Rare Kennedy Half Dollars : Kennedy half dollars, first issued in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, hold both historical and numismatic significance. While many were minted for everyday circulation, some rare varieties have skyrocketed in value, with select coins fetching well over $100,000 at auctions and private sales. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars, their unique traits, and how collectors can identify and assess these coins.
History of the Kennedy Half Dollar: A Legacy in Coinage
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced swiftly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Minted in 90% silver in its inaugural year, the coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse). While its original intent was circulation, its emotional and patriotic significance led to rapid hoarding, reducing its everyday presence.
Top Rare Kennedy Half Dollars Worth $100,000 or More
1. 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Half Dollar (Proof)
- Estimated Value: $20,000 – $100,000+
- Mint: Philadelphia (Proof only)
- Key Features:
- Strong definition in Kennedy’s hair above his ear.
- Missing serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY.”
- Deep cameo contrast on well-preserved proofs.
This variety was part of the initial proof sets and was quickly revised. Fewer than 5% of the 1964 proof coins have this accented hair design.
2. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar
- Estimated Value: $150,000 – $200,000+
- Rarity: Extremely rare (fewer than 20 known)
- Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Matte-like finish, not standard proof or business strike.
- Mirror-like surfaces with sharp details and no mint mark.
- Believed to be experimental strikes for future SMS coins.
Collectors speculate these were created for high-ranking Mint officials. Their mysterious origin and stunning detail make them ultra-desirable.
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar (Mint Set Only)
- Estimated Value: $6,000 – $20,000 (high-grade specimens)
- Mint: Denver
- Key Detail:
- Only available in the 1970 Mint Set.
- Lowest mintage of any business strike Kennedy half dollar (2.15 million).
- High premiums for coins graded MS67 and above.
While common in sets, near-perfect examples are extremely scarce and valuable.
4. 1967 SMS Doubled Die Obverse
- Estimated Value: $3,000 – $35,000+
- Minting Method: Special Mint Set
- What to Look For:
- Clear doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
- Frosty devices and mirror-like fields.
- No mint mark, as all SMS coins from 1965–1967 lacked them.
A rare variety with intense collector interest due to strong die doubling and striking brilliance.
5. 1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver)
- Estimated Value: $500 – $5,000+
- Mintage: 62,000
- Features:
- Part of the Robert F. Kennedy Commemorative Set.
- Unique matte finish, different from proof and business strikes.
- Struck in 90% silver.
While modern, its low mintage and special finish make it highly collectible.
Kennedy Half Dollar Value Factors
graph TD
A[Coin Value] --> B[Rarity]
A --> C[Condition (Grade)]
A --> D[Mint Mark]
A --> E[Die Variety]
A --> F[Historical Significance]
B --> G[Low Mintage]
C --> H[MS/PF 67+]
D --> I[Philadelphia / Denver / San Francisco]
How to Identify a Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar
Check the Mint Mark
- No mint mark: Philadelphia
- D: Denver
- S: San Francisco (usually proofs)
Located on the reverse (1964) or obverse (1968 onward) below Kennedy’s neck.
Examine the Finish
- Proof coins: Deep mirrored background, frosted design.
- SMS coins: Satin or matte finish, especially for 1965–1967 and 1998-S.
- Business strikes: Standard circulation quality.
Look for Varieties
- Doubled dies, repunched mint marks (RPM), and design anomalies (like “accented hair”) significantly increase value.
Grading and Authentication: Essential for High-Value Coins
Professional grading is critical. Submit to:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Grades range from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). Valuable coins often grade MS67 or higher, or exhibit deep cameo contrast on proofs.
Investment Outlook: Why Kennedy Half Dollars Are Rising in Value
- Silver Content: 1964 coins contain 90% silver; 1965–1970 have 40%.
- Rising Collector Demand: Key dates and varieties have limited availability.
- Historical Connection: Strong emotional and political significance.
- Auction Successes: Coins like the 1964 SMS fetching $150K+ continue to spark market excitement.
Where to Buy or Sell Rare Kennedy Half Dollars
Buy From:
- Heritage Auctions
- GreatCollections
- Local coin shops with verifiable inventory
Sell Through:
- Certified coin dealers
- Numismatic auction houses
- Graded coin marketplaces (eBay, MA-Shops, etc.)
Ensure the coin is certified for optimal value realization.
Final Thoughts
Kennedy half dollars offer collectors a rich combination of history, rarity, and tangible investment potential. With some specimens commanding six-figure sums, understanding minting anomalies, finishes, and certified grading is vital to spotting a hidden treasure in your pocket change—or securing a centerpiece for your collection.