Are you digging through old coin jars or inheriting a collection and wondering, “What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?” While most Kennedy half dollars are worth face value, certain rare issues and varieties can be quite valuable. This guide will explore the most sought-after Kennedy half dollars and what factors contribute to their worth.
Key Dates and Varieties That Command High Prices
Several factors determine a Kennedy half dollar’s value, including its condition, mintage, and any unique features. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars:
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: The Holy Grail
- 1964 Special Strike: The rarest non-error Kennedy half dollar. Distinguished by a satiny finish, sharp details, and lack of contact marks. Only a dozen certified by PCGS. Values can reach six figures in top grades.
- 1964 Accented Hair: This variety features more pronounced detail in Kennedy’s hair. A one-year-only design quickly replaced due to Jackie Kennedy’s request for a softer image. Even circulated examples can be worth hundreds, and high-grade proofs can fetch thousands.
- 1964 Proof Coins: While not as valuable as the special strike or accented hair varieties, these proofs can still command significant premiums, especially in high grades with cameo or deep cameo contrast.
Silver Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-1970)
Kennedy half dollars minted from 1964 to 1970 contained 90% silver (1964) or 40% silver (1965-1970). Their intrinsic silver value alone makes them worth more than their face value. Key dates and high-grade examples within this period can be particularly valuable:
- 1969-D: Relatively common in circulated grades, but scarce in mint state condition, especially MS67 and above.
- 1970-D: The only business strike silver Kennedy half dollar of 1970. Low mintage makes high-grade examples valuable.
Other Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
Beyond the 1964 issues and silver coins, a few other Kennedy half dollars are worth looking out for:
- 1976-D: A bicentennial issue with a surprisingly low population in high mint state grades.
- 1977: High-grade examples (MS68 and above) are relatively scarce.
- 1980-D: Common in circulated grades but rare in gem mint state condition.
A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Coin
1970 D Kennedy Half Dollar
A 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Factors Affecting Value
Condition is paramount when determining a coin’s value. Uncirculated coins with minimal wear and tear are worth significantly more than circulated ones. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC assign numerical grades to coins, reflecting their condition. Higher grades translate to higher values.
Mintage, or the number of coins produced, also plays a role. Lower mintage coins are generally rarer and, therefore, more valuable.
Error coins, such as those with off-center strikes or double die errors, can be highly sought after by collectors and command substantial premiums.
Where to Find Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
You might find valuable Kennedy half dollars in various places:
- Coin Rolls: Searching through rolls of half dollars from banks can sometimes yield uncirculated or even rare varieties.
- Inherited Collections: Old coin collections often contain hidden treasures.
- Coin Dealers: Reputable coin dealers can help you identify and appraise valuable coins.
- Online Auctions: Sites like eBay offer a wide selection of Kennedy half dollars, but be sure to research and verify the authenticity and grade of any coins you purchase.
Conclusion
While most Kennedy half dollars encountered in circulation are worth only face value, certain key dates, varieties, and error coins can be highly valuable. Understanding what factors contribute to a coin’s worth and where to look for them can help you uncover hidden treasures and potentially add significant value to your collection. Always consult with a reputable coin dealer or grading service for accurate appraisals.
