The Kennedy Half Dollar is the United States 50-cent coin. These Half Dollars were first produced in 1964, a year after President Kennedy's assassination, and they replaced the Franklin Half Dollar.
Keep reading to learn the 19 most valuable Kennedy half dollars and their respective key dates.
History of the Kennedy Half Dollar
Shortly after President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Mint made preparations to release a commemorative coin in his honor.
Different coin denominations were considered. Ultimately, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy (Kennedy's wife) favored the half dollar as it wouldn't require replacing another President. Thus, JFK replaced Benjamin Franklin, renowned as a philosopher, inventor, and revolutionary, on the half dollar.
Over 4 billion Kennedy half dollars have been minted since its introduction. However, the Type 1 version made of 90% silver was struck only in 1964, a short period of time. Silver Kennedy Half Dollars have remained a sought-after keepsake, symbolizing the life and enduring legacy of President Kennedy. Many investors also stack those 90% silver coins as a way to hedge against inflation and economic downturns.
Kennedy Half Dollar Design
The obverse, designed by United States Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, was inspired by the portrait prepared for his presidential medal. According to WhiteHouse.org, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the country.
The reverse is a creation of Frank Gasparro, showing the Presidential Seal, the official symbol of the office of the President of the United States.
Composition
Kennedy Half Dollars, introduced in 1964, were made of 90% Silver and 10% Copper, with a total weight of 12.5 grams. However, the increasing price of silver in the late 1960s and early 1970s led to a substantial rise in the coin's intrinsic value, prompting concerns about hoarding and a shortage of circulating coinage.
In response to these challenges, in 1965, the United States Mint decided to reduce the silver content of the Kennedy Half Dollars to a clad of 40% Silver and 60% Copper. In 1971, the composition was modified again to completely remove silver bullion from all U.S. coins as the United States entered a full fiat currency system.
As of 1971, the U.S. Mint had Kennedy Half Dollar coins produced with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper.
PCGS Price Guide
See below a quick price guide of key dates and variations from PCGS with the most attractive Kennedy Half Dollar:
Kennedy Half Dollar, MS | ||||||
Description | MS65 | MS66 | MS67 | MS68 | MS69 | MS70 |
1964-D | $70 | $375 | $2,500 | $26,500 | x | x |
1964-D Quadrupled Die Obverse | $340 | x | x | x | x | x |
1964-D/D RPM FS-504 | $325 | $525 | x | x | x | x |
1964-D/D RPM FS-501 | $300 | $1,500 | x | x | x | x |
1966 | $100 | $975 | $8,000 | $15,000 | x | x |
1968-D | $30 | $160 | $5,000 | $15,000 | x | x |
1970-D | $90 | $800 | $20,000 | x | x | x |
1969-D | $75 | $1,450 | $6,250 | x | x | x |
1972-D No "FG" | $3,000 | $4,500 | x | x | x | x |
1974-D Doubled Die Obverse | $300 | $1,350 | x | x | x | x |
1998-D | $225 | x | x | x | x | x |
1982-P No "FG" FS-901 | $115 | $450 | $3,500 | x | x | x |
1971 | $50 | $425 | $2,500 | x | x | x |
1976 Bicentennial Clad | $80 | $360 | $3,150 | x | x | x |
1976-D Bicentennial Clad | $40 | $135 | $2,600 | x | x | x |
1976 Bicentennial Silver | $24 | $30 | $65 | $1,300 | $25,000 | x |
2014-S Enhanced - Silver 50th Anniversary Set First Strike | $34 | $34 | $35 | $35 | $45 | $90 |
2014-D Silver, 50th Anniversary Set | $18 | $22 | $24 | $26 | $35 | $55 |
2014-S Enhanced - Silver 50th Anniversary Set | x | $10 | $15 | $25 | $42 | $75 |
19 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
Various factors can influence a Kennedy Half Dollar price. The coin values are influenced by its uncirculated or circulated condition, historical significance, precious metal content, and market conditions.
Below are the most notable Kennedy half dollar values based on PCGS auction prices:
1. $156,000.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1964 SP68
The 1964 issue is the first Kennedy half dollar. This extraordinary 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar exemplar stands among the highest quality known examples, according to PCGS.
The surfaces of this coin display captivating richness and authenticity, featuring a velvety smooth texture that exudes an alluring brushed nickel gray hue. This accentuates the powerful strike and meticulously defined features of the design.
In 2019, an SP68 was sold for $156,000.00.
2. $108,000.00 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar, SP67, Only About a Dozen Pieces Known
The 1964 "SMS" Kennedy Half Dollar, certified by PCGS, holds the distinction of being the most exceptionally rare issue in the entire series. The origin of these coins has sparked considerable debate, as they were never officially issued in any specific Mint packaging, and official Special Mint Sets were not introduced until 1965.
An SP67 piece was sold for $108,000.00 in 2019.
3. $45,600.00 Kennedy Half Dollar 1964 50C Accented Hair PR69
Another popular version of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is the proof version produced by the Philadelphia Mint.
The introductory proof strikes of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar feature distinct curved lines above the ear in the hair. Additionally, the Accented Hair variety can be identified by a defective lower left serif on the "I" in LIBERTY.
It was sold for $45,600.00 at Heritage Auctions.
4. $31,200.00 1967 50C Kennedy Half Dollar SMS MS69 Ultra Cameo
In 1964, when silver coinage was discontinued, the government also ceased issuing proof and mint sets, as well as omitting mint marks on coins. Starting in 1965, a new type of five-coin set called Special Mint Sets was introduced. These special sets were issued until 1967, and regular proof sets resumed production in 1968, but exclusively at the San Francisco Mint.
Although the coins in the Special Mint Sets were of higher quality compared to regular circulation-strike coins, they did not possess the same level of quality as proof coins. As a result, finding examples of these coins in top-grade conditions is exceptionally rare.
In 2019 an MS69 piece was sold for $31,200 at Heritage Auctions.
5. $22,325.00 1964-D 50C Kennedy Half Dollar "Richard Green Collection" Pedigree
According to PCGS, this piece was the highest grade example of this date to be certified by either service in 30 years of operations.
This coin has never appeared at an auction before and is a real treasure for the experienced JFK half-dollar collector.
It was sold for $22,325.00 in 2016 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
6. $21,600.00 1968-S 50C Kennedy Half Dollar PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS
The 1968-S proof Kennedy Half Dollar holds exceptional rarity in PR70 Deep Cameo. PCGS acknowledges a mere 16 coins of such remarkable quality, while NGC cannot match this with any comparable specimens.
This particular coin exhibits flawless striking and stunning brilliance, accentuated by a cameo effect. Its surfaces are immaculate.
It was sold for $21,600.00 at Heritage Auctions.
7. $16,450.00 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar Special Mint Set MS68 Deep Cameo
The 1966 Special Mint Set Kennedys are just as rare as their 1965 counterparts in Deep Cameo.
Despite the Special Mint Sets being intended to have lower quality than true proof sets, this particular coin is indistinguishable from a proof specimen. It displays dazzling, reflective fields and exceptionally thick mint frost on all design elements, both obverse and reverse.
In 2016, this piece was sold for $16,450.00 at Heritage Auctions.
8. $15,000.00 1966 50C Kennedy Half Dollar SP68
1966 was another year in which a few of the highest quality coins were produced through the Special Mint Series.
In 2019, this piece was sold for 15,000.00.
9. $13,000.00 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar Error Coin Silver Planchet NGC MS61
This coin exemplifies a mint error, as it features a 40% silver planchet from 1970 mistakenly used in the production of 1971 coins. This unusual occurrence renders it highly unique and therefore appealing to collectors.
Certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) with an MS61 grade, the coin boasts good quality, although not of the highest caliber. However, it is the rarity of the mint error itself that propelled it to achieve an impressive result at auction.
This piece was sold for $13,000 in 2018 on eBay.
10. $12,650.00 Seldom-Seen Kennedy Rarity 1965 SMS, MS67 Deep Cameo
The grade of the present piece is determined by a hidden tick in the hair above the ear and a couple of ticks in the central reverse. However, the contrast between the deep, mirrored fields and the frosty devices is striking. This particular coin is one of only eight certified by PCGS, with none in better condition.
In 2008, it was sold for $12,650.00 at Heritage Auctions.
11. $12,000.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1971-S 50C PR69
This San Francisco-minted 1971 Half Dollar is an exquisite proof coin. Graded PR69 by the PCGS, it signifies near-perfect quality and has earned the prestigious designation of "ultra cameo."
The term "ultra cameo," also known as "deep cameo," is reserved for proof coins that exhibit exceptionally heavy frosting on the raised areas of the design, resulting in a matte or sandblasted appearance. These frosted elements create a striking contrast with the reflective fields, producing a visually pleasing effect. Ultra cameo coins boast more frosting than regular cameo coins.
It was sold for $12,000.00 in 2019 at Heritage Auctions.
12. $10,000.00 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar, 1976-D Clad Bicentennial Issue
In 1975 and 1976 the coins displayed a date of 1776-1976. These coins are circulating as commemorative coins to celebrate the Bicentennial of the United States.
In recent years, the PCGS coin grading company has adopted a practice of encapsulating the most problematic coins in a slab marked with the "Genuine" grade. Despite their designation, these coins maintain verified authenticity and are accompanied by a certification number. This means that problem coins can still circulate just like any other coin graded by PCGS.
The auction record was in 2021. A piece was sold for $10,000.00.
13. $9,600.00 1776-1976-S Kennedy Half Dollar, MS69 Silver Bicentennial Issue
The nation's bicentennial commemoration was enthusiastically embraced during that period, leading to the creation of distinctive reverse designs for the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins as a tribute to this momentous occasion.
The coins all showed a dual 1776-1976 date on the obverse. The Half Dollar reverse, with Independence Hall as the centerpiece, was designed by Seth G. Huntington.
This coin was sold for $9,600.00 in 2022 at Heritage Auctions.
14. $9,392.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 2012-S Silver PR
In 2012, the U.S Mint released the silver 2012-S Kennedy half dollars for collectors as part of a special set called 2012 United States Mint Silver Proof Set. The set contained 14 coins, but seven of them (the dime, half dollar, and the five quarter dollar coins) were all issued in 90 percent silver.
With a reeded edge, this beautiful coin, made of 90% Silver and 10% Copper coin was sold in 2016 for $9,392.00 on eBay.
15. $9,200.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1977-D MS
With a composition of 75% Copper, and 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center, this Denver Mint piece (as indicated by the mint mark) has only one specimen in an MS68 grade known, and it was evaluated at $5,150.
In 2005, an MS64 specimen was sold for $9,200.00.
16. $8,000.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1974 MS
With a quantity of only 5 coins graded above 67 known by PCGS, this 1974 piece is another gorgeous example of the Half Dollar. Gilroy Roberts' design here can be appreciated in its full glory. The reverse design is almost untouched, where the eagle's claws are holding the olive branch.
In 2021 an MS68 piece was sold for $8,000 on eBay.
17. $7,931.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1974-S PR70
This silver proof coin presents a faint golden overtone that grows stronger at the margins, most visible at the upper obverse. Its composition consists of 90% Silver and 10% Copper.
It was sold for $7,931.00 in 2013.
18. $7,500.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1968-D MS67
With a composition of 40% Silver, 60% Copper, this particular specimen is another example of how the heraldic eagle remained unspoiled.
In 2019, an MS67 piece reached the auction record of $7,500.00 on eBay.
19. $7,475.00 Kennedy Half Dollar, 1970-S PR66
This particular planchet error is highly uncommon, considering that proof sets are typically thoroughly examined before being released from the Mints. The specimen in question displays remarkable oval-shaped features, with impeccably shiny surfaces adorned by captivating hues of gold, powder-blue, and rose patina.
Notably misaligned towards the 11 o'clock position, a significant portion of the HALF DOLLAR inscription extends beyond the coin's edge.
It reached an impressive $7,475.00 at an auction in 2007.
The John Kennedy Gold Half Dollar Coin 2014
Issued in 2014 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar, this is a proof, 99.99% pure (24kt) gold Half-Dollar.
Featuring the same Kennedy bust from the regular circulating version, it’s the first U.S. gold Half-Dollar, the first and only U.S. coin struck in three-quarters of an ounce of gold, and the first U.S. gold coin honoring JFK.
Featuring the commemorative dual date "1964-2014," this coin ensures its unique and limited mintage, accompanied by the esteemed "W" mint mark from the West Point Mint. The reverse side proudly displays the purity mark below the eagle's claw.
Additionally, a commemorative 2014 release of the coin is available in a 90% pure silver version. This marks the first time the coin has been struck in 90% silver since its initial release in 1964. These coins were sold in brilliant uncirculated condition.
In 2022, a PR70 specimen sold at an auction for $3,120.
Grading Services
Coin grading services play a vital role in the world of numismatics by providing professional and unbiased assessments of a coin's condition and quality. These services employ highly trained experts who examine coins based on standardized grading criteria, evaluating factors such as wear, luster, strike, and overall preservation.
Through this meticulous process, coins are assigned a grade on a numerical scale, ranging from poor to perfect, which helps collectors and investors determine the value and rarity of their coins.
Coin grading services offer authentication, certification, and encapsulation of coins, enhancing their marketability and providing assurance to buyers and sellers. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) are two of the oldest and most recognized third-party grading services in the business.
Final Thoughts
Since its debut in 1964, this iconic coin has become a symbol of American history, forever memorializing President John F. Kennedy's legacy. Yet, beyond its sentimental significance lies a hidden world of remarkable value and significant premium that goes beyond its face value.
FAQs About The Kennedy Half Dollars
Which Kennedy Half Dollar is Worth the Most?
Mintage values vary based on factors like year, condition, and rarity. The 1964 coin is the highest sought-after because it's the first after JFK's assassination. In addition, its 90% silver composition sets it apart, making the Kennedy half Dollar value increase due to its precious metal content.
What is the 1776 to 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth?
According to PCGS, an MS67 piece can range from $2,350 to $2,585. However, in 2021, a Kennedy half Dollar, 1976-D, was sold for $10,000.00.
Why is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar So Valuable?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollars are highly sought after by most collectors due to their historical significance as the first year of the issue following President John F. Kennedy's assassination. Additionally, its composition of 90% silver adds to its appeal, making it a desirable piece for collectors who value both its historical significance and precious metal content.
How Much is a Kennedy Silver Half Dollar Worth Today?
According to PCGS, as of June 2023 the most valuable Kennedy half sold are:
- In 2019, a 1964 SP68 was sold for $156,000.00.
- In 2022 a 1964 50C Accented Hair PR69 was sold for $45,600.00.
- In 2019, a 1967 50C SMS MS69 Ultra Cameo was sold for $31,200.00.
Are 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Anything?
If they are in uncirculated condition or have specific mint errors or varieties, they may have a higher value to collectors. It's recommended to consult a coin expert or reference a coin price guide for a more accurate assessment of their worth.
According to PCGS auction price, the most valuable 1971 Kennedy half Dollars coins are:
- In 2018, a Kennedy half Dollar, 1971-D MS61 was sold for $13,000.00.
- In 2019, a Kennedy half Dollar, 1971-S PR69 was sold for $12,000.00.
- In 2023, a MS67 was sold for $2,900.00.
Why is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Rare?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar coin is rare due to its historical significance as the first year of the coins produced after JFK's assassination. Additionally, its 90% silver composition and widespread melting for silver content have reduced the available supply, making it increasingly challenging to find it in day to day transactions and increasing its collectible value.
