Kennedy Half Dollars were initially produced in 1964 to honor US President John F. Kennedy. The coins have gained widespread popularity among numismatists.
Although a majority of the Kennedy Half Dollars are ordinary, there are certain rare issues and defective coins which have been auctioned for over $100,000. Coin collectors, on recognizing these special coins, can convert their plain collection into an investment.
9 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
Here is a list of 9 Kennedy Half Dollars that are very valuable:
| Coin | Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) | Satin Finish, Extremely Rare | $108,000 |
| 1964 ‘Accented Hair’ Proof | Unique hair design above the ear | $19,975 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | Only produced in Mint sets | $7,495 |
| 1972-D “No FG” error | Missing designer initials | $2,485 |
| 1974-D Doubled Die Obverse | Letter doubling | $575 |
| 1998-S Matte Finish | Low output, matte finish | $1,495 |
| 2014 50th Anniversary Gold Proof | Gold content 99.99% | $4,993.75 |
| 1979-S Type II Proof | Plain “S” mint mark | $3,738 |
| 1981-S Type II Proof | Like the 1979-S Type II, but rarer | $4,025 |
Features of these rare Kennedy Half Dollars
1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS)
Why is it valuable? They were not released for public circulation, hence extremely rare.
How to identify? They have a satin-type finish and crisp design details.
Special Tip: If you think you have a 1964 SMS coin, it is worth getting it authenticated.
2. 1964 ‘Accented Hair’ Proof
Why is it valuable? This coin features a distinctive hair design above Kennedy’s ear, which was subsequently altered.
How to identify? The lower tip of the “I” in the word “LIBERTY” will appear slightly broken.
Special Tip: These coins are normally present in proof sets, so look at these sets thoroughly.
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Why is it valuable? These coins were only minted in official mint sets, not for circulation.
How to identify? The surface is typically shiny and uncirculated.
Special Tip: If you possess this coin from the mint set, keep it well preserved, as this can boost its value.
4. 1972-D “No FG” Error
Why is it valuable? Designer Frank Gasparro’s initials “FG” are omitted on this coin.
How to identify? There will not be any “FG” initials close to the eagle’s tail on the back side of the coin.
Special Tip: Examine this error using a magnifying glass and good lighting.
5. 1974-D Doubled Die Obverse
Why is it valuable? The coin has double printing in letters such as “WE TRUST”.
How to identify? The double image of the letters will be obvious when the coin is examined closely.
Special Tip: To identify it, examine the coin at a bit of an angle and under a bright light.
6. 1998-S Matte Finish
Why is it valuable? The coin was minted in a small run of only 62,000.
How to identify? Its matte finish distinguishes it from other proof coins.
Special Tip: To identify it, compare it with a regular proof coin.
7. 2014 50th Anniversary Gold Proof
Why is it valuable? It was composed of 99.99% pure gold, so it was very valuable.
How to identify? Its gold content and unique proof mark make it different from other Kennedy half dollars.
Special Tip: The coin value can also be determined based on gold prices.
8. 1979-S Type II Proof
Why is it valuable? It contains a clearer and sharper “S” mint mark.
How to identify? The “S” will be deeply engraved on the coin’s obverse side.
Special Tip: This coin is much desired by proof collectors.
9. 1981-S Type II Proof
Why is it valuable? It is similar to the 1979-S Type II but more rare.
How to identify? It will have a clear “S” mint mark just like the 1979-S Type II.
Special Tip: Look for this coin in a 1981 mint set.
How to Identify a Rare Kennedy Half Dollar?
- Check the date – Coins minted in some years are worth more money, including 1964, 1970, 1972, 1974, and 1998.
- Check the mint mark – Check the mint mark of the coin, like “S”, “D” or no mint mark.
- Check for Errors – Check for errors like double impression or missing designer initials on the coin.
- Inspect the Finish – Coins with distinctive matte or satin finishes are rarer.
- Have the Coin Graded – Protect the authenticity and worth of the coin by having it graded by a professional grading service (PCGS or NGC).
Kennedy Half Dollars are not just historically important but many rare coins can be incredibly valuable as an investment too. If you have such coins, sell them.
FAQs
Q1. How do I know if my Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, special features (like errors or finishes), and get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Q2. What is the rarest Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) is one of the rarest, valued at over $100,000 due to its unique satin finish and extremely limited availability.
Q3. Are all 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars valuable?
While all 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars contain 90% silver, only rare varieties like the SMS or ‘Accented Hair’ proof hold significant collector value.
Q4. Where can I sell a rare Kennedy Half Dollar?
You can sell it through online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions), coin dealers, or professional grading services that offer auction platforms.
Q5. How can I identify a “No FG” error on a 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar?
Look at the reverse side near the eagle’s tail—if the “FG” initials (for designer Frank Gasparro) are missing, you might have a valuable error coin.