When is 50 cents actually worth thousands? When we're talking about a rare Kennedy half dollar! Some sell for six figures. There are lots of factors that can affect Kennedy half dollar values, but the 50-cent-pieces you grew up with could actually be worth a lot. This is especially true if they are one of the earliest examples of the coin that contained real silver.
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
Although some Kenndy 50-cent pieces are worth only about 50 cents, others fetch thousands at auction. It's all about rarity, silver content, and condition. These are some of the Kennedy half dollar values that prove this coin has the potential to be worth a lot.
| 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
As the earliest mint year of the famous coin, the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar coin's value is often higher than any other year. This coin was also 90% silver, which gives it melt value (and a lot of these early Kennedy half dollars actually were melted down for their silver content, making it rare). Even better, there are a few coins that are extra special specimen strikes (called a Special Mint Set), which weren't proof coins but weren't really intended for circulation either. They feature incredibly clear, crisp details and beautiful surfaces because they were among the first coins stamped with these dies. These are so rare that they are always valuable, but one in perfect condition sold for $156,000.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar - Regular Strike
Even the regular strike of the 1964 Kennedy half-dollar coin's value is higher than any other year, especially if it's in pristine condition. Because the 1964 coin was often melted down for its silver, uncirculated examples are incredibly rare. The finest known example of the coin sold for $57,600 in 2024, but in any condition, this coin is worth at least $8.64. If you have one, it's definitely worth keeping in your collection or selling to a collector who will want it.
1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
Another SMS (Special Mint Set) specimen of the Kennedy half dollar that can be super valuable is from 1967. Although the coin was only 40% silver at this point, it still contained more silver than some of the years that followed. This adds to the value, but the SMS coins are particularly favored by collectors. They are of higher quality than regular strikes, but they are rare to find in uncirculated condition. One with no visible wear sold for $31,200 in 2019.
Related: Susan B. Anthony Dollar Values - 7 Coins to Watch For
1980-P Kennedy Half Dollar Overstruck on Susan B. Anthony Dollar
Minting errors tend to add value to coins because they're really rare, and this 1980-P Kennedy half dollar's value proves that. By 1980, the Kennedy half dollar didn't contain any silver, and the coins from the Philadelphia mint that year tend to be worth about 60 cents to $110, depending on condition. However, when the 1980 Kennedy half dollar was struck on top of a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar, the resulting overstrike is worth lots more. This combo coin sold for $22,325 in 2016.
Related: 10 Valuable Error Coins Proving Weirdness Is Worth a Lot
1968-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Proof sets and individual proof coins can be worth a lot, too. In the case of the Kennedy half dollar, one especially valuable proof coin is the 1968-S. In its highest grades with a clear, beautiful portrait of Kennedy and crisp details, this coin can be worth thousands of dollars. One in pristine condition sold for $21,600 in 2017.
The Kennedy half dollar was a hit with collectors as soon as it was issued. When the first coins were released in 1964, the lines outside the Treasury Department in Washington, DC stretched more than a block. Everyone wanted this coin right away, and that demand (especially for the 1964 coins) hasn't ceased.
How Much Silver Is in a Kennedy 50-Cent Piece?
The most valuable Kennedy 50-cent pieces often contain silver. Silver is inherently valuable, so the coins are already worth more than 50 cents just for the metal content. Not every year of the coin has silver in it, however. The following chart shows the silver content for each year of the coin's production.
| 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
Coins that contain silver are worth more, but there are a few other factors to consider. If you have a Kennedy half dollar, it's worth at least 50 cents. It might be worth a lot more, though, if it has certain characteristics. These are a few things to look for as you check your pocket change.
- Condition - A 50-cent piece that's uncirculated or in pristine condition is going to be worth more than the same coin with wear.
- Minting errors - Any weirdness in the minting of the coin is worth something. Look for odd colors, doubled numbers and letters, or one coin stamped on top of another.
- Early dates - The 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 - In 1998, a special matte-finish coin was issued. It's stamped 1998-S, and only around 62,000 were ever made.
- SMS and proof coins - Any coin that was a special issue or a proof may be worth more, especially if it has been stored carefully and not handled.
Keep an Eye Out for Valuable 50-Cent Coins
As you sort through your change or check your coin collection, keep an eye out for 50-cent pieces that could be worth more than face value. Kennedy half dollar values depend on lots of things, but if you have an early example of the coin, it's definitely worth something.
