Here in the world of US coins, the Kennedy Half-Dollar has always attracted people’s interest. This coin was issued in 1964 in memory of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. It is not only a currency, but also a historical treasure. Some rare Kennedy Half-Dollars are so valuable that their price can reach from thousands to millions of dollars.
Why is the Kennedy Half-Dollar so rare?
The value of the Kennedy Half-Dollar varies based on a number of things, such as:
- Rarity – Coins that were produced in fewer quantities are worth more.
- Condition – The condition in which the coin is, the more valuable the coin will be.
- Silver Content – Half-dollars prior to 1971 had a substantial amount of silver in them, and therefore they are valuable.
- Minting Error – Certain coins inadvertently featured special designs, making them very expensive.
- Historical Significance – Coins that have a special history sell for a lot.
If you have a collection of Kennedy half-dollar coins, then this is the time to check them out. Some rare coins can be worth up to $160,000 (more than Rs 1.3 crore)! Let’s know about the four most valuable Kennedy half-dollars.
1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar – Price up to $160,000
This coin is one of the rarest and most mysterious Kennedy half-dollars. It was issued as a Special Mint Set (SMS), but was not officially confirmed.
Features of this coin:
- Its edges are sharp and its finish is satin-like.
- It looks different from the common 1964 Kennedy half-dollar.
- Only 12-15 such coins have been found till date.
In 2019, a 1964 SMS half-dollar with SP-68 grade fetched a price of $156,000 (about Rs 1.3 crore) at auction. This coin is the most expensive Kennedy half-dollar ever.
2. 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar (No S Proof) – Price up to $85,000
In 1970, proof coins were to be made from San Francisco Mint (S), but by mistake some coins were made at Denver Mint (D) and these did not have the “S” mark.
Specialty of this coin:
- The “S” mark is missing, making it extremely rare.
- It has been found in only a few hundred coins.
If this coin is in excellent condition (MS-65 or higher grade), then its price can be from $35,000 to $85,000 (about Rs 70 lakhs).
3. 1966 Doubled Die Kennedy Half-Dollar – Price up to $25,000
This coin has a doubled die error, which means that the design was mistakenly printed twice. Because of this, some letters and designs on the coin look slightly double.
Specialty of this coin:
- The word “LIBERTY” and Kennedy’s hair have a double image.
- This mistake was made in very few coins, so it is very rare.
If this coin is in MS-65 or higher grade, then its price can be from $20,000 to $25,000 (Rs 16-20 lakhs).
4. 1974 Doubled Die Obverse Kennedy Half-Dollar – Price up to $15,000
In 1974, a doubled die error was also seen on some coins.
Features of this coin:
- A slight double effect is seen on the word “LIBERTY” and the date.
- It can be identified even with the naked eye.
If this coin is in MS-65 grade, then its price can be from $10,000 to $15,000 (Rs 8-12 lakh).
Other valuable Kennedy half-dollar coins
Apart from the four coins mentioned above, some other Kennedy half-dollars also sell for good prices:
- 1965-1970 Silver Transitional Error – Made on 90% silver by mistake. Price: $2,000 – $7,000
- 1998-S Silver Matte Finish – Special commemorative edition. Price: $500 – $1,200
- 1979-S Type 2 Proof – With refined “S” mint mark. Price: $100 – $300
How to tell if your Kennedy half-dollar is rare?
If you have old Kennedy half-dollar coins, check their value by following these steps:
| Coin | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-63) | Gem (MS/PR-65+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $120,000-$160,000 |
| 1970-D No S | N/A | N/A | N/A | $45,000 | $65,000-$85,000 |
| 1966 Doubled Die | $800 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $12,000 | $20,000-$25,000 |
| 1974 Doubled Die | $500 | $1,200 | $3,000 | $7,000 | $10,000-$15,000 |
- 1964 SMS Half-Dollar – Sharp edges and a satiny look.
- 1970-D No S Proof – Shiny coin, but no “S” mint mark.
- 1966 and 1974 Doubled Die Error – Double design on “LIBERTY” and date.
- Silver Half-Dollars – Coins minted before 1970 may be silver.
Is it worth investing in Kennedy Half-Dollars?
- Yes! There is always a demand for rare coins, especially old silver coins.
- If you collect the right coins, they can become a good part of your wealth in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do Kennedy Half-Dollars go up in value?
Rarity, good preservation, and silver content drive up its value.
How do I check the rarity of my Kennedy Half-Dollar?
Look carefully at the coin’s date, mint mark, and design.
Are Kennedy Half-Dollars still issued?
Yes, but since 2002 they have been produced exclusively for collectors and are rarely seen in common transactions.
Conclusion
If you have old Kennedy half-dollar coins, don’t forget to check them out. You may have a rare coin that could be worth millions!