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When it comes to valuable coins, most people think of ancient relics or mint errors worth thousands. But sometimes, the coins we handle every day could be worth far more than their face value. One example that continues to capture the attention of collectors is the Kennedy half dollar. Though most are only worth fifty cents, certain silver versions can fetch as much as $118,000. The key is knowing what to look for.
The Origin of the Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar was first issued in 1964, just months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The coin was introduced as a tribute to the fallen leader and quickly became popular with the public. The first-year edition was minted in 90 percent silver, and many people saved them as keepsakes rather than spending them.
Over the years, the composition of the coin changed. By the end of the 1960s, the U.S. Mint had moved away from using silver in most coinage. But during that transitional period, a few special versions of the Kennedy half dollar were struck in silver and are now considered collector’s items.
Why Some Kennedy Half Dollars Are Worth a Fortune
Not all Kennedy half dollars are created equal. While millions were produced, only certain years and mint marks contain silver content. Beyond silver, other factors such as condition, minting errors, and rarity can dramatically increase a coin’s value.
Some rare silver Kennedy half dollars in pristine condition, especially those from the early 1960s, have sold for thousands of dollars. One particular coin from 1964, graded in nearly perfect condition, sold for an astonishing $118,000 at auction. While that kind of payout is rare, many people overlook just how valuable even less-than-perfect silver half dollars can be.
How to Tell if You Have a Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
Spotting a silver Kennedy half dollar isn’t as hard as it may seem. If you have an old jar of coins or a family collection tucked away, it’s worth checking through them. Here’s how you can identify the silver ones.
Check the Date
The easiest way to determine whether a Kennedy half dollar contains silver is to look at the date. Coins minted in 1964 are made of 90 percent silver. From 1965 to 1970, the composition changed to 40 percent silver. After 1970, circulating Kennedy half dollars were made with a copper-nickel clad composition and no longer contain silver.
So if you have a half dollar from 1964 through 1970, there’s a good chance it contains real silver.
Look at the Edge
Another simple way to identify a silver coin is by examining the edge. A standard copper-nickel coin will show a distinct copper-colored line when viewed from the side. A silver coin, on the other hand, will appear solid and uniform in color often a bright or dull gray with no copper strip.
Weigh the Coin
Silver coins are heavier than their copper-nickel counterparts. A 1964 Kennedy half dollar weighs about 12.5 grams, while later non-silver versions weigh slightly less. Using a precise digital scale can help you determine whether your coin matches the expected weight of a silver version.
Understanding Mint Marks
Mint marks can also help determine the rarity and value of a Kennedy half dollar. These small letters indicate where the coin was struck. For example, coins from Denver will have a “D,” while those from San Francisco carry an “S.” Philadelphia coins traditionally did not display a mint mark until 1980.
Some rare collector’s versions, such as proof coins, were only made at specific mints. Silver proof Kennedy half dollars from San Francisco are especially sought after by collectors, particularly if they remain in mint condition.
The Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
While many silver Kennedy half dollars are worth more than face value, a few rare types are worth a fortune.
1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
One of the rarest and most mysterious Kennedy half dollars is the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) version. These coins were not officially released to the public and are believed to have been part of experimental strikes at the Philadelphia Mint. Only a handful are known to exist, and they are highly prized by serious collectors. A well-preserved example has sold for over $100,000.
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin was not released into general circulation but was instead included in special collector sets. Its low mintage makes it valuable today, especially in uncirculated or proof condition.
1966 SMS and High-Grade 1967 Half Dollars
These coins may not command six-figure prices, but high-grade examples or versions with cameo or deep cameo finishes can still fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on market demand.
Why Silver Content Matters
Silver has intrinsic value, which means that even a worn-out silver coin has worth based on its metal content alone. At today’s silver prices, a 1964 Kennedy half dollar can be worth ten to twenty times its face value just for its silver. That makes it not only a collectible but also a form of investment.
As silver prices rise, the value of these coins increases as well. This makes older silver half dollars a popular choice for both casual collectors and those looking to preserve wealth in tangible assets.
Tips for Collecting or Selling
If you think you’ve found a valuable Kennedy half dollar, don’t rush to spend or sell it. First, check its condition and try not to clean it, as cleaning can reduce the coin’s numismatic value. Instead, store it in a protective case and consider getting it appraised by a professional coin dealer or grading service.
Coin grading services can authenticate your coin and assign it a grade, which plays a big role in determining its market value. Coins that are graded as MS-65 or higher are especially valuable in the eyes of collectors.
Where to Find Kennedy Half Dollars
Though not as common in circulation today, Kennedy half dollars can still be found in some unexpected places. Banks occasionally have them in rolls or in their vaults. Estate sales, old collections, and even flea markets can yield silver half dollars if you know what to look for.
Many coin collectors also buy mixed lots online, sometimes discovering silver coins among the more common pieces. It’s a bit of a treasure hunt, and the possibility of finding something rare is what keeps collectors excited.
Final Thoughts
The idea that a coin worth fifty cents could sell for $118,000 may seem unbelievable, but it’s real. Silver Kennedy half dollars, especially those from the 1960s, carry both historical and intrinsic value. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or someone who simply stumbled across a jar of old change, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Before you spend that half dollar, take a closer look. It could be a small piece of history or a small fortune hidden in plain sight.