Kennedy Half Dollar Values: 5 Coins Worth Thousands

When is fifty cents truly worth thousands? When discussing a scarce Kennedy half dollar! Certain items are priced at six figures. The 50-cent pieces you grew up with could actually be worth a lot, despite the fact that there are numerous factors that can affect Kennedy half dollar values. This is particularly true if the coin is one of the earliest examples to contain genuine silver.

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5 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars

Despite the fact that certain Kenndy 50-cent pieces are only worth approximately 50 cents, others are sold for thousands of dollars at auction. Condition, silver content, and rarity are the primary factors. This coin has the potential to be highly valuable, as evidenced by the following Kennedy half dollar values.

Kennedy Half Dollar	Value
1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar	up to $156,000
1964 Kennedy half dollar regular strike	up to $57,600
1967 SMS Kennedy half dollar	up to $31,200
1980-P Kennedy half dollar overstruck on Susan B. Anthony dollar	$22,325
1968-S Kennedy half dollar proof	$21,600

1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1964 Kennedy half-dollar coin is frequently valued at a higher rate than any other year due to its status as the coin’s earliest mint year. Additionally, this coin contained 90% silver, which contributes to its melt value (and a significant number of these early Kennedy half dollars were melted down for their silver content, rendering them scarce). Even more advantageously, there are a handful of coins that are extra-special specimen strikes (referred to as a Special Mint Set), which were not intended for circulation but were not proof coins. They were among the first coins to be stamped with these dies, which is why they have exceptionally distinct, crisp details and gorgeous surfaces. As a result of their rarity, these items are consistently valuable; however, a flawless specimen was sold for $156,000.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – Regular Strike

Even the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar coin’s regular strike is more valuable than any other year, particularly if it is in immaculate condition. Uncirculated examples are exceedingly scarce due to the fact that the 1964 coin was frequently melted down for its silver content. In 2024, the most exceptional example of the coin was sold for $57,600. However, this coin is worth at least $8.64 in any condition. If you possess one, it is undoubtedly worth retaining in your collection or selling to a collector who will appreciate it.

1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

1967 is another SMS (Special Mint Set) specimen of the Kennedy half dollar that has the potential to be extremely valuable. Despite the fact that the coin was only 40% silver at this juncture, it still contained a greater amount of silver than some of the subsequent years. This increases the value; however, SMS coins are particularly favoured by collectors. Although they are scarce in uncirculated condition, they are of superior quality to standard strikes. In 2019, a single unit that exhibited no visible deterioration was sold for $31,200.

1980-P Kennedy Half Dollar Overstruck on Susan B. Anthony Dollar

The value of this 1980-P Kennedy half dollar is a testament to the fact that minting errors are exceedingly uncommon, which is why they tend to increase the value of coins. The Kennedy half dollar was devoid of silver by 1980, and the price of coins from the Philadelphia mint that year ranged from 60 cents to $110, contingent upon their condition. Nevertheless, the overstrike that resulted from the 1980 Kennedy half dollar being struck on top of a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar is significantly more valuable. In 2016, this combination coin was sold for $22,325.

1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

Additionally, proof sets and individual proof coins may be highly valuable. One proof coin that is particularly valuable in the context of the Kennedy half dollar is the 1968-S. This coin can be valued at thousands of dollars when it is in the highest grade, featuring a clear, gorgeous portrait of Kennedy and sharp details. In 2017, a single item in pristine condition was sold for $21,600.

How Much Silver Is in a Kennedy 50-Cent Piece?

Silver is frequently present in the most valuable Kennedy 50-cent coins. The coins are already worth more than 50 cents due to the metal content, as silver is inherently valuable. Nevertheless, silver is not present in every year of the coin. The silver content of the coin for each year of production is illustrated in the chart below.

Kennedy Half Dollar Minting Year	Silver Content
1964	90% silver
1965-1970	40% silver
1971-present	0% silver

Other Factors Affecting Kennedy Half Dollar Values

Silver coins are more valuable; however, there are additional variables to evaluate. A Kennedy half dollar is worth at least 50 cents. However, it may be worth significantly more if it possesses specific qualities. The following are a few items to consider when inspecting your pocket change.

Condition – A 50-cent piece that is uncirculated or in immaculate condition is worth more than the same coin with deterioration.

Minting errors – Any anomaly in the coin’s minting process is of value. Search for coins with unusual colours, doubled numerals and inscriptions, or one coin imprinted on top of another.

Early dates – The Kennedy half dollars that are most valuable are typically from the coin’s earliest production years. Anything that was produced prior to 1970 is worth more than 50 cents. These are exceedingly uncommon due to the fact that numerous specimens were dissolved for their silver content.

Matte-finish coins: Matte-finish coins were introduced in 1998. It bears the 1998-S stamp and was manufactured in limited quantities, about 62,000 units.

Proof coins and SMS – Any coin that was a special issue or a proof may be worth more, particularly if it has been stored meticulously and not handled.

Keep an Eye Out for Valuable 50-Cent Coins

Keep an eye out for 50-cent pieces that may be worth more than their nominal value as you examine your coin collection or sift through your change. The value of a Kennedy half dollar is contingent upon a variety of factors; however, an early example of the coin is certainly worth something.