The silver Kennedy half dollar, made by the U.S. Mint, is one of the most loved coins for collectors. Since they first came in the 1960s, these coins have been a big part of American coin history.
The value of a Kennedy half dollar depends on:
- Its condition (circulated or uncirculated)
- The mint where it was made
- Its silver content
If you’re considering adding one to your coin collection, it’s important to know what makes them valuable. Some may look ordinary but are worth a fortune like 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – Made of 90% silver, this first-year coin is a favorite among collectors, 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar – A key date, only found in mint sets, very rare, 1998-S Matte Finish Silver Proof – A special low-mintage coin, very valuable. 1966 SMS – Known for its high-quality strike, a must-have for serious collectors, Errors & Varieties – Like the 1964 Accented Hair, can be worth more.
So, whether you already own one or are planning to buy, Kennedy half dollars are worth exploring. You never know—you might be holding a hidden treasure in your hands!
History of The Kennedy Half Dollar
History of The Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964, just months after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It replaced the Benjamin Franklin half dollar.
- The 1964 coins were made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- From 1965 to 1970, due to a copper shortage, the coins were made with a 79% copper core and an 80% silver, 20% copper outer layer.
- Starting in 1971, the coins were no longer silver. They were made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a pure copper core.
The design hasn’t changed much:
- Front (obverse): A portrait of President Kennedy, facing left.
- Back (reverse): A heraldic eagle holding an olive branch (peace) and arrows (strength).
These coins were minted in San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia. In 1964 alone, over 156 million coins were made!
After 2002, the Mint mainly made these coins for collectors, not general circulation. In 1992, they started making special 90% silver proof coins. By 1998, they also released matte and brilliant silver proofs.
One special version is the 1964 Accented Hair. Jacqueline Kennedy didn’t like the strong hair detail on the coin, so the Mint changed it. But some coins with the original design were already made—these are now rare and valuable.
In 2022, after 20 years, the Federal Reserve asked the Mint to make more Kennedy coins for circulation.
Today, Kennedy half dollars are easy to find, but the most valuable ones are those silver coins made between 1964 and 1970.
Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Coins
The Kennedy half dollar series has a special place in American coin collecting. These coins became iconic after their release in 1964, just a year after the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy. With high mintage numbers, a strong historical tie, and some incredibly rare varieties, these half dollars are both popular and valuable. The obverse (front) shows a young JFK with sharp features, including heavy brows and detailed eyes. The reverse features a heraldic eagle surrounded by 50 stars and 13 rays, symbolizing strength and unity.
Let’s start our list of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars, beginning with a standout gem:
1. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Special Strike (SMS SP68)
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar is among the most coveted coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint. This coin is extraordinary and incredibly rare, especially in top condition.
- Minted: Philadelphia Mint, 1964
- Finish: Satin-like matte (not proof), with deep reflective surfaces
- Grade: SP68 (Special Strike)
- Auction Price: $156,000 (sold in 2019 by Stack’s Bowers)
Here’s what makes it special:
- SMS (Special Mint Set) coins are different from standard and proof coins. They have a smoother, satin finish and lack the mirror-like qualities of proof strikes.
- The surface is nearly flawless, free of typical contact marks seen in regular circulation coins.
- Only a dozen of these coins have been certified by PCGS, confirming its extreme rarity.
- The 1964 SMS SP68 Kennedy half dollar is the rarest non-error coin in the entire Kennedy series.
These coins were carefully handled and struck, likely part of a test run or a limited collector’s issue. Some even speculate they were produced as part of a presentation set for government officials or Mint staff.
Typical prices for lesser grades of this coin can range from $9 to $19, but for top-graded pieces, the sky is the limit—as seen in the $156,000 auction.
2. 1968 Kennedy Half-Dollar Proof
The San Francisco Mint began striking proof Kennedy half dollars in 1968, marking a shift from Philadelphia (which last struck proofs in 1964). These coins carry an “S” mint mark and are known for higher quality.
- Regular Cameos are common.
- Deep Cameos are rare and highly desirable.
A PF70 Deep Cameo sold for $21,600 at a 2017 Heritage auction, making this proof one of the standout examples in the series. These coins often feature mirror-like backgrounds and sharp frosted designs, but getting a perfect PF70 grade is like hitting the jackpot.
3. 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollar Proof
The first-ever Kennedy proof coin was minted in Philadelphia in 1964. Though the design was groundbreaking, the finish was somewhat inferior to later proofs.
- Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs are rare.
- Most available proofs are PF68 and below.
A PF70 graded example fetched $9,400, proving that even early proofs can bring high auction results if perfectly preserved.
4. 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Half Dollar
The Accented Hair variety is one of the most famous Kennedy coin designs. It was the original 1964 proof design, later replaced after Jacqueline Kennedy disliked the prominent hair detail.
Key features:
- Extra hair detail above the ear
- Missing serif on the “I” in LIBERTY
This variety was short-lived, making it extremely rare. Less than 5% of 1964 proof coins bear this design.
- A PR69 Accented Hair sold for $3,100
- A PF68 Deep Cameo brought in $19,975
Collectors hunt this variety for its historical significance and limited mintage.
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5. 1976 D Kennedy Half Dollar
The Denver Mint produced over 200 million Kennedy half dollars in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial.
- Most are worth face value unless in high grades.
- MS67 and above are very rare.
Despite mass production, only a few MS67+ examples exist. A PCGS-graded “GENUINE” example sold for $10,000 in 2021.
Collectors prize these coins for their dual date (1776-1976) and their place in American history.
6. 1971 D Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin marked the end of the silver era for the series. The 1971 Kennedy half dollar was no longer made with silver, but rather 75% copper and 25% nickel.
- Millions were minted, especially in Denver.
- Value spikes at MS67 and above.
The top auction price? A MS61 example (less than perfect!) sold for $13,000 on eBay in 2018—proof that rarity and interest can drive up value, even in lower grades.
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7. 1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar
Minted during the 40% silver era (1965–1970), the 1969 D Kennedy half dollar is more common in circulated form.
- Still, high-grade examples are scarce.
- Only fewer than 50 coins exist in MS67.
A pristine MS67 specimen sold for $15,600 in 2017, showing just how collectible high-grade examples can be—even for coins that were originally widespread.
8. 1966 P Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1966 Kennedy half dollar was struck with a lower mintage than other silver-clad issues of the 1960s.
- Finding them in gem condition is tough.
- Only 15 known examples exist in MS67 or higher.
In 2020, a MS67 example brought in a staggering $15,100 on eBay.
9. 1977 Kennedy Half Dollar
By the late ’70s, minting technology had improved, so higher-grade coins became more common to come across 1977 Kennedy half-dollar examples in grades.
- MS66–MS67 coins are fairly easy to find.
- MS68 and higher are rare, with less than 200 specimens being certified.
- MS68 and higher are rare, with less than 200 certified.
The top sale? A 1977 half-dollar graded MS64 fetched $9,200 in 2005.
10. 1970 D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1970 Kennedy half dollar is a key date of any collector with a mint mark D was only available and it was sold in Mint Sets including nine other coins.
The 1970 D Kennedy half a dollar was:
- Only available in Mint Sets
- The last 40% silver business strike until 1992
- Only 2 million were minted, the lowest mintage from 1964–2005.
The top sale: $7,495 in the 2023 online auction.
11. 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar (Proof)
San Francisco minted about 2.6 million proof Kennedy half-dollar coins with proof coins and not planned for circulation and were extremely rare. Few individuals and coins-related companies got the 1970 proof half dollars.
- 2.6 million proof coins were made.
- These never circulated, making uncirculated quality more common.
The value increases in higher grades, with a PF67 fetching $7,475 in 2007 in the Heritage auction.
12. 1980 D Kennedy Half Dollar
The Denver Mint struck 33 million coins in 1980. While common in circulated conditions, mint-state examples are harder to find.
- MS67+ grades are rare.
- An MS68 example sold for $49,835 in 2015.
Yes, nearly $50k for a modern coin—if it’s pristine.
13. 1976 S Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
- Released to celebrate America’s 200th birthday
- Features 1776-1976 dual date
The Mint struck:
- Clad proofs
- Silver proofs
- Regular circulation strikes
A regular strike MS69 sold for $9,600 in 2022—especially rare in that grade.
Conclusion
Most Kennedy half dollars aren’t worth more than 50 cents, but a few select dates, rare mint marks, and high-grade conditions can turn them into investment-worthy treasures.
The top coins are 1964 Special Strike, 1964 Accented Hair, 1968 & 1970 Proofs, and 1976 Bicentennial, and any coin in MS67+ condition
If you’re collecting or just searching through old change, these are the Kennedy halves that can make you smile—and possibly wealthy.