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10 Kennedy Half Dollars That Could Make You Rich – Plus 7 More Collectors’ Favorites!

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

Angie

10 Kennedy Half Dollars That Could Make You Rich – Plus 7 More Collectors’ Favorites!

The Kennedy Half Dollar, introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, has become a significant piece for coin collectors.

While many are common, certain editions are highly valuable due to their rarity, unique features, or historical significance.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 Kennedy Half Dollars that could enhance your collection’s worth, along with 7 other sought-after coins that every collector should know about.

Top 10 Kennedy Half Dollars That Could Make You Rich

Coin	Year	Notable Feature	Approximate Value
1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar	1964	Satin finish, sharp details	Up to $47,000
1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar	1964	Extra hair detail, early design	$5,000 – $20,000
1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar	1968	Deep Cameo contrast	Up to $21,600
1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar	1998	Special matte finish, low mintage	$500 – $3,000
1966 No “FG” Initials Kennedy Half Dollar	1966	Missing designer’s initials due to error	$2,800 – $10,000
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar	1970	Limited release in mint sets	$3,000 – $7,000
1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar	1964	First-year proof issue	$2,500 – $9,400
1967 SMS Ultra Cameo Kennedy Half Dollar	1967	Special Mint Set with deep cameo	Up to $6,995
1976-D Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar	1976	High-grade MS67 specimens	$5,000 – $10,000
1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar	1964	90% silver composition	$1,000 – $3,000

7 More Collectors’ Favorites That Are Worth Big Money

Beyond Kennedy Half Dollars, there are several other U.S. coins that are highly valuable. These include some of the rarest and most expensive coins in history.

1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – $18.9 Million

Considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds the record for the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold, fetching $18.9 million in 2021.

2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million

The first dollar coin ever issued by the U.S. Mint, this coin is extremely rare. In 2013, an example sold for $10 million, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world.

3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $3.7 Million

With only five known examples, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a holy grail among collectors. It sold for $3.7 million in a 2010 auction.

4. 1943 Copper Penny – $240,000+

During World War II, pennies were made of steel, but a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper. These rare coins have been known to sell for up to $240,000.

5. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – $100,000+

This error coin is famous for its doubling effect on the date and lettering. In pristine condition, these pennies have been sold for over $100,000.

6. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Error) – $6,000+

Some of these quarters feature an extra leaf on the corn husk, an error that has made them highly valuable, with prices reaching thousands of dollars.

7. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – $1,500+

Dimes from 1982 without a mint mark are rare and can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.

How to Identify Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars and Rare Coins

If you’re wondering whether you own one of these rare coins, here are some expert tips to help you identify valuable half dollars and other rare coins:

Check the Date & Mint Mark – Coins from special years like 1964, 1970, and 1998 tend to have higher values. Look for mint marks such as S (San Francisco), D (Denver), or no mint mark (Philadelphia).
Look for Errors – Minting errors like the “No FG” initials, doubled dies, or missing elements can increase a coin’s worth significantly.
Assess the Condition – Coins in pristine condition (MS65+ or Deep Cameo Proofs) can be worth far more than their circulated counterparts.
Use a Magnifying Glass – Tiny details such as extra leaves, missing letters, or slight variations can turn an ordinary coin into a jackpot.
Consult a Professional – Organizations like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) can help authenticate and grade your coin for accurate valuation.

Whether you are an experienced numismatist or a casual collector, the world of Kennedy Half Dollars and rare U.S. coins offers a thrilling opportunity to uncover hidden treasures.

The coins mentioned in this article collectively amount to millions of dollars, proving that rare and valuable coins still exist in circulation.

So, check your pocket change, old coin collections, and bank rolls—you might just find a fortune waiting to be discovered!

FAQs

How do I know if my Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable?

Look for key dates, mint marks, and errors such as the 1964 Accented Hair Proof, 1970-D Mint Set Only, or the 1966 No FG error. Coins in higher grades (MS65 and above) are generally worth more.

Are Kennedy Half Dollars still in circulation?

Yes, but they are not commonly seen in daily transactions. They are mainly produced for collectors and available through banks, rolls, and special mint sets.

Where can I sell my valuable coins?

You can sell rare coins at online auction sites (eBay, Heritage Auctions), coin shops, or through professional grading services such as PCGS or NGC for authentication and valuation.