You want to know the most valuable Kennedy half dollar? All you have to do is read on. The Kennedy half dollar belongs to the league of valuable and rarest United States Coins ever made by the US Mint, just like the Roosevelt Dimes and most especially the Mercury Dimes. The famous Kennedy Half Dollar has a small mintage, great looking design and high demand.
Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars is one of the most popular coin collecting hobbies. These coins are very beautiful and bear the image of our 35th president, John F Kennedy. This complete value guide on 10 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar will help you discover how much your coins could be worth if you ever felt like giving them away.
Table of Contents
10 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars That Sold At Auction
What year Kennedy half dollars are valuable? For most of us, it’s the ones that were auctioned and sold for a high amount.
Coin collectors of the past 50 years mainly collect on condition, or should I say “grade”. A Kennedy half dollar value chart is hard to find and can be confusing most times. Not to worry, we have made an easy to understand table and list that shows you 10 most valuable Kennedy half dollars.
No |
Year |
Name |
Grade |
Price |
1 |
1964 |
1964 P Kennedy Half Dollar |
PR68 |
$19,975 |
2 |
1968 |
1968 S Kennedy Half Dollar |
PR70 |
$12,000 |
3 |
1966 |
1966 P Kennedy Half Dollar |
MS67 |
$9,987.50 |
4 |
1977 |
1977 D Kennedy Half Dollar |
AU58 |
$6,600 |
5 |
1969 |
1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar |
MS67 |
$6,600 |
6 |
1970 |
1970 D Kennedy Half Dollar |
MS67 |
$6,300 |
7 |
1970 |
1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar |
PR62 |
$5,760 |
8 |
1964 |
1964 D Kennedy Half Dollar |
MS67+ |
$5,405 |
9 |
1976 |
1976 S Kennedy Half Dollar Bicentennial Design |
PR70 |
$5,175 |
10 |
1980 |
1980 D Kennedy Half Dollar |
MS68 |
$4,935 |
1. 1964 P Kennedy Half Dollar: Heavily Accented Hair $19,975
Year: 1964
Grade: PR68
Price: $19,975
Meet the first coin on our list of most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars “The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.” The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar has two varieties: one with accented hair on the obverse portrait of John F. Kennedy, and one without the accents. People believe this is the first design used on Kennedy Half Dollars, and only 1%-3% of 1964 proof coins are of this variety.
The Cherrypickers’ reference describes the Accented Hair proof as “somewhat common,” a statement sure to make collectors salivate. However, finding this variety in “deep cameo” is difficult. On the 4th of April, 2017, a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar graded PR68 in Deep Cameo was sold in an auction for $19,975.
This 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Heavily Accented Hair Variety) Coin is worth a lot of money when in a high-grade and Deep Cameo. However, The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Heavily Accented Hair Variety) (Proof Coin) is valued at $48 or more.
1964 50C Accented Hair, FS-401, PR68 Deep Cameo Sold on Apr 4, 2017 for: $19,975
2. 1968 S Kennedy Half Dollar $12,000
Year: 1968
Grade: PR70
Price: $12,000
The 1968 S Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at San Francisco mint hence the “S” mintmark. It has a metal composition of 40% Silver and 60% Copper. Just 3,041,506 of these coins were ever minted. The 1968-S proof Kennedy half dollar was the first of its kind, struck in 40% silver.
The USA Coin Book estimates the value of a proof Kennedy half dollar minted in 1968 at $10.62 or more. The value of this coin depends on its condition. On the 8th of November, 2018, a 1968-S 50C PR70 Deep Cameo Kennedy Half Dollar was auctioned for $12,000 making it one of the most valuable varieties in the Kennedy Half Dollar series.
The 1968-S proof Kennedy half dollar is quite available with Deep Cameo contrast, but flawless specimens such as PR70 are scarce.
1968-S 50C PR70 Deep Cameo Sold on Nov 8, 2018 for: $12,000
3. 1966 P Kennedy Half Dollar $9,987.50
Year: 1966
Grade: MS67
Price: $9,987.50
In the year 1966, the Philadelphia mint struck over 100 million of these coins, this obviously means that you won’t have a hard time getting your hands on this coin in average or just above average condition. Or would you? Set collectors will find the 40% Silver 1966 Kennedy Half a challenge to locate in high grade.
If you have a 1966 Kennedy half dollar, it is worth about $5.37 in average condition and can be worth $8.13 to $29 or more in uncirculated “MS+” mint condition. On the 14th of August, 2015, a 1966 Kennedy half dollar was sold for $9,987.50 thus making it one of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars.
1966 50C MS67 Sold on Aug 14, 2015 for: $9,987.50
4. 1977 D Kennedy Half Dollar: Struck on a Silver Planchet $6,600
Year: 1977
Grade: AU58
Price: $6,600
In 1977, 31.4 million Kennedy half dollars were struck using copper-nickel clad composition blanks. Error coin experts believe that at least some of the silver-copper clad planchets from the San Francisco Mint made their way to the Denver Mint along with copper-nickel clad planchets.
Collector Craig Wildes spent 25 years searching through 20-coin rolls of U.S. half dollars before his search paid off with the discovery of a 1977-D Kennedy half dollar struck on a silver-copper clad planchet. These coins have become very valuable due to their rarity. If you have an original 1977-D Kennedy half dollar not struck on a silver planchet, it could be worth $2.28 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
1977-D 50C Kennedy Half Dollar AU58 Sold on Apr 26, 2018 for: $6,600.00
5. 1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar $6,600
Year: 1969
Grade: MS67
Price: $6,600
The U.S. Mint produced the 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar out of both Clad and Silver content. This was the only Half Dollar struck out of both these compositions in the 1965-1970 time period. After 1970 all circulation strike coins were produced out of clad only.
Although the 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar is common in circulated grades, most examples have been pulled from circulation because of their silver content. At grades MS64 and above, the coin also becomes more scarce. In Mint State 65 they are a little difficult to find, but still available. In Mint State 66, they become scarcer with just about 1,000 examples ready. In Mint State 67, they are very difficult to come by and less than 50 are known in this condition.
According to the USA Coin Book, the estimated value of a 1969-D Kennedy half dollar in average condition is $5.36. In uncirculated (MS+) mint condition, it can be worth up to $8.12 or more.
1969-D 50C MS67: Sold on Oct 18, 2019 for: $6,600.00
6. 1970 D Kennedy Half Dollar $6,300
Year: 1970
Grade: MS67
Price: $6,300
The 1970 D Kennedy Half Dollar belongs to the 40% silver composition. The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar was produced only in Mint Sets, and about two million coins were sold. This makes it the lowest mintage business strike from 1964 to 2005—until 2006, when mintages fell even lower.
The Denver Mint produced mint state Kennedy Half Dollars in 1970. Proof coins were made only at the San Francisco Mint that year, and can be identified by an S mint mark on the obverse. The USA Coin Book estimates that the value of a Kennedy half-dollar from 1970 in average condition is $5.37, but it could be worth $9.36 to $44 or more if it’s in uncirculated mint condition.
1970-D 50C MS67 Sold on Oct 16, 2020 for: $6,300.00
7. 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar $5,760
Year: 1970
Grade: PR62
Price: $5,760
On the 24th of April 2021, a rare 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar that was Struck on an Aluminum Missouri State Shell Gas Token was sold in an auction for $5,760.00 making it one of the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar to exist.
In the 1970s, Shell gas stations distributed aluminum tokens for each state, hoping to encourage visits with them. When a Missouri Shell token was somehow added to a bin of Kennedy half planchets at the San Francisco Mint in 1965 as a joke, it would have been impossible for workers to recover the piece after it had been struck. A lucky buyer of a proof set in 1970 ended up with the coin.
However, a regular 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar with no errors is also valuable. You can get $19 or more for your 1970-S Kennedy half-dollar proof coin according to USA Coin Book.
1970-S 50C Kennedy Half Dollar — Struck on an Aluminum Missouri State Shell Gas Token — PR62 Sold on Apr 24, 2021 for: $5,760.00
8. 1964 D Kennedy Half Dollar $5,405
Year: 1964
Grade: MS67+
Price: $5,405
The 1964 D Kennedy Half dollar is yet another U.S coin that made it to our list of most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar. Our selections are based on auction prices. On the 7th of July, 2016, a 1964 D Kennedy half dollar was sold in an auction for $5,405. PCGS graded the coin as MS67+ which is one of the finest ever seen.
In 1964 the Denver mint struck over 150 million Kennedy Half Dollars with a metal composition of 90% Silver and 10% Copper. 1964-D Kennedy half dollars are worth $11.50 in average condition, and are worth $12.75 to $20 if the coin is in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
1964-D 50C MS67+ Sold on Jul 7, 2016 for: $5,405.00
9. 1976 S Kennedy Half Dollar Bicentennial Design $5,175
Year: 1976
Grade: PR70
Price: $5,175.00
The Bicentennial Kennedy half dollar is a popular coin from the late 20th century. It is likely the most common coin of the late 20th century. Typically, hoarders who sell their coin collections will have coins of the same type mixed in with their sale coins.
Although more than 8 million 1976-S clad and silver proof sets were produced, proofs with the perfect PR70 grade are rare. If you have a Kennedy half dollar minted in 1976 that has not been in circulation, it is worth $10.62 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition. Proof versions of the coin are worth $13 or more.
1976-S 50C Clad PR70 Deep Cameo Sold on Jan 10, 2008 for: $5,175.00
10. 1980 D Kennedy Half Dollar $4,935
Year: 1980
Grade: MS68
Price: $4,935
Minted at the Denver mint with over 30 million coins struck, this U.S coin is one of the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars out there. Although this coin might not be highly valued in average condition, when in higher grades, the value definitely sky rockets. Take for instance a piece graded MS68 by PCGS that was auctioned for $4,935.
If you have the USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1980-D Kennedy Half Dollar in MS63, it could be worth $2.28 or more. Uncirculated 1980-D Kennedy Half Dollars are still readily available. They will probably be found in circulation, Mint State 66 condition or higher is pretty hard to find, though most examples in this condition are likely to have come from original rolls or mint sets.
1980-D 50C MS68 Sold on Oct 30, 2015 for :$4,935
Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guide & Price Chart
The Kennedy half dollar, with its historical significance and political intrigue, is one of the most popular coins to collect today. The following is a value guide and price chart for those thinking about collecting or investing in these.
History Of Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guide
The Kennedy half dollar is a fifty-cent coin issued by the United States Mint since 1964. The coin commemorates President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The Kenned Half Dollar coin was authorized by congress about a month after the president was assassinated.
Upon their release in March 1964, the new Kennedy half-dollars were quickly hoarded by collectors and those interested in a memento of the late president. Although the Mint increased production, the denomination remained scarce in circulation. Many early Kennedy halves have been melted for their silver content.
When silver was eliminated from the half dollar’s composition in 1971, production increased to satisfy public demand, the coin enjoyed only a slight increase in usage. In May 1969, the Treasury Department asked permission to change the half dollar’s silver content to a copper-nickel clad composition, since that was the same kind of material used for the dime and quarter.
The design of the Kennedy Half Dollar was inspired by and overseen by Gilroy Roberts, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro. The obverse side of the coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts, while the reverse side was sculpted by Frank Gasparro.
90% Silver Composition (1964) Value & Chart
| Time | 1964 |
| Metal Composition | 90% Silver – 10% Copper |
| Mass/Weight | 12.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6mm |
| Estimated Average Value | $11.52 |
One of the most interesting facts about the 1964 Kennedy half dollar is that it has a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. The only year minted in 90% silver in proof format is 1964. It is among the rarest coins produced by the U.S. Mint in 1964.
No. |
Year |
Mint |
Mintage |
MS60 |
MS65 |
PR65 |
1 |
1964 |
P |
277,254,766 |
$12.67 |
$20 |
$21 |
2 |
1964 |
P |
– |
– |
– |
$48 |
3 |
1964 |
D |
156,205,446 |
$12.67 |
$20 |
– |
40% Silver Composition (1965-1970)
| Time | 1965-1970 |
| Metal Composition | 40% Silver – 60% Copper |
| Mass/Weight | 11.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6mm |
| Estimated Average Value | $5.34 |
The 1965 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar with composition of 40% silver and 60% copper. A nice choice for any type of coin collector.
No. |
Year |
Mint |
Mintage |
MS60 |
MS65 |
PR65 |
1 |
1965 |
P |
65,879,366 |
$8.1 |
$18 |
– |
2 |
1966 |
P |
108,984,932 |
$8.1 |
$29 |
– |
3 |
1967 |
P |
295,046,978 |
$8.1 |
$26 |
– |
4 |
1968 |
D |
246,951,930 |
$8 |
$22 |
– |
5 |
1968 |
S |
3,041,506 |
– |
– |
$11 |
6 |
1969 |
D |
129,881,800 |
$8 |
$29 |
– |
7 |
1969 |
S |
2,934,631 |
– |
– |
$10.58 |
8 |
1970 |
D |
2,150,000 |
$9.33 |
$44 |
– |
9 |
1970 |
S |
2,632,810 |
– |
– |
$19 |
Clad Composition (1971-Present)
| Time | 1964 – Present |
| Metal Composition | 91.67% Copper – 8.33% Nickel |
| Mass/Weight | 11.34 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6mm |
| Estimated Average Value | $2.28 |
No. |
Year |
Mint |
Mintage |
MS63 |
PR65 |
1 |
1971 |
P |
155,640,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
2 |
1971 |
D |
302,097,424 |
$2.28 |
– |
3 |
1971 |
S |
3,244,183 |
– |
$6 |
4 |
1972 |
P |
153,180,000 |
$2 |
– |
5 |
1972 |
D |
141,890,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
6 |
1972 |
S |
3,267,667 |
– |
$6 |
7 |
1973 |
P |
64,964,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
8 |
1973 |
D |
83,171,400 |
$2.28 |
– |
9 |
1973 |
S |
2,760,339 |
– |
$6 |
10 |
1974 |
P |
201,596,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
11 |
1974 |
D |
79,066,300 |
$2 |
– |
12 |
1974 |
D |
N/A |
$45 |
– |
13 |
1974 |
S |
2,612,568 |
– |
$5.7 |
Bicentennial Design (1976)
| Time | 1976 |
| Metal Composition | 91.67% Copper – 8.33% Nickel |
| Mass/Weight | 11.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6mm |
| Estimated Average Value | $2.28 |
The U.S. Mint produced the Kennedy Half Dollar with a 1776-1976 date on the obverse and a rendition of Independence Hall with “200 YEARS OF FREEDOM” on its reverse to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. This coin was issued by the U.S. Mint in both 1975 and 1976 so no 1975 coins were made.
No. |
Year |
Mint |
Mintage |
MS63 |
PR65 |
1 |
1976 |
P |
234,308,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
2 |
1976 |
D |
287,565,248 |
$2.28 |
– |
3 |
1976 |
S |
7,059,099 |
– |
$6 |
4 |
1976 |
S |
11,000,000 |
$11 |
$13 |
Clad Composition – Kennedy Half Dollar Value 1971 to 1999 Value & Chart
No. |
Year |
Mint |
Mintage |
MS63 |
PR65 |
1 |
1977 |
P |
43,598,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
2 |
1977 |
D |
31,449,106 |
$2.28 |
– |
3 |
1977 |
S |
3,251,152 |
– |
$6 |
4 |
1978 |
P |
14,350,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
5 |
1978 |
D |
13,765,799 |
$3 |
– |
6 |
1978 |
S |
3,127,781 |
– |
$4.52 |
7 |
1979 |
P |
68,312,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
8 |
1979 |
D |
15,815,422 |
$2 |
– |
9 |
1979 |
S |
3,677,175 |
– |
– |
10 |
1979 |
S |
N/A |
– |
$4.52 |
11 |
1979 |
S |
N/A |
– |
$19 |
12 |
1980 |
P |
44,134,000 |
$2 |
– |
13 |
1980 |
D |
33,456,449 |
$2.28 |
– |
14 |
1980 |
S |
3,554,806 |
– |
$4.52 |
15 |
1981 |
P |
29,544,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
16 |
1981 |
D |
27,839,533 |
$2.28 |
– |
17 |
1981 |
S |
4,063,083 |
– |
– |
18 |
1981 |
S |
N/A |
– |
$4.52 |
19 |
1981 |
S |
N/A |
– |
$20 |
20 |
1982 |
P |
10,819,000 |
$6 |
– |
21 |
1982 |
D |
13,140,102 |
$6 |
– |
22 |
1982 |
S |
3,857,479 |
– |
$5.7 |
23 |
1983 |
P |
34,139,000 |
$7 |
– |
24 |
1983 |
D |
32,472,244 |
$8 |
– |
25 |
1983 |
S |
3,279,126 |
– |
$5.7 |
26 |
1984 |
P |
26,029,000 |
$2 |
– |
27 |
1984 |
D |
26,262,158 |
$2 |
– |
28 |
1984 |
S |
3,065,110 |
– |
$6.65 |
29 |
1985 |
P |
18,706,962 |
$6 |
– |
30 |
1985 |
D |
19,814,034 |
$5.7 |
– |
31 |
1985 |
S |
3,362,821 |
– |
$5.7 |
32 |
1986 |
P |
13,107,633 |
$6.65 |
– |
33 |
1986 |
D |
15,336,145 |
$5.7 |
– |
34 |
1986 |
S |
3,010,497 |
– |
$6.65 |
35 |
1987 |
P |
2,890,758 |
$5.7 |
– |
36 |
1987 |
D |
2,890,758 |
$5.7 |
– |
37 |
1987 |
S |
4,227,728 |
– |
$5.7 |
38 |
1988 |
P |
13,626,000 |
$5.7 |
– |
39 |
1988 |
D |
12,000,096 |
$4.52 |
– |
40 |
1988 |
S |
3,262,948 |
– |
$5.7 |
41 |
1989 |
P |
24,542,000 |
$4.52 |
– |
42 |
1989 |
D |
23,000,216 |
$3.3 |
– |
43 |
1989 |
S |
3,220,194 |
– |
$6.65 |
44 |
1990 |
P |
22,278,000 |
$3 |
– |
45 |
1990 |
D |
20,096,242 |
$3.3 |
– |
46 |
1990 |
S |
3,299,559 |
– |
$6.65 |
47 |
1991 |
P |
14,874,000 |
$4.52 |
– |
48 |
1991 |
D |
15,054,678 |
$4.52 |
– |
49 |
1991 |
S |
2,867,787 |
– |
$11 |
50 |
1992 |
P |
17,628,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
51 |
1992 |
D |
17,000,106 |
$3.3 |
– |
52 |
1992 |
S |
2,858,981 |
– |
$7.88 |
53 |
1992 |
S |
1,317,579 |
– |
$20 |
54 |
1993 |
P |
15,510,000 |
$3.3 |
– |
55 |
1993 |
D |
15,000,006 |
$3.3 |
– |
56 |
1993 |
S |
2,633,439 |
– |
$9.14 |
57 |
1993 |
S |
761,353 |
– |
$38 |
58 |
1994 |
P |
23,718,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
59 |
1994 |
D |
23,828,110 |
$2.28 |
– |
60 |
1994 |
S |
2,484,594 |
– |
$9.14 |
61 |
1994 |
S |
785,329 |
– |
$38 |
62 |
1995 |
P |
26,496,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
63 |
1995 |
D |
26,288,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
64 |
1995 |
S |
2,117,496 |
– |
$17 |
65 |
1995 |
S |
679,985 |
– |
$46 |
66 |
1996 |
P |
24,442,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
67 |
1996 |
D |
24,744,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
68 |
1996 |
S |
1,750,244 |
– |
$11 |
69 |
1996 |
S |
775,021 |
– |
$38 |
70 |
1997 |
P |
20,882,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
71 |
1997 |
D |
19,876,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
72 |
1997 |
S |
2,055,000 |
– |
$13 |
73 |
1997 |
S |
741,678 |
– |
$38 |
74 |
1998 |
P |
15,646,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
75 |
1998 |
D |
15,064,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
76 |
1998 |
S |
2,086,507 |
– |
$11 |
77 |
1998 |
S |
878,792 |
– |
$24 |
78 |
1998 |
S |
62,000 |
– |
$144 |
79 |
1999 |
P |
8,900,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
80 |
1999 |
D |
10,682,000 |
$2.28 |
– |
81 |
1999 |
S |
2,543,401 |
– |
$14 |
82 |
1999 |
S |
804,565 |
– |
$31 |
Last Words
As with the Silver Dollar, collectors have long been drawn to these coins because of their small but valuable denomination. With no small number of coins available today, the Kennedy Half Dollar is an easy way to add some small change to your coin collection. Go ahead, find value in this Kennedy half dollar value guide. You’ll be glad you did. The Kennedy Half Dollar is a coin worth collecting, and if you have reached this guide it means that you enjoy this kind of hobby.
