The Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
Kennedy Half Dollar Value: Complete Collector's Guide
Discover the most valuable Kennedy half dollars, key dates, varieties, and collecting strategies for America's most beloved commemorative coin series
Introduction
Kennedy half dollars entered circulation in March 1964, just months after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. The coins were saved by the millions upon their release by a public mourning a slain leader. The Kennedy half dollar remains one of the most widely recognized and collected coins around.
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is the only regular-issue coin in the series made of 90% silver, making it particularly attractive to both collectors and precious metals investors. While most Kennedy half dollars carry little premium above face value, several key dates and varieties command significant prices among numismatists. Unlike many U.S. coin series, the Kennedy half dollar lacks a true key date of overwhelming rarity, though the 1970-D stands out as the scarcest regular-issue coin.
Table of Contents
Most valuable Kennedy half dollars and key varieties
The values listed below are for typical examples with no signs of cleaning, holes, heavy nicks and scratches, or other damage. These represent the cream of the crop in Kennedy half dollar collecting.
| Issue/Variety | Year | Good/VG | Fine/VF | XF/AU | MS-60 | MS-65 | Proof-65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Enhanced Hair | 1964 | - | - | - | - | - | $275-450 |
| 1970-D | 1970 | - | - | $90 | $115 | $275 | - |
| 1972-D No FG | 1972 | - | - | $425 | $675 | $2,750 | - |
| 1974-D Doubled Die | 1974 | - | - | $275 | $425 | $1,850 | - |
| 1979-S Type II Proof | 1979 | - | - | - | - | - | $125-185 |
| 1981-S Type II Proof | 1981 | - | - | - | - | - | $275-385 |
| 1998-S Silver Matte | 1998 | - | - | - | - | - | $325-475 |
| 2014-W Gold | 2014 | Value follows gold market pricing | |||||
Market Insight
The 1970-D represents the only true key date in the Kennedy series, struck only for inclusion in uncirculated mint sets with a mintage of just 2,150,000 pieces. It was the last of the original-era 40% silver Kennedy half dollars, making it attractive to both collectors and those seeking silver value based on current precious metals prices.
General Kennedy half dollar values by year and type
Beyond the key dates and varieties, Kennedy half dollars can be grouped into several categories based on composition and era. Understanding these groupings helps collectors and investors make informed decisions.
1964 90% Silver (P & D)
- Circulation examples: $12-15
- Uncirculated: $18-25
- Proof: $20-30
- Contains 0.3617 oz pure silver
The only year with 90% silver content, making these coins valuable regardless of condition due to their substantial silver content.
1965-1970 40% Silver
- Business strikes: $6-8
- Uncirculated: $8-12
- SMS issues: $8-15
- Contains 0.1479 oz pure silver
Transitional silver composition coins that still carry meaningful precious metals value for silver investors.
1971-Present Clad
- Business strikes: $0.50 (face value)
- Uncirculated: $2-4
- Proof: $3-8
- No precious metal content
Base metal composition with value primarily from numismatic interest rather than metal content.
Silver Investment Perspective
Kennedy half dollars from 1964-1970 represent an accessible entry point into silver investing. The 1964 issues contain nearly one-third ounce of pure silver, while 1965-1970 coins provide about one-seventh ounce. With silver prices fluctuating based on industrial demand and monetary policy, these coins offer a tangible way to hold precious metals with added numismatic appeal. Track current silver pricing to understand the baseline value of your Kennedy half dollars.
Silver content and composition changes
The metal content of Kennedy half dollars changed significantly during their production run, reflecting broader U.S. monetary policy shifts away from precious metals in circulation.
1964: 90% Silver Era
- 90% silver, 10% copper
- 0.3617 troy ounces pure silver
- Weight: 12.5 grams
- Same composition as pre-1965 dimes and quarters
1965-1970: 40% Silver Transition
- Outer layers: 80% silver, 20% copper
- Inner core: 21% silver, 79% copper
- 0.1479 troy ounces pure silver
- Maintained for half dollars while other coins went clad
1971-Present: Clad Composition
- Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Inner core: pure copper
- No precious metal content
- Standard composition for modern U.S. coins
Identification Tip
Silver Kennedy half dollars have a distinctive bright, white appearance on their edges, while clad coins show the copper core as a reddish stripe. The weight difference is also noticeable—silver coins feel substantially heavier than their clad counterparts.
Rare varieties and errors worth thousands
The Kennedy half dollar series boasts several fascinating varieties that command premium prices. These errors and varieties occurred during production and create unique collecting opportunities.
1964 Proof Heavily Accented Hair
Believed to be the first variety struck, this coin features pronounced hair detail above Kennedy's right ear. Jackie Kennedy reportedly requested softening of the hair lines, making this early variety scarce. Less than 5% of 1964 proofs exhibit this feature.
1966 SMS No FG
The designer's initials "FG" (Frank Gasparro) are missing from the eagle's left thigh due to over-polishing of the die. Special Mint Set coins from this era are particularly sought after.
1972-D No FG
Perhaps the rarest of the no-FG varieties, this Denver Mint issue is highly prized by variety collectors. Look for accompanying strike weakness in feather details around the eagle's left leg.
1974-D Doubled Die Obverse
The most significant doubled die in the Kennedy series, showing dramatic doubling in "IN GOD WE TRUST." Only a few thousand examples are believed to exist.
1979-S Type II Proof
Features a more refined "S" mintmark compared to the blobby Type I. Represents approximately 15-20% of the year's proof production.
1998-S Silver Matte Finish
Included in the Kennedy Collector's Set with only 62,000 produced. This represents the lowest-mintage non-variety Kennedy half dollar in the series.
Authentication Important
Be cautious when purchasing high-value varieties, especially no-FG examples. Authentic pieces should show corresponding strike weakness in other reverse areas. Consider third-party grading services for expensive varieties to ensure authenticity and accurate grading.
Smart collecting strategies and market outlook
The Kennedy half dollar series offers collecting opportunities for every budget and interest level. Understanding the market dynamics helps collectors make strategic decisions.
Budget-Friendly Approach
- Focus on 1964 silver issues first
- Build basic date/mintmark set under $2,000
- Emphasize circulated examples with good eye appeal
- Include key 1970-D when budget allows
A complete basic set can be assembled affordably while still including the important silver issues.
Advanced Collecting
- Target high-grade examples (MS-66+)
- Include major varieties and errors
- Add 2014-W gold commemorative
- Consider registry set competition
High-end sets with varieties can reach $7,500+, while finest-known examples command five-figure prices.
Investment Focus
- Emphasize silver content issues (1964-1970)
- Monitor precious metals markets
- Consider bulk silver half purchases
- Track key date price trends
Silver Kennedy halves offer dual benefits of numismatic interest and precious metals exposure with silver investment potential.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Kennedy half dollars remain consistently popular among collectors, driven by historical significance and broad recognition. The series benefits from cross-collecting appeal—attracting both modern coin enthusiasts and those interested in presidential memorabilia. Silver issues continue appreciating with precious metals markets, while high-grade business strikes represent conditional rarities becoming scarcer over time. The lack of true key dates makes the series accessible, yet varieties provide challenges for advanced collectors seeking portfolio diversification beyond traditional gold investments.
Historical background and design details
Congress passed a bill authorizing the new Kennedy half dollar on December 30, 1963, with design work already begun by Mint Director Eva Adams in November. The rapid production timeline reflected the nation's desire to honor the fallen president.
Design Team
- Obverse: Gilroy Roberts, Chief Engraver
- Reverse: Frank Gasparro
- Adapted from Kennedy's presidential medal
- Replaced Benjamin Franklin half dollar design
Physical Specifications
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Thickness: 2.15 mm
- Reeded edge
- Similar to presidential seal reverse design
Production History
- First struck March 1964
- Immediate public hoarding
- Mintages dropped dramatically after 1976
- Circulation strikes ended 2002
Cultural Impact
The Kennedy half dollar's release generated unprecedented public interest, with virtually all coins removed from circulation immediately. This hoarding behavior continued for decades, essentially removing half dollars from everyday commerce by the early 1980s. The coin's association with the "Camelot" era and Kennedy's enduring popularity ensures continued collector interest across generations.
Conclusion
Kennedy half dollars offer collectors a unique combination of historical significance, accessible pricing, and precious metals content. While the series lacks the extreme rarities found in earlier U.S. coinage, it provides numerous collecting opportunities from budget-friendly silver accumulation to high-end variety hunting.
The silver issues from 1964-1970 continue gaining value as both numismatic items and precious metals investments. Key varieties like the 1972-D No FG and 1974-D doubled die represent significant collecting challenges, while the basic series remains attainable for most collectors. Understanding the composition changes, key dates, and major varieties positions collectors to make informed decisions whether building a casual collection or serious investment portfolio.
Getting Started
Begin your Kennedy half dollar collection with high-quality 1964 silver examples, then add the key 1970-D when budget permits. Focus on eye appeal and original surfaces over absolute grade, and consider the silver content value when evaluating purchases. Monitor silver market trends to time acquisitions of precious metals-based issues effectively.