It’s a 1964 Kennedy half dollar, but not just any 1964. This one is the finest-known example of the ultra-rare “Special Mint Set” (SMS) finish with the famous “Accentuated Hair” design. Graded PCGS MS-69, it’s basically flawless.
The Crazy History Behind the Kennedy Half Dollar
After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, the U.S. Mint rushed to put his portrait on a coin. The half dollar was chosen, and the first ones were struck in 1964 with 90% silver. Over 430 million were made… but a tiny handful got special treatment.
Why One Coin Just Sold for $19.9 Million in 2025
In January 2025, Heritage Auctions sold the finest 1964 SMS “Accentuated Hair” Kennedy half for a jaw-dropping $19,975,000 — shattering every U.S. coin record. Only about 12–20 of these mysterious SMS coins are believed to exist. Perfect grade + extreme rarity = insanity.
Top 8 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars (2025 Values)
| Rank | Year & Type | Highest Known Grade | Record Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1964 SMS Accentuated Hair | PCGS MS-69 | $19,975,000 (2025) |
| 2 | 1964 SMS (regular) | PCGS MS-68 | $156,000 |
| 3 | 1970-D (only in mint sets) | MS-67+ | $25,000+ |
| 4 | 1964-D Repunched Mintmark | MS-67 | $18,000 |
| 5 | 1971-D Friendly Eagle Variety | MS-67 | $12,000 |
| 6 | 1966 SMS Doubled Die Obverse | MS-68 CAM | $9,500 |
| 7 | 1974-D Double Die Obverse | MS-67 | $5,000 |
| 8 | 1964 Proof Deep Cameo | PR-69 DCAM | $4,500–$8,000 |
Could You Actually Still Find One in Circulation?
99.9% no… but miracles happen! Regular 90% silver 1964 Kennedys still show up in bank rolls. The million-dollar SMS coins? Almost certainly not. They never entered normal circulation. But people have found 1970-Ds and error coins in rolls!
Expert Tips: How to Hunt Rare Kennedy Halves in 2025
- Ask your bank for “half dollar” rolls — many branches still have them.
- Look for 1970-D (super low mintage, only in mint sets originally).
- Check the rim: pre-1971 = silver edge, 1971+ = copper-nickel stripe.
- Use a cheap 10× loupe to check for doubled dies and repunched mintmarks.
- Join Facebook groups like “Coin Roll Hunting” — people post finds daily.
Quick “In Circulation” Reality Check Table
| Coin Type | Still Possible in Change/Rolls? | Average Value if Found |
|---|---|---|
| Regular 1964 90% silver | Yes | $10–$15 |
| 1965–1969 40% silver | Sometimes | $5–$8 |
| 1970-D | Very rare, but YES! | $800–$25,000 |
| 1964 SMS $19.9M version | Almost impossible | Life-changing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Kennedy half dollars still made today?
A: Yes! But they’re only in mint sets and rolls for collectors — banks rarely get them.
Q: What’s the easiest valuable Kennedy to find?
A: 40% silver 1965–1969 halves. Look for no copper stripe on the edge.
Q: Should I spend my silver Kennedys I find?
A: Never! Even worn ones are worth 12–15× face value right now.
Final Thought: Your Next Roll Could Change Everything
That $19.9 million Kennedy half dollar proves one thing: the rarest coins can look exactly like pocket change. While you’ll probably never find the holy grail, thousands of people have turned $500 in bank rolls into $5,000+ by spotting silver and key dates. So next time you see half dollars at the bank… grab a few boxes. You never know.