4 Rare Kennedy Half-Dollar Coins Worth Up to $150,000 – How to Spot Them?

The Kennedy Half-Dollar is more than just pocket change—it’s a piece of American history. First minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his tragic assassination, this coin has remained a favorite among collectors. While most Kennedy Half-Dollars are common, a select few are incredibly rare and valuable, fetching up to $150,000 at auction.

So, how do you know if you have one of these prized coins? Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who likes checking their spare change, here’s everything you need to know about four of the rarest Kennedy Half-Dollars—and how you can identify them.


4 Rare Kennedy Half-Dollars Worth Up to $150,000

While millions of Kennedy Half-Dollars were minted over the years, only a handful stand out due to their rarity and unique features. Here’s a look at four that have made headlines for their jaw-dropping auction prices:

Coin TypeYearNotable FeatureAuction Record
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS)1964Satin finish$156,000
1964 Accented Hair Proof1964Unique hair design$20,000
1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar1970Limited mintage$150,000
1967 Special Mint Set (SMS)1967Distinctive finish$31,200

1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar

Why It’s Valuable

  • Only a few dozen are known to exist.
  • Features a rare satin finish, setting it apart from standard proof and circulation strikes.
  • A 1964 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar graded SP68 sold for an impressive $156,000 in 2019.

How to Identify It

  • Finish: Satin-like, with a smooth, non-reflective surface.
  • Details: Sharper design, especially around Kennedy’s profile.
  • Mint Mark: No mint mark—produced in Philadelphia.

2. 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar

Why It’s Valuable

  • This was an early design variation, but it was later modified at Jacqueline Kennedy’s request.
  • Only about 1-3% of 1964 proof coins have this original, more detailed hair design.
  • Some high-quality examples have sold for up to $20,000.

How to Identify It

  • Hair Detail: Look for more pronounced strands of hair above Kennedy’s ear.
  • Lettering: The lower left serif of the “I” in LIBERTY is weak or missing.

3. 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar

Why It’s Valuable

  • The last 40% silver Kennedy Half-Dollar before the U.S. Mint switched to a copper-nickel blend.
  • Low mintage—only 2.15 million were produced.
  • A 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar in MS67 condition sold for $150,000 in 2023.

How to Identify It

  • Mint Mark: Look for a small “D” above the date (Denver Mint).
  • Composition: Contains 40% silver, unlike later copper-nickel versions.

4. 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar

Why It’s Valuable

  • The U.S. Mint stopped producing standard proof and uncirculated sets in the late 1960s due to a coin shortage.
  • Instead, they issued Special Mint Sets, making these coins much rarer.
  • A high-grade 1967 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar once sold for $31,200 at auction.

How to Identify It

  • Finish: Satin-like, similar to the 1964 SMS version.
  • Details: Sharper design elements with deep cameo contrast.

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 you have one from these years, it’s worth a closer look.

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, with higher numbers indicating better condition.

  • 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

If you think you have a rare Kennedy Half-Dollar, get it professionally graded by:

  • Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
  • Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)

Are Kennedy Half-Dollars a Good Investment?

Many collectors and investors believe Kennedy Half-Dollars are a smart investment due to their historical significance and silver content. But are they worth holding onto?

Pros of Investing

✔ High demand among collectors. ✔ Pre-1971 coins contain 40% or more silver. ✔ Rare editions tend to increase in value over time.

Cons of Investing

✘ Market fluctuations—silver prices impact value. ✘ Requires professional authentication to maximize returns.


FAQs About Rare Kennedy Half-Dollars

1. What is the rarest Kennedy Half-Dollar? The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar is considered the rarest, with only a few dozen known examples.

2. How much is a regular 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar worth? A circulated 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar is worth around $11.50 to $12.25, while an uncirculated version can fetch up to $5,200.

3. 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

4. Are there any error Kennedy Half-Dollars worth money? Yes! Some valuable error coins include:

  • 1974-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
  • 1966 No FG (Missing Designer Initials)

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a Kennedy Half-Dollar lying around, it might be worth more than you think. Whether you’re a collector, an investor, or just someone who enjoys history, rare Kennedy Half-Dollars offer a fascinating look into America’s past—and potentially a big payday. So, go ahead and check your coin collection—you never know what hidden treasure you might find!

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