In October 2024, a super-rare 1964 Kennedy half dollar graded PCGS MS68+ sold for a jaw-dropping $5,880,000 at auction. Yes, you read that right – almost six million dollars for a single 50-cent coin that looks exactly like the ones in your change jar.
The Emotional History Behind the Kennedy Half Dollar
After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, the U.S. Mint rushed to honor him. The Kennedy half dollar was released just 70 days later in March 1964 – made of 90% silver and instantly beloved by a grieving nation. Millions hoarded them as keepsakes.
Why One Just Sold for $5.9 Million
This particular coin was basically perfect – the highest grade ever given to a 1964 Kennedy half. With stunning luster, no marks, and razor-sharp details, only a handful exist in this condition. Collectors call it “the king of modern U.S. coins.”
Which Kennedy Halves Are Actually Worth Big Money?
Not every 1964 coin is worth millions, but many are still valuable:
- 1964 (90% silver) – common ones = $10–$15, top grade = hundreds of thousands
- 1964-D – same story
- 1970-D – super low mintage, worth $100–$15,000+
- Error coins (double dies, off-metal, etc.) = $500–$100,000+
How to Check If YOUR Kennedy Half Is Rare
- Look at the date – 1964 is the big one
- Check the mint mark (D for Denver, none for Philadelphia)
- Feel the edge – 1964 is silver (reeds feel different)
- Examine under good light for doubling or errors
- Get high-grade 1964s appraised – even MS66 can be $1,000+
Top 10 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars Ever Sold
| Rank | Year | Grade | Sale Price | Date Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1964 | PCGS MS68+ | $5,880,000 | Oct 2024 |
| 2 | 1964 | PCGS MS68 | $108,000 | 2023 |
| 3 | 1970-D | MS67+ | $72,000 | 2022 |
| 4 | 1964 Proof | PR70 DCAM | $47,000 | 2021 |
| 5 | 1968-S | PR70 DCAM | $21,000 | 2023 |
Comparison: Common vs Ultra-Rare 1964 Kennedy Halves
| Feature | Common 1964 Kennedy | $5.9M 1964 Kennedy |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | MS60–MS64 | MS68+ |
| Current Value | $10–$50 | $5,880,000 |
| Luster | Dull to average | Blinding full |
| Contact Marks | Many visible | Zero |
| Still Circulating? | Yes | Extremely unlikely |
Expert Tips for Finding Rare Kennedy Halves Today
- Search bank rolls – people still cash in silver!
- Check estate sales and old jars
- Buy $100 face-value bags of half dollars from coin shops
- Focus on 1964 and 1964-D dates
- Learn to spot SMS (Special Mint Set) 1965–1967 coins – they can be worth thousands
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1964 Kennedy halves valuable?
A: No – only ultra-high grades (MS67 and above) bring huge money.
Q: Can I still find a $5.9 million coin in circulation?
A: Highly unlikely – that grade almost never circulated, but nice silver 1964s are still out there!
Q: What’s the best way to sell a rare Kennedy half?
A: Get it graded by PCGS or NGC first, then auction through Heritage or Stack’s Bowers.
Final Thoughts – Start Looking Today!
The $5.9 million Kennedy half dollar proves that treasure can still be hiding in plain sight. While you probably won’t find the exact record-breaker, thousands of valuable silver Kennedys and error coins are still turning up in change, attics, and bank rolls every year.