The value of a 1974 half dollar coin today depends on several factors, including its condition, mint mark (or lack thereof), and any potential errors.
- Face Value: A standard 1974 Kennedy half dollar in circulated condition is generally worth its face value, or $0.50. This is because these coins are not made of silver and are common.
- Composition: Starting in 1971, Kennedy Half Dollars are composed of a copper-nickel clad, [according to Golden Eagle Coins] . This means the outer layers are 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core.
- Uncirculated (MS-60): In pristine, uncirculated condition, the value can increase to $1.50 – $2.50.
- Mint State (MS-65 or higher): Higher-grade uncirculated coins (like MS-65 or MS-70) can be worth $10 – $15 or more, depending on the specific grade and overall condition. For example, a 1974-D half dollar graded MS67+ is worth $2,500. Some uncirculated 1974 half dollars in high grades have sold for significant amounts, up to $2,950 or even up to $2.6 million at auction.
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): This is the most sought-after error for the 1974 half dollar. It’s caused by doubled features on the die that strikes the coin, resulting in a noticeable doubling in certain areas of the design, such as the date (1974) or the word “LIBERTY”. Doubling is most prominent in the letters “RUST” of “In God We Trust”. DDO coins can be worth $100 – $500+. The auction record for a DDO is $1,528 at an MS65 grade, while an MS66 grade is worth $125 or more. According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a 1974-D DDO half dollar in circulated condition is worth between $0.60 and $0.75, while in pristine, uncirculated condition, they can sell for as much as $325.
- Die Crack: These appear as elevated lines or cracks, typically near the edges of the coin. Value can range from $1.50 – $10.
- Off-Center Strike: This occurs when the blank coin planchet is not properly aligned in the minting press, resulting in a blank area on the coin. Value can range from $50 – $300+.
- Clashed Dies: This happens when the dies strike each other without a blank planchet in between, leaving faint overlapping images from the reverse design (like parts of the eagle or shield) on the obverse (Kennedy’s portrait) or vice versa. These errors are valued at $20 – $150+.
- Broadstruck Coin: These coins are struck without a retaining collar, causing them to appear flattened and expanded beyond their typical diameter. Value can range from $20 – $100+.
- Proof Coins: These are coins made especially for collectors and are typically in better condition than those in circulation. Proof coins can be valued at $10 – $30. Greysheet lists proof values between $2.70 and $310.00 depending on specific details.
- No Mint Mark: In general, a 1974 Kennedy half dollar with no mint mark was minted in Philadelphia. A rare “No Mint Mark” error coin has been offered for $2000.
- Grading: Professional grading by a reputable service like NGC or PCGS can significantly affect a coin’s value, especially for uncirculated or error coins.
- Market Demand: The current market demand and collector interest in specific variations or errors can influence the selling price.
Note: To accurately determine the value of your 1974 half dollar, it’s recommended to consult a reputable coin price guide, such as the Red Book or PCGS Price Guide, or seek the opinion of a professional coin dealer or appraiser. You can also explore online resources and auction sites to gauge current market trends for similar coins.
How do I tell if my Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable?
Good point! Although the standard coin itself can hold value, you can identify rarer versions of this coin by looking at the design. Coins with known and documented errors, like changes in the former president’s hair, can be worth even more.
What makes a 1974 dollar coin valuable?
Also known as the Eisenhower Dollar, the 1974 Silver Dollar is a bullion silver coin minted by the US Mint. During the new dollar’s creation, the US Mint made some dollars with only silver and others with a copper-nickel alloy. Naturally, the only silver 1974 Eisenhower Dollar value was high as it contained 40% silver.