The Kennedy Half Dollar, which was first produced in 1964 based on the unfortunate assassination of President John F. Kennedy, is one of the most collected coins in the United States.
Although most Kennedy halves are relatively common and used in circulation, few extremely rare and valuable examples have fetched prices exceeding $100,000 at auction.
Whether you are a collector or simply possess an old coin jar, you might be surprised to learn that as you are reading this, one of these rarities of immense value may sit in your tight palm.
Below are the six most valuable Kennedy half dollars, with information about each along with hints for identification and market values.
1. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar
What Makes This Coin Valuable:
This rare coin was not released for public circulation and was in all probability a trial strike. It bears a satin finish with extremely sharp detail.
Auction Value: More than $150,000 in an SP68 grade
Identification:
- Satin-like surface
- Strong and Sharp strike
- Square-rimmed edges
- No mintmark
2.1970 D Kennedy Half Dollar
Value Factors:
A coin minted solely for mint sets and never being released for circulation makes one in high grades exceedingly rare; it was also the last 40% silver Kennedy half dollar to be made.
Auction Prices Can Reach Up to: $150,000 in the best condition
Identification:
- Denver mint mark “D” is found above the date.
- The coin is composed of 40% silver.
- Available only from uncirculated mint sets.
3.The 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Why Is It Valuable:
These were among the first 1964 proofs to be issued but were quickly withdrawn due to design changes. Only a handful remains in existence, and especially few survive in higher grades with cameo contrast.
Auction Value: About $20,000 in PR68 Deep Cameo.
How You Can Tell:
- Much stronger hair detail above Kennedy’s ear.
- The lower left serif of the “I” in LIBERTY is weak or missing.
- There is no mint mark (Philadelphia Mint).
4.1967 SMS Kennedy Halves
Why It’s Worth Something:
This was during the years when the Mint made no proof coins. The SMS versions have an interesting finish with higher production quality.
Auction Selling Price: More than $30,000 for a SP68 grade
How to Identify:
- No mint mark
- Satin-like finish with deep strike details
- Higher quality than standard circulation coins.
5.1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar (PR70 Deep Cameo)
Reason for Worth: Tons of proof 1964s exist. However, such specimens in PR70 Deep Cameo condition are really rare.
Estimated Auction Value: Approx. $9,400
How to Identify
- Deep mirror-like fields
- Frosted design elements
- Absence of mint marks (Philadelphia Mint)
6.1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
What Makes It Valuable:
The 1968-S proof, struck at the San Francisco mint, is fairly common, but pieces with perfect Deep Cameo contrast and surfaces that are perfect are extremely scarce.
Auction Value: Over $21,000 in PR70 Deep Cameo
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How to Identify:
- “S” mint mark above the date
- Deep mirror background and frosted raised design
Top Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Over $100,000
| Coin | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Grade | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Half Dollar | No mint mark | Satin finish, rare strike | SP68 | $150,000+ |
| 1970-D Half Dollar | D | Not released in circulation | MS67+ | $150,000+ |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | No mint mark | Unique hair detail, early proof | PR68 DCAM | $20,000 |
| 1967 SMS Half Dollar | No mint mark | Special Mint Set issue | SP68 | $30,000+ |
| 1964 Proof Half Dollar | No mint mark | First-year proof, cameo contrast | PR70 DCAM | $9,400 |
| 1968-S Proof Half Dollar | S | Deep cameo in top condition | PR70 DCAM | $21,000+ |
In a sense, the Kennedy Half Dollar is history. Perhaps it’s more than that-hidden treasure-in-your-collection value or value in a solitary coin jar. From the ultra-rare 1964 SMS to the limited-release 1970-D, these coins have made headlines in auction reports.
If you believe you might own one of these beauties, it’s time to get out the magnifying glass. One coin worth, say, $100,000-plus pocket change you wouldn’t be spending.
FAQS:
But how do I determine that my Kennedy Half Dollar is rare or has a price tag on it?
You should look at the mint marks, maybe a few special finishes like cameo or satin and verify the year and mint of issue. Basically, coins in high grades will have features that make them likely candidates for having value.
What does “SMS” mean in coin collecting?
SMS stands for Special Mint Set – a type of limited-issue coin set produced in certain years (i.e., 1965 to 1967) during which proof coins weren’t issued. The coins produced under this program are of a quality higher than normal strikes.
Are all silver Kennedy Half Dollars worth something?
No, not all of these are incredibly valuable. Most Kennedy halves minted in silver and then circulated are worth their silver – somewhere in the range of $8 to $12, while extreme rarity or high-grade examples can worth thousands.
