4 Rare Kennedy Half-Dollar Coins Worth as Much as $150,000

As it was minted during the time just after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy- who in fact is the coin’s clear namesake- so at this time, the Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964. It was a commemorative issue in honor of Kennedy according to SD Bullion.

However, the Type 1 90% silver was minted only in 1964, with more over 4 billion Kennedy half dollars minted in the following years. Thus, it would be fitting that most of the rarest and most expensive specimens of this coin are from that year or the immediately following years.

The History of the Kennedy Half-Dollar

The Kennedy Half-Dollar was introduced shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. The obverse (front) features a portrait of Kennedy designed by Gilroy Roberts, while the reverse (back) displays the Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro.

• First Minted: 1964
• Composition: The 1964 coins are 90% silver; from 1965–1970, they are 40% silver. After 1970, most coins are copper-nickel clad.
• Significance: It became a symbol of national mourning and a collector’s favorite from its very first release.

Most Kennedy Half-Dollars in circulation are worth their face value, but some rare mintings, proof sets, and error coins can be worth thousands — even six figures.

The following is a list of some of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar SP68 (Special Mint Set)

Because of the SP in the name, this particular Kennedy half dollar was a part of a special mint set. Known to collectors, they regard these as the highest quality examples. Five exist within a PCGS-graded SP68; however, only one of these has seen a selling price exceeding $150,000.

As per PCGS, a 1964 SP68 Kennedy half dollar sold at a 2019 Stack’s Bowers auction for $156,000. Further, while a higher-grade PCGS-graded SP69 example is shown to exist in the company’s archives, no auction to determine its value is shown via its records.

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1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, ‘Accented Hair’ PR69: Attention to detail is essential in the numismatic world, and this is no different. First strikings of the Kennedy Half Dollar of 1964 featured a series of unmistakable marks-dark lines, in fact-over the ear and where the hair begins. SD Bullion says that this “accented hair” variety is also noted for an error at the lower left serif, on the I in “Liberty.”

According to SD Bullion, the price record for this coin as of December 2022 was $45,600: however, a new record will be set in January 2024 for $46,800 through a Heritage Auctions sale (per PCGS).

1968 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof

CoinsValueChecker stated proof 1968 Kennedy half dollars with a clear “S” standing for their life from the mint of San Francisco. Previously before 1968, proofs of Kennedy half dollars were minted from the Philadelphia Mint.

From the way collectors speak, these 1968 proof coins coming out of San Francisco were much better than those struck prior in Philadelphia. Thus, they’ve not been very rare in high-graded condition.

CoinValueChecker cited one of these examples-by deep cameo PF70-as top of value, hitting it at $21,600 at a Heritage Auctions sale in November 2017, although the bar keeps getting raised. Most recently, another deep cameo PF70 example sold for $24,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in June 2023.

1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar, ‘Richard Green Collection’ Pedigree

This is a little unique. “[With] pretty funkadelic toning on both sides, reminiscent of a Grateful Dead T-shirt. Sharp and pristine surface quality, as is expected at the assigned level,” the lot listing by Legend Auctions noted. This MS68 coin, with a mintage of only one, brought an astounding $22,325 in February 2018.

Today’s Best Offers. Obviously, the sale price overshadowed expectations by large margins: those were between $10,000 and $11,000. This should not come as a surprise, considering the coin’s extreme rarity.

Identifying Valuable Kennedy Half-Dollars

To determine if your coin could be worth thousands, look for the following:

1. Mint Mark:
   • D = Denver
   • S = San Francisco
   • P = Philadelphia (usually no mint mark for older coins)
2. Condition:
   • Coins are graded on a scale from 1–70 (MS = Mint State).
   • Higher grades significantly increase value.
3. Silver Content:
   • 1964: 90% silver
   • 1965–1970: 40% silver
   • Post-1970: copper-nickel clad (less valuable)
4. Mint Errors:
   • Doubled die, off-center strikes, and die cracks can raise coin value dramatically.
5. Proof Coins:
   • These coins have mirror-like surfaces and are highly prized in uncirculated condition.

Tips for Collectors

• Store Properly: Keep coins in protective holders or capsules to prevent scratches, tarnish, or corrosion.
• Avoid Cleaning: Cleaning can drastically reduce a coin’s value; collectors prefer natural toning.
• Professional Grading: Coins graded by NGC or PCGS can command premium prices at auction.
• Research Market Values: Check auction results to understand current trends and demand.
• Check Old Collections: Look through old coin sets, loose change, or inherited coins for hidden treasures.

Why Kennedy Half-Dollars Are So Sought After

1. Historical Significance: Coins commemorating JFK are emotional keepsakes for many collectors.
2. Limited Rare Variants: High-grade, error, and proof coins are scarce.
3. Silver Value: Early coins contain real silver, giving intrinsic value beyond collectibility.
4. Popularity: Kennedy Half-Dollars are widely recognized, making them highly marketable.
5. Long-Term Appreciation: Rare coins have historically increased in value over decades.

Conclusion

The Kennedy Half-Dollar is more than just a 50-cent coin. While most circulate at face value, rare versions — especially the 1964 90% silver coins, doubled die errors, proof coins, and high-grade 40% silver issues — can fetch up to $150,000.

If you have old Kennedy Half-Dollars in your possession, it’s worth examining them carefully. Look for mint marks, silver content, errors, and overall condition. Consulting a professional coin dealer or grading service can help determine if your coin is a hidden treasure.

Collecting Kennedy Half-Dollars isn’t just about potential profit — it’s also about owning a piece of history. With careful research, proper storage, and a keen eye for rare coins, you could discover a collection that’s both valuable and historically significant.

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