Kennedy Half Dollar Value: 1776 to 1976, Silver Coins & Errors Guide

What Is So Special About the Kennedy Half Dollar?

The US Kennedy half dollar stands out not just as a coin, but as a tribute to one of America's most iconic leaders. Introduced in 1964, just months after the famous assassination in Dallas, this coin with an olive branch quickly became a cultural symbol. For collectors today, however, it is more than a piece of history—it can also be a hidden treasure.

If you want to start doing numismatics somewhere—this presidential seal coin is an extremely good starting point as it is professionally studied well enough, common and popular. Yet, its history leaves enough blank spaces for new openings in United States mint—and you might be the one to make them!

An old Kennedy 50 cent coin with clear signs of aging

This article answers the questions that numismatists often ask: 'is a Kennedy half dollar worth anything?', 'How much is a JFK half dollar worth if rare?'

Let's make this Kennedy half dollar valuation simple even for beginners with the right tools and a systematic approach. We will cover the mintage history, some stories about its design, errors, and significance for coin collections.

Let's make dollar valuation simple even for beginners — with the right tools and a systematic approach. We will cover the mintage history, some stories about its design, errors, and significance for collectors.

Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Coins

Before we start exploring history, let's check up the types of JFK coins with the highest prices. Here is the top-100, from the most expensive and the earliest to the newest and mid-priced.

#	Coin Specifics	Year of Mintage	Best Rated Condition	Price Range
1	90% Silver	1964	MS	$18.50-$24,000
2	40% Silver	1965-1970	MS	$6,25-$495
3	Clad	1970-Present	MS	$1.10-$100.00
4	Doubled Die Obverse	1964	FS-102 MS	$20-$390
5	Doubled Die Reverse	1964	FS-801 MS	$70-$925
6	Doubled Die Obverse	1964-D	FS-101 MS	$34-$2,250
7	Doubled Die Obverse	1964-D	FS-104 MS	$80-$525
8	Doubled Die Obverse	1964-D	FS-106 MS	$80-$650
9	Doubled Die Obverse	1964-D	FS-108 MS	$20-$900
10	Repunched Mintmark	1964-D/D	FS-501 MS	$26-$470
11	Repunched Mintmark	1964-D/D	FS-502 MS	$20-$100
12	Repunched Mintmark	1964-D/D	FS-503 MS	$27-$390
13	Repunched Mintmark	1964-D/D	FS-504 MS	$27-$455
14	Tripled Die Obverse	1964-D	FS-103 MS	$21-$455
15	Quadrupled Die Obverse	1964-D	FS-105 MS	$27-$775
16	Doubled Die Reverse	1964-D	FS-802 MS	$41-$725
17	Doubled Die Obverse	1966	FS-101 MS	$34-$1,900
18	Doubled Die Obverse	1967	FS-102 MS	$425-$2,500
19	Doubled Die Obverse	1967	FS-103 MS	$80-$325
20	Doubled Die Reverse	1967	FS-801 MS	$34-$235
21	Tripled Die Obverse	1968-D	FS-101 MS	$35-$130
22	—	1969-D	MS	$6.25-$1,650
23	—	1970-D	MS PL	$1,750
24	—	1971	MS	$1.10-$1,500
25	DDO, DDR	1971-D	FS-101/801 MS	$11-$210
26	Doubled Die Obverse	1971-D	FS-102 MS	$27-$340
27	Doubled Die Obverse	1972	FS-101 MS	$95-$390
28	Missing Designer's Initials	1972-D	FS-901 MS	$390-$950
29	—	1973	MS	$1.10-$295
30	Doubled Die Obverse	1973-D	FS-101 MS	$120-$390
31	—	1974	MS	$1.10-$1,500
32	—	1974-D	MS	$1.10-$295
33	Doubled Die Obverse	1974-D	FS-101 MS	$11-$775
34	Clad	1976	MS	$1.10-$1,650
35	Clad	1976-D	MS	$1.10-$650
36	Silver, Doubled Die Obverse	1976-S	FS-101 MS	$20-$950
37	—	1977	MS	$1.10-$100
38	Doubled Die Obverse	1977-D	FS-101 MS	$43-$130
39	—	1978	MS	$1.10-$155
40	—	1978-D	MS	$1.10-$360
41	—	1979	MS	$1.10-$275
42	—	1979-D	MS	$1.10-$470
43	—	1980-P	MS	$1.10-$110
44	—	1980-D	MS	$1.10-$3,750
45	—	1981-P	MS	$1.10-$3,750
46	—	1981-D	MS	$1.10-$725
47	Missing Designer's Initials	1982-P	FS-901 MS	$16-$950
48	—	1982-D	MS	$1.10-$260
49	—	1983-P	MS	$1.10-$3,750
50	—	1983-D	MS	$1.10-$3,750
51	—	1984-P	MS	$1.10-$340
52	—	1984-D	MS	$1.10-$850
53	—	1985-P	MS	$1.10-$3,750
54	—	1985-D	MS	$1.10-$2,800
55	—	1986-P	MS	$1.10-$3,750
56	—	1986-D	MS	$1.10-$1,900
57	—	1987-P	MS	$1.10-$3,750
58	—	1987-D	MS	$1.10-$1,900
59	—	1988-P	MS	$1.10-$2,800
60	—	1988-D	MS	$1.10-$3,450
61	—	1989-P	MS	$1.10-$200
62	—	1989-D	MS	$1.10-$3,450
63	—	1990-P	MS	$1.10-$1,900
64	—	1990-D	MS	$1.10-$575
65	—	1991-P	MS	$1.10-$3,150
66	—	1991-D	MS	$1.10-$3,150
67	—	1992-P	MS	$1.10-$1,550
68	—	1992-D	MS	$1.10-$1,900
69	—	1993-P	MS	$1.10-$2,200
70	—	1993-D	MS	$1.10-$2,800
71	—	1994-P	MS	$1.10-$1,550
72	—	1994-D	MS	$1.10-$3,450
73	—	1995-P	MS	$1.10-$1,250
74	—	1995-D	MS	$1.10-$1,250
75	—	1996-P	MS	$1.10-$70
76	—	1996-D	MS	$1.10-$405
77	—	1997-P	MS	$1.10-$1,250
78	—	1997-D	MS	$1.10-$1,500
79	—	1998-P	MS	$1.10-$1,500
80	—	1998-D	MS PL	$1.10-$3,450
81	Silver, Matte Finish	1998-S	SMS	$70-$360
82	—	1999-P	MS	$1.10-$2,250
83	—	1999-D	MS	$1.10-$1,250
84	—	2000-P	MS	$1.10-$455
85	—	2000-D	MS	$1.10-$155
86	—	2001-P	MS	$1.10-$95
87	—	2001-D	MS	$1.10-$195
88	—	2002-P	MS	$1.10-$130
89	—	2002-D	MS	$1.10-$2,800
90	—	2003-P	MS	$1.10-$1,550
91	—	2003-D	MS	$1.10-$2,000
92	—	2004-P	MS	$1.10-$1,750
93	—	2004-D	MS	$1.10-$650
94	—	2005-P	MS	$1.10-$1,900
95	Satin Finish	2005-P	MS	$1.10-$1,250
96	—	2005-D	MS	$1.10-$575
97	Satin Finish	2005-D	MS	$1.10-$55
98	—	2006-P	MS	$1.10-$390
99	Satin Finish	2006-P	MS	$1.10-$60
100	—	2006-D	MS	$1.10-$1,900

Kennedy Half Dollar 1776 to 1976: Design History

Let's start from afar. Who was on the half dollar before Kennedy? It has been Franklin since 1948, and the design didn't change until 60s, when the John F Kennedy half dollar appeared.

When the U.S. Mint unveiled the gold plated Kennedy half dollar in 1964, the public response was immediate and emotional. Millions were hoarded rather than spent, serving as mementos of JFK's life and legacy. The original 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar coins were minted in 90% silver—a fact that would later contribute to their rising value. That year alone, over 430 million coins were produced, but not all are created equal, and not John F Kennedy half dollar value are the same.

Collectors quickly learned that within this mintage were versions far rarer than others, including:

The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) – With fewer than 50 examples known, these coins never saw public release and are believed to be experimental strikes.
The 1964 Accented Hair Proof – A subtle but important design difference makes this variety especially desirable among numismatists.

Both coins are proof that the value of a Kennedy gold half dollar isn't just about age—it's about detail, silver content, and rarity.

Bicentennial Design: A Special Edition

A highlight in the Kennedy half dollar key dates is the Kennedy bicentennial half dollar, struck to celebrate America's 200th birthday. These coins carry a dual date "1776–1976" and feature Independence Hall on the reverse.

Though most Bicentennial halves are common and struck in copper-nickel, special collector versions were minted in 40% silver — this fact raises the 1776 to 1976 Kennedy half dollar value seriously. While they don't reach the heights of earlier rare editions, high-grade specimens and errors still garner attention from serious collectors.

What Makes the Kennedy Half Dollar Values Higher?

Though the face remains 50 cents, the Kennedy half dollar silver value can range on the market from pocket change to tens and hundreds of thousands sometimes. Several critical factors influence this:

1. Silver Content

1964 Coins: Composed of 90% silver, here is why 64 Kennedy half dollar value is much higher than the face due to metal content alone.
1965–1970 Coins: Transitioned to 40% silver, ending with the 1970-D issue—the final year silver appeared in the series, and the 40 Kennedy half dollar value is high as well.

2. Rarity and Minting Variations

Coins produced in small quantities (like the 50th anniversary Kennedy half dollar set, minted only for collectors) are far scarcer and go higher in the Kennedy half dollar value chart.
Unique strikes like the 1964 SMS or the 1967 SMS MS69 Ultra Cameo have fetched high prices at auction due to their low population and extraordinary condition.

3. Condition and Grade

Coin grading plays a massive role. A 1964-D MS68 silver Kennedy half dollar value, for example, in top-tier condition worth nearly $33,000. Yet, it may look like any other to the untrained eye.
Grading scale examples to understand how much is Kennedy half dollar worth:
- MS67+: Near flawless, top market prices.
- PF70: Proof coins with no visible imperfections under 5x magnification.

Value of Kennedy Half Dollar Listed: From Earliest to Latest

The most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar coins are primarily rare 1960s issues with special minting features, high silver content, unusual Kennedy half dollar weight, and exceptional condition. Here is the easiest answer to 'what is the most valuable Kennedy half dollar'.

These coins are prized for their historical significance, rarity, and Kennedy half dollar silver content.

Coin	Why It's Rare	Notable Features	Auction JFK Half Dollar Value
1964 SMS	Fewer than 50 known	Satin finish, sharp details	Up to $156,000
1964 Accented Hair Proof	Unique early design	More pronounced hair detail	$20,000+
1970-D	Final 40% silver year, low mintage	Not circulated, mint set only	$150,000+
1967 SMS	Special Mint Set rarity	Satin finish	High collector demand

1964 SMS SP68 – The $156,000 Phantom Coin

This elusive Special Mint Set Kennedy half dollar is believed to be an internal test strike by the U.S. Mint during the Kennedy half dollar silver years. With fewer than 50 known examples, collectors speculate they were never intended for public release. Graded SP68 (Specimen 68), this coin offers a satin-like finish and razor-sharp details rarely seen even in proof coins.

Why it stands out:

Not part of any official mint set
Classified as "Specimen," not circulation or proof
Scarcity and condition drive its astronomical JFK silver half dollar value

1970-D MS67+ – The Last Silver Legend

The 1970-D Kennedy half dollar marks the end of silver content in the series (40%), and it was never released for general circulation. Only 2.15 million were minted, strictly for collector sets. In MS67+ condition, it's almost flawless—a key driver of its $150,000 sale at auction. In general, Kennedy half dollar value by year keeps lowering. If your coin is new, it might cost less than older ones.

Why it stands out:

End-of-era significance
Low mintage
Rare in top condition

1964 Accented Hair Proof – A Prototype with Personality

The difference between regular and accented hair coin types

Accented hair Kennedy half dollar variation of the 1964 proof issue features more prominent hair strands above the ear and a modified "I" in LIBERTY. It's believed that Jacqueline, the President's widow, preferred a softer hairline, prompting a quick redesign. As a result, Accented Hair coins make up only 1%–3% of 1964 proofs, making them a prime collectible and one of the most expensive Kennedy half dollar types.

Why it stands out:

Unique backstory involving JFK's widow
Visual and structural design differences
High-grade specimens are highly prized

Other High-Priced 50 Cent Coins Worth Watching

Beyond the top five, several other Kennedy half dollar coin value much more than 50 cents based on rarity, finish, and mint condition.

1968-S PF70 Deep/Ultra Cameo

Perfect proof condition from San Francisco Mint
Known for its strong contrast and flawless strike
Auction prices hover around $22,000

1966 SMS MS68

A coin from the Special Mint Set from the 1966

From a Special Mint Set, one of the most unusual Kennedy half dollar mintages, extremely high grade
Smooth surfaces with sharp strike and minimal contact marks
Auction gold Kennedy half dollar value in the $15,000–$20,000 range

Kennedy Half Dollar Errors List

Several notable mint errors and varieties often add significant half dollar Kennedy coin value to otherwise common samples. Want to know what is a Kennedy half dollar worth? Look through this list for your chance to find a treasure. Here are some of the most recognized 1776 to 1976 Kennedy half dollar errors, from the earliest to the latest mintages.

#	Error Type	Description	Estimated Value
1	1964 Proof Heavily Accented Hair	Kennedy half dollar accented hair above the ear; "I" in LIBERTY may be truncated. Highly collectible.	Premium pricing (varies, depends on condition)
2	1982 No FG Initials Error	"FG" initials missing near eagle's tail due to die over-polishing. Rare and highly sought.	Up to several thousand $
3	1982 Doubled Die Obverse	Doubling on inscriptions and JFK's profile from die misalignment.	Increased collector's price
4	1982 Misaligned Die & Off-Center Strikes	Shifted or incomplete design from die misalignment or off-center planchets.	Higher with extreme errors
5	2020 Die Crack Error	Raised lines from minting die cracks, found on obverse/reverse.	$20–$30
6	2020 Struck-Through Mint Error	Impressions from debris/grease during striking. Larger marks fetch more.	$50+
7	2020 Broadstrike and Off-Center Errors	Struck outside collar or off-center, resulting in larger or incomplete coins.	Up to $100+
8	2021 Missing Clad Layer Error	One side shows a copper core due to the unbonded outer layer.	Up to $150
9	2021-P Doubled Die Obverse	Doubling visible on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, date, and JFK's nose.	Around $60
10	2021-D Die Chip Error	Raised metal blobs from die breaks; may appear as "snake eyes" on the profile.	About $29
11	2021-P T Touching Rim and Ring Inside Rim	Excess pressure causes the T in LIBERTY to touch the rim, sometimes with an inner ring.	Around $65
12	2021-D Strike-Through and Die Crack Errors	Foreign object impressions and die cracks on JFK's cheek. Strike-throughs worth $65; die cracks are more common and less valuable (~$10).	$10–$65

These errors range from subtle die varieties (like Kennedy half dollar hair error) to dramatic minting mistakes, offering collectors many opportunities to find rare Kennedy half dollar coins. Depending on the grade and the scarcity of mistakes, even the Kennedy half dollar value 1776 to 1976 can get from average to astronomically high.

How Do I Know If My Kennedy Half Dollar Is Valuable? Instruction for Numismatists

Identifying 'how much is a silver Kennedy half dollar worth' doesn't require guesswork—it requires the right tools, a trained eye, and a basic understanding of grading, mintmarks, and production anomalies. This final touch will equip you with everything you need to evaluate how much silver in Kennedy half dollar or find out where is the mint mark on a Kennedy half dollar.

1. Check the Date and Mintmark

Start by flipping your JFK half dollar coin and examining the obverse (front) and reverse (back). Pay close attention to:

Date – Coins minted in 1964 and 1970 are especially noteworthy.
Mintmark – Look for small letters like D (Denver), S (San Francisco), or P (Philadelphia). Kennedy half dollar mint mark location is usually above the "0" on the reverse (or near JFK's neck on earlier issues).
Dual dates (1776–1976) indicate possibly high bicentennial Kennedy half dollar value, which may have silver content in collector editions. Simply due to this fact, Kennedy half dollar melt value rises drastically.

2. Inspect for Silver Content

'How much does a Kennedy half dollar weigh?' — it is not a minor question, and the result might change the coin's price from a few $ to thousands and thousands — it's all about silver in its metal composition. Use a magnet (silver is non-magnetic) and weigh the coin:

1964 coins weigh about 12.5 grams (90% silver)
1965–1970 coins weigh 11.5 grams (40% silver)

The difference is small but measurable and can indicate an intrinsic melt value Kennedy half dollar.

3. Look for Errors and Varieties

Keep an eye out for:

Missing elements (e.g., "FG" initials on the reverse)
Doubled letters or numbers
Off-center or broadstruck coins
Struck-through marks or die cracks

Compare your coin with verified error listings to understand how much is a Kennedy half dollar worth and is it rare. Even small anomalies can boost Kennedy silver half dollar value significantly if rare.

4. Assess Condition

Kennedy half dollar gold grading plays a huge role in the estimating process. Familiarize yourself with these terms:

MS (Mint State) – Uncirculated Kennedy half dollar with no wear
PF (Proof) – Mirror-finish coins struck for collectors
AU (Almost Uncirculated) – Minimal wear, slight dulling

If you're uncertain about how much silver is in a Kennedy half dollar or how much is a 1776 to 1976 Kennedy half dollar worth, consider professional grading by PCGS or NGC, as certification adds credibility and often boosts marketability.

Tools to Find Out the JFK Half Dollar Value

Modern numismatics is digital—and collectors are turning to smart tools to help evaluate and manage their collections. One of the best options for you Kennedy half dollar collection is the Coin ID Scanner app, which offers:

AI-Powered Recognition

AI-powered coin recognition using your phone's camera

Extensive Database

Detailed information on over 150,000 coins worldwide

Real-Time Values

Real-time market values and composition breakdown

Collection Organization

Collection organization features (notes, tags, inventory tracking)

Error Detection

Error detection using image recognition for varieties like missing clad layers or die cracks

Whether you're sorting through inherited coins or browsing flea markets, this app transforms your phone into a portable numismatics lab.

Here's how it works:

Download the Coin ID Scanner app from your device's app store.
Open the app and select "Scan Coin."
Use your phone camera to take a clear photo of the obverse and reverse.
The app automatically identifies the JFK bicentennial half dollar, provides grading estimates, metal composition (how much silver in a Kennedy half dollar), rarity level, and real-time JFK half dollar 1776 to 1976 value on the market.
You can also save gold and silver Kennedy half dollar samples to your digital collection, add personal notes, and track cost changes over time.

Whether you're evaluating estate finds, flea market purchases, or family keepsakes, Coin ID Scanner makes checking what is the value of a Kennedy half dollar fast, educational, and reliable.

Start Your Kennedy Half Dollar Collection Today

The Kennedy Half Dollar facing right is more than spare change—it's a symbol of American history, craftsmanship, and in some cases, serious investment potential. From the ultra-rare 1964 SMS to silver Kennedy half dollar years and overlooked modern errors, they offer something for everyone: beauty, legacy, and the thrill of the hunt.

Whether you're a beginner seeking your first collectible or a seasoned collector scanning for Kennedy half dollar valuable coins, focusing on these obese remains interesting. With tools like the Coin ID Scanner app and a growing knowledge of what to look for, you'll be better equipped than ever to uncover the hidden treasure within your pocket change.

Now you know how much is the Kennedy half dollar worth, where is mint mark on Kennedy half dollar, who is on the half dollar before Kennedy, and understand quite a lot of its history, design, and tricky changes and errors. Go scan through your pocket and see if you got something fascinating!

Is Your Kennedy Half Dollar Worth $1 or $1,000?

Dayana Abrams

What Is So Special About the Kennedy Half Dollar?

Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Coins