Half dollar coins may seem like just another piece of change, but some of them can be worth much more than their face value.
If you’re lucky, you might have a rare or historically significant half dollar coin hiding in your pocket change.
This article looks at nine valuable half dollar coins and their features, so you can spot them and start collecting.
1. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
Overview: Released after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, this coin is made of 90% silver.
Key Features:
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Mintage: 273 million coins
- Value: Common coins are worth about $10, but rarer ones in excellent condition can be worth more.
2. 1964 “Accented Hair” Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Overview: A special version of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, known for sharper hair details on Kennedy’s portrait.
Key Features:
- Identification: Sharper hairlines above Kennedy’s ear
- Mintage: Around 100,000
- Value: These coins can sell for $100 to $500 if they are in excellent condition.
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Overview: This half dollar was not released for circulation, making it rare and valuable for collectors.
Key Features:
- Mint Mark: “D” for Denver
- Mintage: 2.15 million
- Value: Uncirculated coins can range from $20 to $50.
4. 1987 P&D Kennedy Half Dollars
Overview: Produced only for mint sets, these coins were not released for regular use.
Key Features:
- Mint Marks: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver
- Mintage: 2.89 million of each
- Value: Uncirculated coins are worth $2 to $5 each.
5. 1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar
Overview: This special matte finish coin was part of a set that honored Robert F. Kennedy.
Key Features:
- Finish: Matte
- Mintage: 62,000
- Value: Depending on condition, it can be worth between $100 and $200.
6. 2001-P Kennedy Half Dollar
Overview: This coin has a relatively low mintage compared to other years, making it sought after by collectors.
Key Features:
- Mint Mark: “P” for Philadelphia
- Mintage: 19.5 million
- Value: Circulated coins are worth face value, but uncirculated ones can sell for $2 to $5.
7. 2002-2020 “NIFC” Kennedy Half Dollars
Overview: These coins were not meant for circulation, but were available through special mint sets.
Key Features:
- Availability: Only available through mint sets
- Value: Uncirculated coins are typically worth $2 to $5 each.
8. 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar with Missing “FG” Initials
Overview: Some 1966 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy half dollars have a missing “FG” on the reverse side.
Key Features:
- Error: Missing “FG” initials near the eagle’s tail feathers
- Value: Error coins can sell for $50 to $150 depending on condition.
9. 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar Double Die Obverse
Overview: This coin has a noticeable double image on the front, making it an error coin.
Key Features:
- Error: Double image on Kennedy’s profile and inscriptions
- Value: Depending on the degree of error, it can be worth $50 to $100.
Summary of Valuable Half Dollar Coins
| Year | Coin Type | Key Feature | Mintage (Approx.) | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Kennedy Half Dollar | 90% Silver Composition | 273 million | $10+ |
| 1964 | “Accented Hair” Proof | Distinct Hair Details | 100,000 | $100 – $500 |
| 1970-D | Kennedy Half Dollar | Not Released for Circulation | 2.15 million | $20 – $50 |
| 1987 P&D | Kennedy Half Dollars | Mint Set Only | 2.89 million each | $2 – $5 |
| 1998-S | Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar | Special Matte Finish | 62,000 | $100 – $200 |
| 2001-P | Kennedy Half Dollar | Low Mintage | 19.5 million | $2 – $5 |
| 2002-2020 | “NIFC” Kennedy Half Dollars | Not Intended for Circulation | Varies | $2 – $5 |
| 1966 | SMS Kennedy Half Dollar | Missing “FG” Initials | Varies | $50 – $150 |
| 1974-D | Kennedy Half Dollar | Double Die Obverse | Varies | $50 – $100 |
Half dollar coins are more than just currency; they are valuable pieces of history. By paying attention to mint marks, unique features, and rarity, you can spot coins worth much more than their face value.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these half dollar coins could be your ticket to finding numismatic treasures.
1. What makes a Kennedy half dollar valuable?
Kennedy half dollars are valuable due to their rarity, unique features, and historical significance. Some, like the 1964 silver coin or error coins like the 1974-D double die obverse, are worth much more than face value.
2. How do I identify a valuable half dollar coin?
To identify valuable half dollars, look for special features like silver content, mint marks, and unique errors, such as the missing “FG” initials on 1966 SMS coins or the “Accented Hair” variety of the 1964 coin.
3. How can I tell if a half dollar coin is rare?
Rarity is determined by factors like low mintage, whether the coin was intended for circulation, and special features like unique finishes or minting errors. Coins like the 1998-S matte finish and 1970-D are considered rare.
4. How much can a 1964 Kennedy half dollar be worth?
While common 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth around $10, those in pristine, uncirculated condition or with unique characteristics can fetch higher prices, sometimes reaching up to $100 or more.
5. Where can I sell my valuable half dollar coins?
You can sell valuable half dollar coins through coin shops, online auction sites like eBay, or to specialized coin dealers who focus on rare and collectible coins. Make sure to get your coin appraised if you’re unsure about its value.
