Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars: Top 4 & What To Look For

Most Kennedy half dollars are not worth much more than their face value, if there is a gap at all. Because these coins are just 60 years old, most people do not see much value in Kennedy half dollars since these coins are more modern than older coins worth serious money.

However, valuable and rare Kennedy half dollars do exist in circulation. Without an expert appraisal, it can be difficult to determine if any Kennedy half dollars you own are worth their face value or significantly more. 

If you’d like to sell Kennedy half dollars you own but aren’t sure if they are worth money, reach out to Coinfully for a free, zero-pressure appraisal.

Are Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Anything?

Yes, Kennedy half dollars are worth more than face value in many cases, especially older or special issues. Circulation coins from 1964 contain 90% silver, while those from 1965–1970 carry 40% silver, giving them intrinsic bullion value. 

Key dates, proof strikes, mint errors, and high-grade certified examples can command premiums ranging from a few dollars to tens of thousands at auction.

History of Kennedy Half Dollars

The history of the Kennedy half dollar begins in 1964. In honor of the late President John F. Kennedy, his profile was added to 50 cent coins.

One year after his assassination, JFK’s likeness was added to half dollar coins. These replaced the Franklin half dollar. The United States minted the first Kennedy half dollar in 1964 and Kennedy half dollars have been minted ever since. 

If you’re unsure whether your half dollars might have collectible value, consider getting a free coin appraisal online to understand their potential worth.

Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars

While most Kennedy half dollars are cherished as everyday collectibles, a few rare issues have achieved legendary status among numismatists. These particular coins are highly sought after because of their limited production, unique design features, or exceptional provenance.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollars Special Mint Set

The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy half dollars are some of the rarest and most mysterious in the series. 

Unlike regular proof or circulation coins, these pieces feature an unusually sharp strike, satin-like surfaces, and subtle die polishing lines, indicating experimental production methods.

Only a handful are known to exist, and fewer than 20 examples have been authenticated. 

Because of their extreme scarcity and unique finish, these coins are valued in the tens of thousands of dollars. High-grade certified specimens have sold for more than $40,000 to $50,000 at auction, making them a true centerpiece for advanced collections.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Accented Hair

The “Accented Hair” variety of the 1964 proof Kennedy half dollar is famous for its distinctive hair detail above President Kennedy’s ear, where extra lines are visible. 

This design was part of the initial proof die and was later modified at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy, making the variety relatively short-lived. Collectors also recognize these coins by the missing serif on the letter “I” in “LIBERTY.” 

With lower mintage than standard proof issues, the Accented Hair has become a highly desirable coin. Prices range from $150 to $500 in proof grades, with ultra-high-quality examples reaching $2,000 or more.

1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar “Richard Green Collection” Pedigree

This coin achieved fame due to its extraordinary provenance and condition rather than a unique variety. The “Richard Green Collection” included one of the finest-known 1964-D Kennedy half dollars, certified at MS68, a grade nearly unheard of for this issue. 

Most 1964-D coins suffer from heavy bag marks and lackluster strikes, but Green’s coin displayed nearly flawless surfaces and stunning luster. 

Because of its pedigree and condition rarity, it fetched record-breaking prices at auction, with hammer values exceeding $20,000 to $25,000. Collectors prize such pieces as much for their history as their numismatic quality.

1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof

The 1968-S proof Kennedy half dollar marks an important transition, as it was the first proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint. Collectors seek out Cameo and Deep Cameo examples with frosted devices and mirrored fields, which are far rarer than standard proofs from the same year. 

Quality strikes with heavy cameo contrast can command premium values, particularly in grades of PR69DCAM. While ordinary proofs trade for $10 to $20, exceptional Deep Cameo examples can sell for $500 to $1,000 or more, making them a popular target for proof specialists.

Kennedy Half Dollar Value: How Much Are Kennedy Half Dollars Worth?

Kennedy half dollars’ value depends on several factors including year, mintmarks, proof, and condition.

How Year Affects the Value of Kennedy Half Dollars

The year of issue plays a major role in determining the value of a Kennedy half dollar because it directly impacts the coin’s metal content and mintage. 

For example, coins minted in 1964 contain 90% silver, weighing 12.5 grams of precious metal, making them more valuable than later issues. From 1965 to 1970, the coins were reduced to 40% silver, and after 1971 they were struck in copper-nickel. 

Collectors pay special attention to these differences, as earlier silver coins almost always carry a premium.

How Mint Marks on Kennedy Half Dollars Influence Value

Mintmarks provide vital information about where a Kennedy half dollar was produced and can significantly influence scarcity and value. 

For instance, coins from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) Mints may have lower mintages compared to those from Philadelphia, making certain issues harder to find. 

Collectors often seek specific mintmark combinations for year sets or varieties, and rare mintmark issues can command impressive prices. The placement of the mintmark, just below Kennedy’s neck, adds another identifying detail collectors look for.

Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coins vs. Regular Strike

Proof Kennedy half dollars are specially struck coins created for collectors, featuring deeply mirrored fields and sharp details that distinguish them from regular circulation strikes. Because of their striking quality and limited mintages, proof issues almost always bring higher premiums. 

A famous variety is the 1964 Accented Hair proof, identified by the pronounced strands of hair above Kennedy’s ear and the missing serif on the “I” in LIBERTY. 

This variety, struck before Jackie Kennedy requested a design change, remains one of the most sought-after proofs in the entire series.

How the Value of Kennedy Half Dollars Is Impacted by Condition

Condition, often referred to as “grade,” is one of the most critical factors influencing a Kennedy half dollar’s worth. Coins are evaluated on a scale from heavily circulated to pristine Mint State (MS) or Proof (PR) condition. 

Even common-date coins can rise sharply in value when certified in high grades due to their rarity in flawless form. 

For rarer issues, top-condition specimens may fetch thousands of dollars more than lower-grade examples, making preservation and professional grading essential for serious collectors.

Kennedy Half Dollar Key Dates

Certain years in the Kennedy half dollar series are considered “key dates” because of their limited mintages, unique varieties, or historical importance. Collectors prize these coins not only for their rarity but also for the stories they represent within the broader history of U.S. coinage.

• 1964: The first year of issue and the only year struck in 90% silver. Both circulation strikes and proofs are highly collectible.
• 1964 Accented Hair Proof: A short-lived variety with distinctive hair detail and the missing serif on the “I” in LIBERTY, prized for its rarity.
• 1965–1970 (40% Silver Issues): These transitional years contained reduced silver content, making them more valuable than modern clad coins.
• 1966 SMS (Special Mint Set): A scarce set-only issue with sharper strikes and prooflike qualities, often selling for strong premiums.
• 1968-S Proof: The first proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint; Deep Cameo examples are especially desirable.
• 1970-D: A low-mintage coin available only in Mint Sets, making it one of the toughest regular issues to locate in high grades.
• 1998-S Matte Finish Silver Proof: A special low-mintage release included only with the Kennedy Collectors Set, featuring a unique textured appearance.
• 2014 50th Anniversary Issues: Special gold and high-relief silver versions were struck in limited numbers, adding modern key dates to the series.

What Year Kennedy Half Dollar Is Most Valuable?

The single year of Kennedy half dollars that has the most value is 1964. Being the first year of Kennedy half dollars and the only one made with a 90% silver content, 1964 is a key date for the coin and is very collectible.

Which 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars Are Worth The Most?

The most valuable 1964 Kennedy half dollars are the Special Mint Set (SMS) coins, with fewer than 20 known, often selling for over $40,000. 

The Accented Hair proof variety, distinguished by extra hair detail above Kennedy’s ear, is also highly prized. Additionally, top-graded 1964-D circulation strikes can command exceptional premiums due to condition rarity.

Kennedy Half Dollar Mintmarks

The three mintmarks you can find on Kennedy half dollars are:

• P: Philadelphia Mint
• D: Denver Mint
• S: San Francisco Mint

Mintmarks were not put on any Kennedy half dollar from 1965 to 1967 or on any Kennedy half dollars minted in Philadelphia before 1980.

Metal Value in Silver Kennedy Half Dollars

The metal value of the silver in your Kennedy half dollar is between $4 and $10 at most, depending on what year Kennedy half dollar you own and the price of silver at the time.

The year of the Kennedy half dollar you own determines if it is a silver coin or not. The silver content is the only way your Kennedy half dollar has value in its metal. There were no silver half dollars minted after 1970, except commemorative coins.

Kennedy half dollar coins can come in two different silver contents: 90% silver and 10% copper or 40% silver and 60% copper.

• The 90% silver Kennedy half dollars were only minted in 1964 and have a current silver value of approximately $14. 
• The 40% silver Kennedy half dollars were minted from 1965 to 1970 and are worth ~$4.44 in silver.

Kennedy half dollars are one of the most valuable silver half dollars based on silver prices, but do not let this fool you into thinking that this is the only form in which your Kenendy half dollars have value.

Before selling your silver coins for silver value, consider getting a free appraisal for silver coins with Coinfully to learn their true collectible value.

Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Money: What To Look For

When evaluating Kennedy half dollars, certain details can make the difference between a common coin and one worth significantly more. 

From mintmarks and silver content to rare errors, knowing what to watch for can help collectors identify valuable pieces quickly and confidently.

What To Look For	Potential Value
90% silver coins	$10 to $100 or more
S or D mintmark	$20 to $1,000 or more
Errors such as double or off-center stamping	$500 to $500,000 or more
Missing designer initials (no FG)	$115 to $4,500 or more

How To Determine if Your Kennedy Silver Half Dollars Are Valuable

When trying to determine how valuable your Kennedy half dollar is, or the value of any silver half dollar you may own, the best option is to get a professional appraisal.

The smallest thing can make the difference when determining if your Kennedy half dollar is worth thousands of dollars or just its silver value. 

Determining the value of your Kennedy half dollars alone can be a stressful process without the trained eye of a professional. A numismatic expert can easily help you determine the coin’s value.

There are three options for getting your coins appraisals: online coin appraisals, in-person coin appraisals, and at-home coin appraisals.

If you want an online appraisal for your Kennedy half dollars, you will need to take photos of your coins and send them in. An expert will then examine them and tell you about the worth of your coins. 

For in-person appraisals, you will need to find a shop offering appraisals near you and take your coins there. In some cases you will have to leave your coins overnight to get a full appraisal and return the next day to sell or pick up your coins. 

Both of these options carry risks, however. Coinfully offers a better way with an at-home appraisal service where we send an expert directly to you if your collection qualifies.

If you are wondering how much an appraisal will cost you, no need to worry. Coinfully offers free zero-pressure coin selling with appraisals available both online and at home.

If you choose an online or at-home appraisal with Coinfully and decide to sell your coins, our experts will promptly pay you the determined value of your coins. 

During at-home appraisals, you can receive a check in the amount on the spot. If you decide to sell your coins online after an appraisal, you can send in your coins and receive payment immediately upon verification after we receive your coins.

To find out how much your Kennedy half dollars are worth or to take the first step in selling your coins, reach out to Coinfully for a free zero-pressure appraisal!