Most probably the Kennedy Half Dollar, which was officially introduced in 1964 after the sudden assassination of President John F. Kennedy, would go on to be one of the most collected coins in all collections in the United States.
Although most of the Kennedy halves found in circulation are of relatively common types, there are some extremely rare and valuable versions that have fetched over $100,000 at auction.
If you happen to be a collector or just have a jar with some old coins lying around your house, you would be surprised to know that one of these high-value rarities could be in your possession.
These are six of the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars, along with their respective detailed information, some identification tips, and of course, their market value.
1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar
Why Is It Valuable?:
This coin is rare because it was never released to the public, a fact that suggests it had to do with trial strikes of the coin. It is notable for its satin finish and extremely sharp detail.
Auction Value: SP68 grades have sold for $150,000 or more.
How To Identify:
- Unique satin-like finish
- Strong, sharp strike
- Square-edged rims
- No mint mark
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Why Is It Valuable?:
Mint set only; never made for general circulation. High-grade specimens are therefore very rare. Also, this is the last 40% silver Kennedy half.
Auction Value: $150,000 in top condition.
How to Identify:
- Denver “D” mintmark above the date
- 40% silver
- Uncirculated mint sets only.
1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Why Is It Valuable?:
This was an early proof strike in 1964 which was promptly discontinued after design changes were made, and very few exist, especially with a higher grade and cameo contrast.
Auction Value: PR68 Deep Cameo about $20,000.
How to Identify:
- Stronger hair detail above Kennedy’s ear
- Lower left serif on the “I” in LIBERTY appears weak or missing
- No mintmark (Philadelphia Mint)
1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Why Is It Valuable?:
This was issued during the years no proofs were being made; the SMS versions have a unique finish and top-notch workmanship standards.
Auction Value: $30,000 or greater for SP68.
How to Identify:
- No mintmark
- Satin finish and deep strike details
- Better quality than standard circulating coins
1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar (PR70 Deep Cameo)
Why Is It Valuable?:
Few proofs of 1964 exist and even fewer come PR70 Deep Cameo, hence its extreme rarity.
Auction Value: Around $9,400.
How to Identify:
- Deep mirror-like fields
- Frosted design elements
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
1976-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
Why It Is Valuable?
The 1968-S proof is quite common, produced in San Francisco. However, pieces that possess pristine Deep Cameo contrast and are devoid of surface blemishes are very rare.
Value at Auction: More than $21,000 in PR70 Deep Cameo
Identification Features:
- “S” mint mark above the date
- Deep mirror field with frosted raised devices
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+ |
Kennedy Half Dollar is not merely a piece of history; this is a treasure that you can find hidden in your collection or coin jar. Ultra-rare ones include 1964 SMS and the limited-issue, 1970-D. Such coins have fetched enormous amounts at auctions.
If you think you might be holding one of these gems in your pocket, it is time to scrunch in a little closer. A single one could lay down just pricing of over $100,000. That is pocket change you wouldn’t want to spend very easily.
FAQS:
How can I tell if my Kennedy Half Dollar is rare or valuable?
Look for mint marks, special finishes like cameo or satin, and confirm the year and mint of issue. Coins in high grades or with unique features are more likely to be valuable.
What does “SMS” mean in the coin trade?
SMS stands for Special Mint Set: one of the few types of limited edition coins produced in certain years (for instance, 1965–1967) when there was no proof coinage. They are of a higher quality than normal strikes.
Are all silver Kennedy Half Dollars valuable?
Most are not overly valuable, though. The vast majority of circulated silver Kennedy halves are worth their melt value (around $8-$12), while some rare varieties or high-graded specimens may be worth thousands.