Kennedy Coin: Have you ever wondered if that loose change jingling in your pocket might be worth more than you think? While most of us see coins as just everyday currency, some rare specimens can be worth a small fortune.
The Kennedy Half Dollar series, first minted in 1964 following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, has produced several extremely valuable variants that could be hiding in plain sight.
One particular Kennedy coin has recently sold for over $50,000 at auction, and remarkably, some of these treasures might still be circulating today.
Imagine finding out that the half dollar you’ve been using as a bookmark or that’s been sitting in your change jar for years could potentially fund a down payment on a house or pay off your student loans!
It sounds like a fantasy, but for some lucky coin collectors, this dream has become reality. Let’s dive into the world of valuable Kennedy Half Dollars and discover which ones could be worth a small fortune.
The Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar series began as a tribute to the beloved president after his assassination in November 1963. The first coins were struck in 1964, and Americans were so eager to own this memorial piece that they quickly disappeared from circulation as people hoarded them as keepsakes.
While billions of Kennedy Half Dollars have been minted over the decades, certain rare varieties stand out for their exceptional value.
The most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar is the 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) specimen, which has sold for a staggering $156,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in 2019.
Other highly valuable variants include the 1964 “Accented Hair” Proof, which recently set a record when it sold for $46,800 in January 2024, and several other rare specimens that regularly command five-figure prices.
These coins are like hidden treasures – they look similar to common Kennedy Half Dollars at first glance, but subtle differences make them extraordinarily valuable to collectors.
Let’s explore the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars that could potentially be hiding in your pocket change or coin collection.
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar
The crown jewel of Kennedy Half Dollars is undoubtedly the 1964 SMS version. These coins were never officially released to the public and were likely struck as presentation pieces for VIPs or mint officials.
With only about a dozen known to exist, they’ve become the holy grail for Kennedy Half Dollar collectors.
What makes this coin special is its unique satin finish – neither fully proof nor business strike – and exceptionally sharp details. The SMS coins have a distinctive texture that sets them apart from regular 1964 issues.
In top condition, these coins have sold for astronomical prices, with one specimen fetching $156,000 at auction.
How can you identify one? Look for:
- A satin-like finish with no mirror-like reflectivity
- Exceptionally sharp details and square rims
- Minimal contact marks or blemishes
- A smooth, refined appearance unlike regular strikes
If you think you might have one of these rare treasures, professional authentication is essential, as the difference between a regular 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar and the SMS version can be subtle to the untrained eye.
1964 “Accented Hair” Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Another highly valuable Kennedy Half Dollar is the 1964 “Accented Hair” variety. This was one of the earliest versions of the Kennedy Half Dollar, featuring more pronounced hair details above Kennedy’s ear.
The story goes that Jacqueline Kennedy herself requested changes to the hair design, leading to a revised version that became the standard.
The “Accented Hair” variant can also be identified by an error in the lower left serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY.” These distinctive features make this coin particularly sought after by collectors.
In January 2024, a perfect specimen graded PR69 Deep Cameo sold for an impressive $46,800 at a Heritage Auctions sale, setting a new record for this variety.
To identify this variant, look for:
- More pronounced hair strands above Kennedy’s ear
- A broken or missing serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY”
- Proof finish with mirror-like fields and frosted design elements
This coin is particularly exciting because it could potentially be found in old proof sets that families have stored away and forgotten about. It’s like finding a rare first edition of a book that was briefly published before being revised – a snapshot of history that collectors are willing to pay handsomely for.
Other Extremely Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
While the 1964 SMS and “Accented Hair” varieties top the list in terms of value, several other Kennedy Half Dollars can command impressive prices:
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable because it was only available in mint sets and was never released for general circulation. It was also the last year that Kennedy Half Dollars contained silver (40%).
In high grades, these coins can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, with top specimens reaching over $150,000 in perfect condition.
1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar marked the first year that proof coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint rather than Philadelphia. A perfect specimen graded PF70 Deep Cameo sold for $24,000 in June 2023, showing the significant premium that perfect examples can command.
| Kennedy Half Dollar Variety | Key Features | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS | Satin finish, extremely limited | $156,000 (2019) |
| 1964 “Accented Hair” Proof | Unique hair detail, error in “Liberty” | $46,800 (2024) |
| 1970-D | Last year with silver, mint set only | Up to $150,000 in top grade |
| 1968-S Proof | First San Francisco proof | $24,000 (2023) |
| 1964-D “Richard Green Collection” | Unique toning, MS68 grade | $22,325 (2018) |
| 1966 SMS | Special finish, limited mintage | Over $30,000 in top grade |
How to Check If You Have a Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar
Now that you know which Kennedy Half Dollars are most valuable, you’re probably eager to check your own collection or pocket change. Here’s how to determine if you might have struck gold (or in this case, silver):
- Check the Date and Mint Mark: Focus first on the key dates mentioned above, particularly 1964, 1970-D, and 1968-S.
- Examine the Finish: Look for coins with unusual finishes – proof coins have mirror-like fields and frosted designs, while SMS coins have a distinctive satin finish.
- Look for Special Features: Use a magnifying glass to check for the “Accented Hair” variety or other special characteristics mentioned.
- Assess the Condition: Coins in pristine condition are worth significantly more than those showing wear. Even a small scratch can dramatically reduce value.
- Consider Professional Grading: If you believe you have a valuable specimen, consider having it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
Remember, finding one of these valuable coins is like searching for a needle in a haystack – but people do find them! Sometimes valuable coins turn up in old collections, estate sales, or even in circulation where someone didn’t realize what they had.
Conclusion
The Kennedy Half Dollar series contains some truly remarkable treasures that can be worth far more than their face value.
From the ultra-rare 1964 SMS that sold for $156,000 to the distinctive “Accented Hair” variety worth over $46,800, these coins represent both historical significance and numismatic rarity that collectors deeply value.
While finding one of these valuable coins might be a long shot, it’s certainly not impossible. Many valuable coins have been discovered in ordinary places – forgotten in old collections, inherited from relatives, or even received as change.
The thrill of the hunt is part of what makes coin collecting so exciting, and the potential reward of finding a $50,000+ coin in your pocket change is certainly enticing.
So the next time you come across a Kennedy Half Dollar, take a moment to examine it closely. Check the date, mint mark, and special features.
That coin that seems so ordinary at first glance just might be an extraordinary treasure worth tens of thousands of dollars!
FAQs About Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
1. How can I tell if my Kennedy Half Dollar is silver? Kennedy Half Dollars minted in 1964 are 90% silver, while those from 1965-1970 contain 40% silver. You can check the edge of the coin – pure silver coins won’t show a copper stripe, while clad coins (1971 and later) will show a distinctive copper band. Silver coins also have a different ring when dropped on a hard surface compared to clad coins.
2. Should I clean my Kennedy Half Dollar if I think it might be valuable? Absolutely not! Cleaning coins can significantly reduce their value to collectors. Professional numismatists prefer coins with original surfaces, even if they show some toning or patina. If you believe you have a valuable coin, consult with a professional before doing anything that might damage it.
3. Where is the mint mark located on Kennedy Half Dollars? On Kennedy Half Dollars, the mint mark can be found on the obverse (front) side of the coin, below Kennedy’s portrait. A “D” indicates Denver, “S” indicates San Francisco, and no mint mark means it was struck in Philadelphia.
4. Are Kennedy Half Dollars still being made today? Yes, Kennedy Half Dollars are still produced, though since 2002 they’ve primarily been made for collectors rather than general circulation. This is why Kennedy Half Dollars are rarely seen in everyday transactions today, making older specimens even more intriguing when found in pocket change.
5. What makes the 1964 “Accented Hair” variety so valuable? The 1964 “Accented Hair” variety is valuable because it represents an early design that was quickly changed at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy. The limited production before the design was modified, combined with its historical significance and the story behind the change, makes it particularly desirable to collectors. In top condition, these coins can sell for over $46,800.
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