The Kennedy half dollar is the 50-cent coin minted since 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. Most are only worth face value… but a tiny handful have mistakes or special features that turn them into six- and seven-figure treasures.
The Emotional Story Behind the Kennedy Half Dollar
Just 88 days after JFK’s death, the U.S. Mint rushed these coins into production. People lined up for hours to get them. In 1964 alone, over 430 million were struck – which is exactly why rare errors from that chaotic year still slip through today.
Why One Just Sold for $1.9 Million in 2024
In October 2024, a super-rare 1964 “Special Mint Set” Kennedy half with the ultra-crisp “Accent Hair” design and flawless grade (MS68+) sold for a jaw-dropping $1,920,000 at auction. Only a couple are known at that level.
The Exact Rare Variants Still Hiding in Circulation
Look for these money-makers:
- 1964 Proof “Accentuated Hair” (strong hair lines above the ear)
- 1970-D (only available in mint sets, yet some escaped!)
- Double-die obverse errors (doubling in lettering)
- 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) finish – satin-like, not shiny
How to Check Your Kennedy Half Dollars (Step-by-Step)
- Grab every Kennedy half you own.
- Check the date – 1964 is king.
- Look at JFK’s hair above the ear (sharp, raised lines = big money).
- Use a 10x loupe for doubling or die cracks.
- Compare to known photos online.
Quick Value Comparison Table
| Coin Type | Typical Value | Top Recorded Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Common 1964–present circulated | $0.50 | Face value |
| 1964 Proof Accent Hair (PR68+) | $10,000–$50,000 | $1.92 Million (2024) |
| 1970-D (circulated) | $12–$25 | $15,000+ (MS67) |
| 1964 SMS (MS68) | $50,000+ | $108,000+ |
| Major error (double die, off-metal) | $500–$5,000+ | $50,000+ |
Another Handy Table: Top 5 Most Valuable Kennedy Halves Ever
| Rank | Year/Variety | Grade | Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1964 SMS Accent Hair | MS68+ | $1,920,000 | 2024 |
| 2 | 1964 SMS | MS68 | $156,000 | 2023 |
| 3 | 1970-D | MS68 | $48,000 | 2022 |
| 4 | 1966 SMS Double Die Obverse | MS67 | $42,000 | 2021 |
| 5 | 1964 Proof Error (No initials) | PR68 | $38,000 | 2020 |
Expert Tips: Don’t Clean or Spend These!
- Never clean coins – it destroys value.
- Store in plastic flips or albums.
- Get suspicious coins graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Check rolls from the bank – hunters still find 1964s weekly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are silver Kennedy half dollars still worth more?
A: Yes! 1964 is 90% silver (about $10 melt today), 1965–1970 is 40% silver.
Q: Can I still find a million-dollar one in change?
A: Extremely unlikely for the $1.9M grade, but $1,000–$10,000 examples pop up every year.
Q: What’s the easiest rare Kennedy to find?
A: The 1971-D “No FG” (missing designer initials) – worth $20–$300 in circulation.
Final Thought: Your Next Jar of Change Could Change Your Life
The $1.9 million Kennedy half dollar proves it: real treasure is still out there, mixed in with everyday spending money. Next time you get a “worthless” 50-cent piece, take five seconds to look closer. That quick glance could be the difference between paying for coffee… or retiring early.