For collectors and casual coin enthusiasts alike, few coins spark more excitement than the Kennedy Half Dollar. First introduced in 1964 as a tribute to the late President John F. Kennedy following his assassination, the Kennedy Half Dollar quickly became one of the most widely recognized coins in American numismatic history. While millions of these coins were minted and continue to circulate even today, a select few are considered among the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars—fetching jaw-dropping figures at auctions and commanding the attention of serious collectors.
If you have a stash of old coins lying around, you might want to take a closer look. There’s a real chance that one of those half dollars could be among the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars in existence. From trial strikes never intended for the public to rare proof versions with microscopic design differences, these coins are more than currency—they’re historical artifacts, and in some cases, they’re worth more than a luxury car or even a house.
Let’s take a detailed look at six of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars, why they’re so prized, how to identify them, and what kind of price tags they command in today’s coin market.
1. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar
Why It’s Valuable:
This is arguably the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar ever discovered. Unlike standard proof or circulation coins, the 1964 SMS was part of a mysterious set of trial strikes with an extremely limited number known to exist—believed to be fewer than 20. These coins were never officially released and weren’t even part of any public mint set.
Auction Value:
Over $150,000 in SP68 grade.
How to Identify:
- Striking satin-like finish, different from standard proof or circulation coins.
- Sharply detailed strike with square rims.
- No mint mark (struck at the Philadelphia Mint).
- Exceptional overall condition, often found in near-perfect grades.
This coin is unquestionably at the top of the list of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars, combining rarity, historical intrigue, and pristine condition.
2. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1970-D half dollar marks the end of an era—the last year Kennedy half dollars were minted with 40% silver. It was only included in that year’s uncirculated mint set and never intended for general circulation. Because of this limited distribution and silver content, it’s one of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars for modern collectors.
Auction Value:
Up to $150,000 in high-grade condition (MS67+ and above).
How to Identify:
- Look for the “D” mint mark above the date.
- Coin has a 40% silver composition.
- Only found in the 1970 U.S. Mint Set.
Despite being relatively modern, this coin’s rarity and silver content make it a staple among the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars.
3. 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Why It’s Valuable:
This version of the Kennedy Half Dollar was part of the earliest proof coins struck in 1964. It features a distinctive variation in JFK’s hair above his ear—hence the name “Accented Hair.” It was quickly replaced with a revised design, making this version rare, especially in higher proof grades with Deep Cameo contrast.
Auction Value:
Around $20,000 for PR68 Deep Cameo examples.
How to Identify:
- Noticeable extra hair detail over Kennedy’s ear.
- Weak or missing serif on the “I” in the word LIBERTY.
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint).
This coin is a favorite for collectors who value design anomalies. It’s one of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars not just for rarity, but also for its unique role in minting history.
4. 1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Why It’s Valuable:
The year 1967 fell during a period when the U.S. Mint temporarily halted production of traditional proof coins. Instead, they produced Special Mint Sets (SMS), and the Kennedy Half Dollars from these sets had a distinctive finish and superb quality. High-grade 1967 SMS coins are increasingly rare.
Auction Value:
Over $30,000 in SP68 condition.
How to Identify:
- No mint mark.
- Features a satin, almost proof-like finish.
- Sharper strike and higher detail than regular circulation strikes.
Its quality and rarity in high grades ensure its place on the list of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars.
5. 1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar (PR70 Deep Cameo)
Why It’s Valuable:
Though more than 3 million proof coins were minted in 1964, finding one in PR70 Deep Cameo condition is a tall order. Only a few exist at that grade, and they are highly sought after.
Auction Value:
Roughly $9,400.
How to Identify:
- Deep mirror-like fields with frosted devices.
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint).
- Immaculate surfaces and perfect strike.
While not as rare as the SMS variety, this flawless proof earns its spot among the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars due to condition rarity alone.
6. 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
Why It’s Valuable:
Proof coins resumed in 1968, and the San Francisco Mint took over their production. Though the 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar is relatively common in lower grades, finding one in PR70 Deep Cameo condition is extremely rare, hence its high value.
Auction Value:
More than $21,000 in PR70 Deep Cameo.
How to Identify:
- “S” mint mark above the date.
- Deep, highly reflective fields and frosted devices.
- Part of the official U.S. Mint Proof Set for 1968.
It might not be the first coin you’d expect to see on a list of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars, but in top condition, it stands out.
Top Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Over $100,000
| Coin | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Grade | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Half Dollar | No mint mark | Satin finish, rare trial strike | SP68 | $150,000+ |
| 1970-D Half Dollar | D | Not released for circulation | MS67+ | $150,000+ |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | No mint mark | Unique hair detail, early proof | PR68 DCAM | $20,000 |
| 1967 SMS Half Dollar | No mint mark | SMS issue, high-grade rarity | SP68 | $30,000+ |
| 1964 Proof Half Dollar | No mint mark | Perfect PR70 Deep Cameo finish | PR70 DCAM | $9,400 |
| 1968-S Proof Half Dollar | S | Deep cameo perfection | PR70 DCAM | $21,000+ |
Could You Be Holding One?
If you’ve inherited a coin collection or have a habit of tossing loose change into a jar, it’s well worth your time to sort through your Kennedy Half Dollars. Pay close attention to dates like 1964, 1967, 1970, and 1968—and look for signs like mint marks, silver composition, and special finishes.
Owning one of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars isn’t just a collector’s dream—it can be a financial windfall. And with the right knowledge, anyone can make an exciting discovery.
FAQs About the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
What makes the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar special?
It features a satin finish, sharply defined strike, and was never officially released. Fewer than 20 are known to exist.
Are all 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollars valuable?
While all 1970-D coins have collector interest due to limited release and silver content, those in pristine grades like MS67+ are among the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars.
Where can I get my Kennedy Half Dollar evaluated?
Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC can authenticate and assign an official grade to your coin.
Are there other valuable Kennedy Half Dollars?
Yes! Many other dates and mint mark combinations carry significant value depending on their condition and rarity. But the coins listed here are some of the Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars on record.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone who stumbled upon a dusty old coin collection, the Kennedy Half Dollar deserves a closer look. With coins like the 1964 SMS and the 1970-D commanding six-figure prices, it’s no wonder this series continues to fascinate collectors around the world. So grab your magnifying glass—you might just be holding a hidden gem worth thousands.
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