The Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the most popular U.S. coins ever minted. First issued in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination, the coin has gone through silver, clad, and proof variations that make it fascinating to collectors. While millions were struck, a handful of rare examples have become legendary, selling for thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—at auction.
Let’s look at the 15 most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars ever sold, what makes them unique, and why collectors are willing to pay so much for them.
1. The Mysterious Beginning: 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $156,000 (PCGS SP68, Stack’s Bowers 2019)
This coin is the holy grail of Kennedy halves. Only about 12 examples are known, discovered in 1991 in the estate of U.S. Mint Director Eva Adams. It has a satin-like finish, squared rims, heavy die polish lines, and the famous “dangling 4” mark in the date.
Unlike the 429 million regular 1964 halves, these SMS coins were probably experimental strikes for the 1965-67 Special Mint Sets. Their mysterious origins and rarity have pushed values as high as $156,000.
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2. The Cameo Perfection: 1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $31,200 (NGC SP69 Ultra Cameo, Heritage Auctions 2019)
In 1965-67, the Mint replaced proofs with Special Mint Sets (SMS). The 1967 SMS was the last of the series, struck without mintmarks and with 40% silver.
The most valuable example graded SP69 Ultra Cameo, the only one of its kind. The Ultra Cameo contrast makes Kennedy’s portrait look three-dimensional, with deep mirrored fields. Out of millions struck, this was the finest known, making it worth over $31,000.
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3. The Perfect Proof Returns: 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $24,000 (PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo, Stack’s Bowers 2017)
Proof production resumed in 1968, this time at the San Francisco Mint for the first time ever. The 1968-S was struck in 40% silver and marked the return of proof halves after a 3-year break.
Most 1968-S proofs are common, but a handful achieved the perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade. Only 16 examples have ever been certified at this flawless level. One sold for $24,000, proving how much perfection matters in coin collecting.
4. The Denver Mint Marvel: 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $22,325 (PCGS MS68, Legend Rare Coin Auctions 2016)
The Denver Mint struck over 156 million of these halves, but nearly all saw circulation. Only one coin has ever graded MS68 at PCGS.
Its rainbow “funkadelic” toning and provenance from the Richard Green Collection made it especially desirable. A circulated version may fetch only $10, but this single gem-quality coin sold for $22,325.
5. The Special Mint Set Surprise: 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $16,450 (PCGS SP68 Deep Cameo, Heritage Auctions 2015)
Over 2.2 million SMS sets were made in 1966, but very few show the Deep Cameo effect. This particular piece was graded SP68 Deep Cameo, one of just five known, with none finer.
It also appeared in Rick Tomaska’s Whitman Half Dollar reference book, adding to its pedigree. First sold in 2008 for $10,925, it jumped to $16,450 in 2015.
6. The Last Silver Superstar: 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $15,600 (NGC MS67★, Heritage Auctions 2019)
The last 40% silver Kennedy half struck for circulation. With 129 million minted, most examples are heavily worn.
But one specimen graded MS67★, earning the NGC “star” for exceptional eye appeal. Its stunning concentric rainbow toning made it stand out, bringing $15,600 at auction.
7. The Historic Auction Pioneer: 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $13,200 (PCGS SP68, Goldberg Auctioneers 2003)
This was one of the first SMS Kennedy halves to cross the $10,000 mark at auction. Graded SP68, it set records in 2003, proving that modern coins could command big money.
Its satin-like finish and rarity in near-perfect condition made it an instant standout.
8. The Transitional Treasure: 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar on Silver Planchet
Record Price: $13,000 (NGC MS61, eBay 2018)
By 1971, Kennedy halves were supposed to be clad, not silver. But some leftover 40% silver planchets from 1970 accidentally slipped through.
These transitional errors weigh 11.5 grams (instead of 11.34) and lack the copper edge of clad coins. One sold for $13,000 in MS61, and higher grades would sell for much more.
9. The Seldom-Seen Special Strike: 1965 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $12,650 (PCGS MS67 Deep Cameo, Heritage Auctions 2008)
The first year of SMS production. Most show little contrast, but this piece achieved MS67 Deep Cameo.
Only eight are known, making it an extremely rare and desirable example. It sold for $12,650 in 2008.
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10. The Copper-Nickel Pioneer: 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
Record Price: $12,000 (NGC PR69 Ultra Cameo, Heritage Auctions)
The first proof Kennedy struck in copper-nickel clad, not silver. Over 3.2 million sets were sold, but cameo contrast was nearly impossible to achieve.
This PR69 Ultra Cameo example, one of just 53 certified at NGC, sold for $12,000.
11. The Modern Rarity: 2020-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $9,995
Even recent issues can be valuable when perfectly preserved. This 2020-D Kennedy achieved a near-perfect grade in top condition, making it a modern rarity.
It sold for $9,995, proving collectors will pay top dollar for flawless examples, even from recent years.
12. The Bicentennial Beauty: 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar (50C)
Record Price: $9,600
Issued for America’s 200th birthday, the 1976 half dollar features the Independence Hall design. Millions were struck, but cameo proofs and superb gems are rare.
A top-grade example sold for $9,600, showing how patriotic appeal adds to its value.
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13. The Modern Silver Proof: 2012-S Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $9,392
This 2012-S Silver Proof coin is made with 90% silver proof, 395443 minted and highly popular half dollar from San Francisco.It is common in lower grades, but nearly impossible to find in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo. When John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the US Mint quickly planned to produce the next half dollar with his portrait on the obverse. Sculptors Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro were chosen, as they had earlier designed a Kennedy medal.
Only a handful have achieved this grade, one selling for $9,392 at auction.
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14. The Denver Gem: 1977-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $9,200
Though millions were minted for circulation, finding one in pristine gem condition is nearly impossible.
This MS68 example shocked collectors by bringing $9,200, showing how condition rarity drives value.
15. The Bicentennial Denver Edition: 1976-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Record Price: $8,400
The Denver-minted Bicentennial half is another patriotic favorite. While common in circulation, superb gem examples are rare.
One such coin sold for $8,400, proving that even high-mintage coins can be valuable in the right condition.
Bottom Line
The Kennedy Half Dollar is more than just pocket change – it’s a symbol of history, patriotism, and numismatic passion. From mysterious 1964 SMS strikes worth over $150,000 to modern silver proofs and Bicentennial editions, collectors prize these coins for their rarity, beauty, and condition.
Whether you’re hunting through old proof sets or checking modern rolls, using a coin value checker can help you quickly identify if you have a Kennedy half dollar worth thousands of dollars.