The Kennedy half dollar is one of the most collected U.S. coins, first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. While most are worth just 50 cents, some rare versions can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars due to low mintage, silver content, or mint errors.
In this guide, we’ll explore 7 of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars that could be hiding in your collection!
1. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% Silver) – Worth Up to $6,000
The first year of the Kennedy half dollar is also one of the most valuable. Made from 90% silver, these coins are always worth more than face value, but some rare high-grade versions can fetch thousands at auction.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Circulated condition: $10 – $50
- Uncirculated: Up to $6,000
2. 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar – Worth Over $100,000
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) half dollar is one of the rarest Kennedy half dollars ever made. It has a unique, satin-like finish and is believed to have been created as an experimental minting process.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Only a few known to exist
- Auction price: Over $100,000
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver) – Worth Up to $3,000
By 1970, the U.S. Mint was phasing out silver coins, and the 1970-D Kennedy half dollar was the last one made with 40% silver—and it was never released into circulation!
How Much Is It Worth?
- Uncirculated condition only: Up to $3,000
4. 1974-D Doubled Die Kennedy Half Dollar – Worth Up to $2,000
This rare error coin from the Denver Mint features a noticeable doubling in the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY”.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Circulated: $40 – $150
- Uncirculated: Up to $2,000
5. 1998-S Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar – Worth Up to $5,000
This special coin was only available in a special mint set, and it has a matte finish, unlike regular proof coins. Only 62,000 were made, making it highly collectible.
How Much Is It Worth?
- In perfect condition: Up to $5,000
6. 2014-W 50th Anniversary Gold Kennedy Half Dollar – Worth Up to $4,000
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half dollar, the U.S. Mint released a gold version in 2014, made from 99.99% pure gold.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Original price: Around $1,200
- Current value: Up to $4,000, depending on gold prices
7. 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar With Missing FG – Worth Up to $2,800
Some 1966 SMS half dollars were struck without the “FG” initials (for designer Frank Gasparro) on the reverse, making them an extremely rare mint error.
How Much Is It Worth?
- Uncirculated condition: Up to $2,800
Conclusion
Kennedy half dollars are popular among collectors, and some can be worth thousands of dollars. The most valuable include:
- 1964 90% silver half dollars
- Rare 1964 SMS versions worth over $100,000
- 1970-D (last silver half dollar) worth up to $3,000
- Special mint errors like the 1974-D doubled die and 1966 missing FG
Check your coin collection—you might have a valuable Kennedy half dollar hidden in your change!