The Kennedy Half-Dollar, first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, is a staple in American coinage. While many of these coins are common, certain rare editions have become highly valuable, fetching prices up to $150,000 at auctions.
This article explores four of the rarest Kennedy Half-Dollar coins, providing insights on how to identify them and understand their worth.
1964 Special Mint Set Kennedy Half-Dollar
In 1964, the U.S. Mint produced a limited number of Special Mint Sets (SMS) featuring the Kennedy Half-Dollar. These coins are distinguished by their satin-like finish and sharp details, setting them apart from regular proof or circulation strikes.
Why It’s Valuable
Rarity is a key factor—only a few dozen are known to exist. The distinctive satin finish and superior design elements make them highly sought after. One such coin graded SP68 sold for $156,000.
How to Identify It
Look for a satin-like, smooth surface that differs from typical proof coins. Design details, especially around Kennedy’s profile, appear sharper. These coins bear no mint mark, indicating Philadelphia origin.
1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar
The 1964 Accented Hair Proof is among the most sought-after Kennedy Half-Dollars. Initially, the coin featured a more pronounced hair design above Kennedy’s ear. At the request of Jacqueline Kennedy, this design was modified, making the original version rare.
Why It’s Valuable
As an early production variation, only about 1–3% of the 1964 proof coins display the accented hair design. These coins can command up to $20,000 in pristine condition.
How to Identify It
Check for more defined hair strands above Kennedy’s ear. Also, the lower left serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY” may appear weak or missing, which is another hallmark of this version.
1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar
The 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar is one of the rarest regular-issue coins in the series. That year, the U.S. Mint limited the production of half-dollars, making this edition quite scarce.
Why It’s Valuable
Only 2.15 million coins were produced, and this was the last 40% silver Kennedy Half-Dollar before the switch to copper-nickel. A specimen graded MS67 sold for $150,000 at auction.
How to Identify It
Look for a small “D” mint mark above the date indicating Denver minting. The coin contains 40% silver, unlike later copper-nickel compositions.
1967 Special Mint Set Kennedy Half-Dollar
Due to a coin shortage in the mid-1960s, the U.S. Mint paused proof and uncirculated sets. Instead, they produced Special Mint Sets (SMS) from 1965 to 1967, with the 1967 Kennedy Half-Dollar standing out among them.
Why It’s Valuable
This coin has a unique satin-like finish and wasn’t widely distributed, increasing its scarcity today. A coin from this SMS graded SP68 sold for $31,200.
How to Identify It
Look for a soft, satin-like finish and the absence of a mint mark. These coins were minted in San Francisco but do not carry the “S” mark. They were originally sold in special packaging labeled SMS.
| Coin Type | Year | Notable Feature | Auction Record | Finish Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Mint Set (SMS) | 1964 | Satin finish | $156,000 | Satin |
| Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | Distinct hair design | $20,000 | Proof |
| Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1970 | Limited mintage | $150,000 | Regular Strike |
| Special Mint Set (SMS) | 1967 | Unique finish | $31,200 | Satin |
The Kennedy Half-Dollar series offers exciting opportunities for collectors. While most coins in circulation are worth their face value, these rare variants are highly desirable and can fetch significant sums.
If you believe you own one of these coins, consider consulting a professional numismatist. Proper storage, grading, and identification are crucial steps to ensure your coin maintains or increases in value over time.
FAQs
What makes a Kennedy Half-Dollar valuable?
Value depends on rarity, condition, mint mark, composition, and specific design features. Coins with unique errors or those from Special Mint Sets tend to be more valuable.
How can I tell if I have a 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Half-Dollar?
Check for pronounced hair strands above Kennedy’s ear and a weak or missing lower left serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY.” These are key features of the Accented Hair variety.
Are Special Mint Set coins different from proof coins?
Yes, SMS coins have a satin-like finish and are different from the highly reflective proof coins. They were produced during the mid-1960s when traditional proof sets were paused.