When does fifty cents become a thousand dollars? When discussing an uncommon Kennedy half dollar! Some fetch six figures. The 50-cent pieces you grew up with might be worth a lot, but there are many variables that can impact Kennedy half dollar values. This is particularly true if they are among the first coins made with actual silver.
Fast Fact
The Kennedy half dollar was issued in 1964 in memory of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated the year before. In fact, the plan to make a coin to honor the fallen president began to take shape just days after he was killed.
5 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
Some Kenndy 50-cent items sell for thousands of dollars at auction, while others are only worth around 50 cents. It all comes down to condition, silver content, and rarity. These Kennedy half dollar prices demonstrate the coin’s potential for significant value.
| 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
Since 1964 was the first year the renowned coin was struck, its value is frequently higher than that of any other year. Since 90% of this currency was made of silver, it also had melt value. Many of these early Kennedy half dollars were actually melted down for their silver content, which makes them uncommon. To make matters better, some coins are extra special specimen strikes (referred to as a Special Mint Set), which weren’t proof coins but weren’t really meant to be in circulation too. Because they were some of the first coins to be struck with these dies, they have wonderfully clear, sharp details and exquisite surfaces. They are always valued since they are so uncommon, but one in perfect condition brought $156,000.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – Regular Strike
The value of the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar coin, even in normal strike, is more than that of any other year, particularly if it is in perfect condition. Uncirculated 1964 coins are extremely rare because they were frequently melted down for their silver. This coin is valued at least $8.64 in any condition, although the best known example sold for $57,600 in 2024. If you have one, you should sell it to a collector who will desire it or keep it in your collection.
1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
A 1967 Kennedy half dollar SMS (Special Mint Set) example is another that can be extremely valuable. Compared to some of the subsequent years, the coin nevertheless held more silver even if it was just 40% silver at this time. This increases the value, but collectors especially like the SMS coins. They are more valuable than ordinary strikes, yet they are hard to come by in unused condition. In 2019, one with no obvious wear brought $31,200.
1980-P Kennedy Half Dollar Overstruck on Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Because minting faults are so uncommon, they tend to increase the value of coins, as evidenced by the 1980-P Kennedy half dollar’s worth. The Kennedy half dollar had lost its silver content by 1980, and coins struck by the Philadelphia mint that year ranged in value from 60 cents to $110, depending on condition. But the overstrike that resulted from striking a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar on top of a 1980 Kennedy half dollar is worth a lot more. In 2016, this combo coin brought $22,325 at auction.
1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Individual proof coins and proof sets can also be very valuable. The 1968-S is a particularly desirable proof coin in the Kennedy half dollar casing. This coin can fetch thousands of dollars in its best condition, featuring a clear, lovely depiction of Kennedy and sharp detailing. In 2017, one in perfect condition brought $21,600.
Fast Fact
As soon as it was released, the Kennedy half dollar became popular among collectors. The lineups outside the Treasury Department in Washington, DC, extended for more than a block when the first coins were distributed in 1964. This currency immediately became popular, and demand for it has continued, particularly for the 1964 coins.
How Much Silver Is in a Kennedy 50-Cent Piece?
Silver is frequently present in the most expensive Kennedy 50-cent coins. The coins are already worth more than 50 cents for the metal content alone because silver has intrinsic value. However, silver is not present in every coin year. The silver content for each year of the coin’s manufacturing is displayed in the accompanying chart.
| 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-containing coins are more valuable, but there are a few additional things to take into account. Kennedy half dollars are worth at least fifty cents. However, if it possesses specific qualities, its value may be much higher. When you check your pocket change, keep an eye out for the following items.
- Condition – The value of a 50-cent coin will be higher if it is uncirculated or in perfect condition than if it has wear.
- Minting errors – There is value in any oddity in the coin’s minting. Keep an eye out for strange colors, lettering and numbers that are doubled, or coins that have been stamped on top of each other.
- Early dates – The most valuable Kennedy half dollars are often those from the coin’s early production years. Prior to 1970, anything is worth more than 50 cents. Since many of these were melted down for their silver content, they are uncommon.e Kennedy half dollars worth the most tend to be from the earliest years the coin was made. Anything pre-1970 is worth more than 50 cents. These are rare because many were melted down for their silver content.
- Matte-finish coins -A unique coin with a matte appearance was released in 1998. Only about 62,000 of these were ever produced, and they are stamped 1998-S.
- SMS and proof coins – A coin that was a proof or a special issue can be worth more, particularly if it has been handled and kept in a safe place.
Keep an Eye Out for Valuable 50-Cent Coins
Look for 50-cent coins that might be worth more than face value while you go through your change or examine your collection. Although several factors affect Kennedy half dollar valuations, if you have an early copy of the coin, it is unquestionably valuable.
