The Kennedy half-dollar, first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy following his tragic assassination, has become one of the most iconic coins in American numismatics. While many of these coins are widely circulated and hold little value beyond their face value, certain rare editions have become highly coveted by collectors, often fetching prices as high as $150,000 at auction. These exceptional coins are known for their unique minting errors, limited production runs, and historical significance. In this guide, we will explore four rare Kennedy half-dollar coins that have captured the attention of numismatists and collectors alike.
Table of Contents
1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar: A Satin-Finish Gem
- Estimated Value: Up to $156,000
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Distinctive Feature: The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy half-dollar is highly prized for its distinct satin finish, which gives the coin a unique appearance compared to regular proof or circulation strikes. The satin finish results from the special production process used for SMS coins, which were made in limited quantities to test a new method of minting.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- The 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollar stands out because it was produced in much smaller numbers compared to other versions of the coin, making it exceedingly rare.
- Its sharp details, smooth finish, and minimal mintage of SMS coins contribute to its desirability among collectors.
- A graded SP68 example of this coin was sold for a stunning $156,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in 2019.
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2. 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar: A Design Error
- Estimated Value: $19,975 (for high-grade specimens)
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Distinctive Feature: Early 1964 proofs of the Kennedy half-dollar featured a design with heavily accented hair above the president’s ear, which was later altered at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy. This original design, often referred to as the “Accented Hair” variety, was produced in limited quantities before the design was changed to a smoother representation of Kennedy’s hair.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- The Accented Hair version is rare, with only 1-3% of the 1964 proof half-dollars exhibiting this feature.
- Due to its limited production and the historical significance behind the design change, the Accented Hair proofs are highly coveted by collectors and can fetch impressive prices.
- A high-quality specimen, such as a graded PF68, has been sold for around $19,975, making it a prized addition to any collection.
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar: A Low-Mintage Silver Coin
- Estimated Value: Up to $150,000 (for high-grade examples)
- Mint Location: Denver
- Distinctive Feature: The 1970-D Kennedy half-dollar is notable for its limited mintage and 40% silver composition, which set it apart from other half-dollars minted in the same era. Only 2,150,000 of these coins were produced, significantly fewer than previous years. Additionally, this was the last half-dollar to be minted with a silver content before the shift to copper-nickel coins.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- Due to its low mintage, the 1970-D Kennedy half-dollar is highly collectible. The 40% silver content makes it especially attractive to both collectors and precious metal investors.
- Its historical significance as the last silver half-dollar before the metal composition changed has added to its value over time.
- A coin graded MS67 sold for an astonishing $150,000 at auction in 2023, showcasing the demand for this rare coin.
4. 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar: A Rare Collectible
- Estimated Value: Up to $31,200 (for pristine specimens)
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Distinctive Feature: The 1967 SMS Kennedy half-dollar is another rare piece that stands out due to its unique finish and limited production. Unlike regular proof sets, SMS coins were issued during a time when standard proof sets were not available, making the 1967 SMS Kennedy half-dollar a highly desirable coin for collectors.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- The SMS Kennedy half-dollar was produced as part of a special mint set in a period when traditional proof sets were not issued, leading to limited availability.
- This coin is known for its unique finish and exceptional quality, making it a sought-after collectible.
- A pristine specimen graded MS69 was sold for $31,200 in 2019, reinforcing its value among collectors and investors.
Notable Auction Prices of Rare Kennedy Half-Dollars
| Coin Type | Year | Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1964 | SP68 | $156,000 |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | PF68 | $19,975 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1970 | MS67 | $150,000 |
| 1967 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1967 | MS69 | $31,200 |
These prices reflect the extreme rarity and collectibility of these coins. The Kennedy half-dollar has become a symbol not only of U.S. coinage but also of American history, and owning one of these rare specimens is a dream for many collectors.
Why Collect Kennedy Half-Dollars?
Collecting Kennedy half-dollars provides collectors with the chance to own a piece of American history, celebrate the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and potentially profit from the increasing value of these rare coins. The historical significance, combined with minting errors, limited production runs, and unique features, make certain editions highly valuable.
Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or someone just starting out, these rare Kennedy half-dollar coins offer a fascinating and profitable avenue to explore in the world of numismatics.
Conclusion: The Potential of Rare Kennedy Half-Dollar Coins
If you’re a coin enthusiast or investor, the Kennedy half-dollar is a must-have for your collection, especially when it comes to rare coins like the 1964 SMS, 1964 Accented Hair, 1970-D, and 1967 SMS Kennedy half-dollars. These coins not only reflect a pivotal moment in American history but also offer collectors the chance to acquire valuable pieces that could one day be worth tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.