Detail: More pronounced strands above Kennedy’s ear.
- Lettering: The lower left serif of the “I” in “LIBERTY” is weak or missing.
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar
The 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar is perhaps the rarest of the regular issue Kennedy Half-Dollars, having been produced in very limited quantity by the U.S. Mint that year.
Why It Is Valuable
- Low mintage—only 2.15 million coins were actually struck.
- Last 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollar before the switch to a copper-nickel blend.
- Auction price record for 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar graded at MS67 is $150,000 in 2023.
How to Identify It
- Mint Mark: Small “D” above the date (Denver Mint).
- Composition: 40% silver (as opposed to the usual copper-nickel mix).
4. 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar
Due to a huge coin shortage in the 1960s U.S. Mint discontinued proof and uncirculated coin sets for that period. Instead, special mint sets (SMS) were issued, which included the 1967 Kennedy Half-Dollar.
Why It Is Valuable
- Limited production with a unique finish.
- Auction price record: A 1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar in pristine condition sold for $31,200.
How to Identify
- Finish: Satin finish, much like the 1964 SMS.
- Details: Sharper design elements on a deep cameo contrast background.
How to Determine If Your Kennedy Half-Dollar Is Valuable?
1. Check the Date.
Some of the most valuable Kennedy Half-Dollars were minted in 1964, 1967, and 1970. If your coin matches these years, it could be worth inspecting further.
2. Look for Mint Marks.
- D = Denver Mint
- S = San Francisco Mint
- No Mint Mark = Philadelphia Mint
3. Examine the Condition.
- Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70:
- MS (Mint State) 60-70 – Uncirculated, highest value.
- AU (About Uncirculated) 50-59 – Minor wear, still valuable.
- XF (Extremely Fine) 40-49 – Noticeable wear but good details.
4. Seek Professional Authentication
To accurately determine a coin’s value, consider having it graded by experts:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
Investment Potential: Are Kennedy Half-Dollars a Good Investment?
Many coin collectors and investors consider rare Kennedy Half-Dollars to be a strong investment due to their historical significance, silver content, and scarcity.
Pros for Investing in Kennedy Half-Dollars
- High demand among collectors.
- Silver content—pre-1971 coins contain 40% or more silver.
- Limited editions appreciate in value over time.
Cons for Investing
- Market fluctuations—silver prices impact value.
- Requires professional authentication for best returns.
FAQs:
What is the rarest Kennedy Half-Dollar?
The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar is considered the rarest, with only a few dozen known examples.
How much is a regular 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar worth?
A circulated 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar is worth $11.50 to $12.25, while an uncirculated version can fetch up to $5,200.
Where can I sell my Kennedy Half-Dollar?
You can sell Kennedy Half-Dollars at:
Coin dealers
Online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions)
Local coin shows
