$150,000 Value: 4 Rare Kennedy Half Dollars You Should Look Out For

Since its first appearance in 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar has been widely popular among coin collectors. Produced first to honor the death of President John F. Kennedy, the coin has come in a wide variety of versions, metals, and even exceptional minting errors—some of which today retail for as much as $150,000.

Whether you’re an avid numismatist or someone sorting through an old change jar, it’s worth learning how to spot these rare Kennedy half dollars that could turn pocket change into life-changing cash.

History of the Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy Half Dollar first appeared in circulation in 1964—shortly after the president’s death. It replaced the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar and was an overnight sensation. Initially struck in 90% silver, its content was changed throughout the years.

Key Milestones:

• 1964: 90% silver
• 1965–1970: 40% silver
• 1971 to present: Copper-nickel clad (except special issues)

Collectors love these coins not only for their appearance and history—but for rare errors, varieties, and tiny mint runs that provide some issues a worth of tens of thousands.

The 4 Most Valuable Kennedy Half-Dollar Coins

1. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar

• Estimated Value: $100,000–$150,000
• What to Look For:
  • Satin-like finish (not proof or circulated)
  • Square-rim edges
  • Very sharp detail
• Why It’s Valuable:
  • Less than 15–20 of these are believed to have been minted. These coins were likely test strikes made before the U.S. Mint officially struck SMS coins.

2. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver)

• Value: $1,000–$5,000+ (depending on grade)
• What to Look For:
  • “D” Mint Mark (Denver)
  • 11.5 gram weight (silver content marker)
  • No copper visible along the edge
• Why It’s Valuable:
  • This coin was only minted in mint sets and never placed into general circulation, so it is a low-mintage collector’s gem.

3. 1966 SMS with DDO (Double Die Obverse)

• Estimated Value: $2,500–$15,000+
• What to Look For:
  • Doubling of the letters in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
  • SMS (Special Mint Set) surface
  • No mint mark
• Why It’s Valuable:
  • Double die errors are always popular. Add to that the unique SMS finish, and it’s a highly collectible variety.

4. 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar with DDO

• Value: $500–$4,000
• What to Look for:
• Doubling in “TRUST” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• Clean “D” mint mark of Denver
• Why It’s Valuable:
• This error was not famous until years later when produced, so many were circulated without anyone knowing.

Where to Look for These Rare Coins

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Magnifying Glass: Especially to locate doubling in letters
• Digital Scale: To check silver weights
• Coin Comparator Guide: Compare your coin’s design with official images

Checklist:

Feature	What to Look For

Mint Mark

D (Denver), S (San Francisco), or No Mark (Philadelphia)

Weight

11.5g = 40% silver

Edge	No copper? Might be silver

Doubling

Obvious repeat of letters or numbers

Surface

Mirror-like (Proof), satin (SMS), or standard strike

Why These Coins Are Worth So Much

1. Limited Mintage

Some issues—like the 1970-D—weren’t even meant to circulate, which meant significantly fewer coins were produced.

2. Errors and Varieties

Blunders like Double Die Obverse (DDO) render a coin valuable and highly sought after.

3. Condition

Coins in uncirculated or proof condition can fetch astronomically higher prices.

Where to Get Your Coins Appraised

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
• NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
• Local Coin Shops or Expos
• Online Auctions with Verification (like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections)

Having your coin graded can literally make it resale worthy.

Where to Sell Uncommon Kennedy Half Dollars

• eBay (with pictures and graded certification)
• Etsy (to collectors)
• Heritage Auctions
• Local coin conventions or bazaars
• Facebook coin enthusiast groups

How to Store Uncommon Coins

In order to keep your prized half-dollar coins protected:

• Keep them in airtight coin slabs or holders
• Store in cool, dry locations
• Never clean your coins
• Use gloves to avoid oils

Final Thoughts

The Kennedy Half Dollar can be a nostalgic piece of history, but for some lucky collectors, it’s also a gold mine. Whether it’s a 1964 SMS, error coin, or low-mintage variety, it’s worth knowing what to search for.

So the next time you find a Kennedy Half Dollar stuck in your pocket change—or in that dusty old container of coins—don’t throw it away. Take a good look… You might be holding a $150,000 fortune.

FAQ’s