Top 8 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Coins From 1964 To 2020 – Plus 5 Rare Finds!

The Kennedy Half Dollar, first introduced in 1964, has been a staple of American coinage for decades.

While millions of these coins were minted, certain years and varieties have skyrocketed in value due to rarity, errors, and historical significance.

Collectors and enthusiasts alike are on the lookout for these valuable coins, some of which can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.

Here’s a guide to the top 8 most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars from 1964 to 2020, along with 5 rare finds you might still come across.

Top 8 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Coins

1. 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: Part of a Special Mint Set (SMS), only about 20 examples are known to exist.
• Unique Feature: Satin-like finish and exceptional strike quality.
• Value: Estimated at $108,000, making it the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar ever sold.

2. 1998-S Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: Issued as part of a commemorative set for John F. Kennedy’s 80th birthday.
• Unique Feature: Matte proof finish and limited mintage of 62,000 coins.
• Value: Typically sells for $1,500 to $3,000.

3. 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse

• Details: A mint error caused doubling on the obverse inscriptions.
• Unique Feature: Doubling is most evident in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
• Value: Ranges from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on condition.

4. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: The final 40% silver coin in the series, released only in mint sets.
• Unique Feature: Low mintage of just 2.15 million.
• Value: Sells for $40 to $1,000, with high-grade examples fetching premium prices.

5. 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: From a Special Mint Set, known for its pristine quality.
• Unique Feature: Satin-like finish and superior strike.
• Value: Often sells for $500 to $2,500.

6. 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: One of the last 40% silver coins made for circulation.
• Unique Feature: High demand due to silver content and collectibility.
• Value: Sells for $6 to $50, depending on grade.

7. 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver Clad)

• Details: Issued to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial.
• Unique Feature: Silver-clad versions were included in collector sets.
• Value: Typically worth $10 to $30, with uncirculated examples fetching more.

8. 2014-W Gold Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: Struck to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar.
• Unique Feature: Composed of ¾ oz. of 24-karat gold.
• Value: Sells for around $1,000 to $1,500, depending on gold prices.

5 Rare Kennedy Half Dollar Finds

1. 1995-D Doubled Die Obverse

• Details: Doubling is visible in the inscriptions on the obverse.
• Value: Worth $50 to $500, depending on the severity of the error.

2. 1964 Accented Hair Proof

• Details: A design variation on the obverse, showing extra detail in Kennedy’s hair.
• Value: Sells for $100 to $300, with higher grades fetching more.

3. 1972 No FG Error

• Details: The designer’s initials “FG” (Frank Gasparro) are missing from the reverse.
• Value: Typically worth $30 to $150, depending on condition.

4. 1982 No Mint Mark

• Details: Lacks a mint mark due to an error at the Philadelphia Mint.
• Value: Can fetch $100 to $300, especially in uncirculated condition.

5. 1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

• Details: Known for its deep cameo contrast and mirror-like surfaces.
• Value: Sells for $20 to $100, with premium examples reaching $500+.

Year/Type	Unique Feature	Value Range
1964 SMS	Special Mint Set rarity	$108,000
1998-S Matte Proof	Matte finish; low mintage	$1,500-$3,000
1964-D Doubled Die Obverse	Doubling on obverse inscriptions	$2,000-$7,000
1970-D	Final 40% silver coin	$40-$1,000
1966 SMS	High-quality strike	$500-$2,500
1969-D	Silver content	$6-$50
1976 Bicentennial (Silver)	Unique reverse design	$10-$30
2014-W Gold	24-karat gold composition	$1,000-$1,500

Why Are Kennedy Half Dollars So Valuable?

1. Mint Errors: Coins like the 1964-D Doubled Die and 1995-D Doubled Die attract collectors due to their unique flaws.
2. Low Mintage: Coins such as the 1970-D and 1998-S Matte Proof are rare, driving their value.
3. Silver Content: Coins minted from 1964 to 1970 contain 40% to 90% silver, making them attractive to both collectors and investors.
4. Historical Significance: The Kennedy Half Dollar commemorates one of the most beloved U.S. presidents, adding emotional and historical value.

These Coins series offers a wide range of opportunities for collectors and investors, with coins ranging from common silver pieces to ultra-rare mint errors.

The 8 most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars highlighted here showcase the series’ richness and diversity, while the 5 rare finds remind us that treasures can still be found in circulation or coin rolls.

Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting out, examining your change might reveal a hidden gem worth far more than its face value. Keep an eye out—you could be sitting on a fortune!

FAQs

What is the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar?

The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar, with a record auction price of $108,000, is the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar ever sold.

How can I identify a rare Kennedy Half Dollar?

Look for mint errors (e.g., doubled dies), low-mintage years, or unique features such as the “Accented Hair” variety.

Are Kennedy Half Dollars still in circulation?

Yes, but rare and valuable varieties are harder to find. Checking coin rolls or older collections increases your chances of discovering them.