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Top 10 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coins Worth Big Money – Plus 5 More To Add To Your List!

Published

3 weeks ago

February 2, 2025

Angie

Top 10 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coins Worth Big Money – Plus 5 More To Add To Your List!

The Kennedy Half Dollar, introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, has become a cherished piece among numismatists.

While many of these coins are common, certain proof versions stand out due to their rarity and value.

This article delves into the top 10 most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar proof coins, followed by five additional noteworthy pieces to enhance your collection.

Understanding Proof Coins

Proof coins are specially minted for collectors, featuring sharp details and a mirror-like finish. They often carry higher value than regular strikes, especially when preserved in pristine condition.

Top 10 Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coins

Rank	Year	Mint Mark	Variety/Feature	Grade	Auction Price	Notes
1	1964	None	Special Mint Set (SMS)	SP67	$108,000	Extremely rare with satin finish.
2	1964	None	Special Mint Set (SMS)	SP67	$47,000	Another high-grade SMS example.
3	1980	P	Regular Strike	MS65	$22,325	Notable for its high grade.
4	1968	S	Deep Cameo Proof	PF70	$21,600	Pristine condition with deep cameo contrast.
5	1964	None	Accented Hair	PF68	$19,975	Early design variation with distinctive hair details.
6	1969	S	Deep Cameo Proof	PF69	$15,000	High-grade example with deep cameo finish.
7	1970	S	Deep Cameo Proof	PF69	$12,000	Last year of 40% silver composition in proofs.
8	1998	S	Matte Finish	SP70	$10,000	Special matte finish issued in collector sets.
9	1976	S	Silver Bicentennial	PF69	$9,000	Bicentennial design with 40% silver content.
10	1964	None	Regular Proof	PF69	$8,000	High-grade example of the inaugural year.

Five Additional Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coins to Consider

1964 Accented Hair Proof: Identified by the enhanced hair above Kennedy’s ear, this variety resulted from an initial design that was later modified. Approximately 100,000 of these were minted, making them a sought-after piece for collectors.
1998-S Matte Finish: Issued as part of a special collector’s set honoring Robert F. Kennedy, this coin features a unique matte finish. With a limited mintage of around 62,000, it stands as one of the rarer proofs in the series.
2014-W 50th Anniversary Gold Proof: To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar, the U.S. Mint released a special edition struck in 99.99% gold. Its uniqueness and gold content make it a valuable addition.
2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof: Included in a special set with the Apollo 11 50th anniversary half dollar, this coin boasts an enhanced reverse proof finish and was limited to a mintage of 100,000.
2014-S Silver Reverse Proof: Part of the 50th-anniversary set, this coin features a reverse proof finish and is struck in 90% silver, adding both aesthetic appeal and intrinsic value.

Factors Influencing Value

The value of Kennedy Half Dollar proof coins is influenced by several factors:

Mintage: Lower mintage numbers typically increase a coin’s rarity and value.
Condition: Coins graded higher on the Sheldon scale (e.g., PF69, PF70) command premium prices.
Unique Features: Varieties like the “Accented Hair” or special finishes (matte, reverse proof) enhance desirability.

Collecting Kennedy Half Dollar proof coins offers both historical significance and potential financial reward.

By focusing on rare varieties, limited editions, and high-grade specimens, collectors can build a valuable and intriguing collection.