The Kennedy Half-Dollar isn’t just pocket change, it could be a small fortune hiding in your coin jar. First minted in 1964 to honor the late President John F. Kennedy, this iconic coin holds sentimental and historical value. But here’s the kicker: some rare versions are worth thousands even up to $150,000.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 4 most valuable Kennedy Half-Dollar coins, How to identify them, and how collectors and investors can cash in on this numismatic goldmine.
History
Let’s rewind a bit. The Kennedy Half-Dollar was introduced shortly after JFK’s assassination in 1963. Americans were eager to commemorate their fallen president, so the U.S. Mint acted quickly. The result? One of the most beloved and widely collected coins in American history.
Value
While millions were produced, only a few editions stand out. These rare coins are like hidden treasures. Here’s a quick table summarizing the top 4 valuable Kennedy Half-Dollars:
| Coin Type | Year | Mint Mark | Max Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Half-Dollar | 1964 | None | $156,000 |
| Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | None | $20,000 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1970 | D (Denver) | $150,000 |
| 1967 SMS Half-Dollar | 1967 | None | $31,200 |
Let’s break each one down…
1964 SMS
This is the holy grail of Kennedy Half-Dollars. SMS stands for Special Mint Set, and only a few dozen of these were made in 1964. That limited production makes this coin incredibly rare.
Why it’s valuable:
- Satin-like finish (different from proofs)
- Only a few exist
- One sold for $156,000 in 2019
How to identify:
- No mint mark
- Smooth, matte-like surfaces
- Sharper details than typical coins
Accented
The 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar is a collector favorite. Why? It was pulled early from production after Jackie Kennedy requested a design change. That makes early versions rare and collectible.
Why it’s valuable:
- Early variation with limited mintage
- About 1–3% of 1964 proofs have this design
- Can sell for up to $20,000
How to identify:
- Look for heavier hair detail above Kennedy’s ear
- The “I” in “LIBERTY” has a weak or missing left serif
1970-D
This Denver-minted Kennedy Half-Dollar is special because it was the final year the coin included 40% silver. It wasn’t made for circulation—only for mint sets—making it very scarce.
Why it’s valuable:
- Only 2.15 million produced
- Last 40% silver regular issue
- One sold for $150,000 in MS67 condition
How to identify:
- Look for a small “D” mint mark
- Made from 40% silver
- Higher weight than modern copper-nickel coins
1967 SMS
Due to coin shortages in the 1960s, the U.S. Mint released Special Mint Sets from 1965–1967. The 1967 version has gained attention for its superior quality and rarity in high-grade condition.
Why it’s valuable:
- Unique finish with sharp design
- One sold for $31,200
- Limited availability in perfect condition
How to identify:
- Satin finish similar to 1964 SMS
- Sharp design with deep cameo contrast
- No mint mark
Checklist
So, think you might have a rare Kennedy Half-Dollar? Here’s what to do:
- Check the date – Focus on 1964, 1967, and 1970.
- Look for mint marks – D = Denver, S = San Francisco, no mark = Philadelphia.
- Inspect the finish – SMS coins have a satin finish.
- Grade the coin – Get it graded by PCGS or NGC for an accurate value.
| Coin Grade | Description | Investment Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS60–70 | Mint State (uncirculated) | High |
| AU50–59 | About Uncirculated | Moderate |
| XF40–49 | Extremely Fine | Entry-level |
Investment
Are Kennedy Half-Dollars a good investment? Many experts say yes—especially the rare silver versions. Here’s why:
Pros:
- Historic appeal and strong collector interest
- Silver content adds intrinsic value
- Rare editions appreciate over time
Cons:
- Market prices fluctuate with silver
- Requires professional grading for top resale value
