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 Type | Year | Notable Feature | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) | 1964 | Satin finish | $156,000 |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | Unique hair design | $20,000 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1970 | Limited mintage | $150,000 |
| 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) | 1967 | Distinctive 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!