The value of a John F. Kennedy half dollar coin varies significantly depending on several factors, including its year of minting, its composition (silver or clad), its condition (graded or ungraded), and the presence of any errors.
- Year and composition: 1964 Kennedy half dollars contain 90% silver, making them valuable due to their metal content. Later issues (1965-1970) are 40% silver, and those from 1971 onward are copper-nickel clad.
- Condition: Coins in higher grades (uncirculated, proof, or special mint state) fetch significantly higher prices than circulated coins. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC assign grades that influence value.
- Errors and varieties: Specific errors like doubled die obverses (DDO), missing designer’s initials (FG), or repunched mintmarks can make a coin considerably more valuable to collectors.
- Rarity: Coins with low mintage numbers, such as some Special Mint Set (SMS) issues, are extremely rare and highly prized.
- 1964 (90% Silver): Circulated coins typically range from $10-$20, while high-grade uncirculated coins can sell for up to $24,000.
- 1965-1970 (40% Silver): Prices generally range from $5-$15 for circulated coins to several hundred for high-grade examples.
- 1971-Present (Clad): Most circulated clad Kennedy half dollars are worth only face value ($0.50). However, uncirculated examples can be worth $0.80 – $100.00.
- 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS): These extremely rare coins, with fewer than 12 known examples, can command prices exceeding $100,000.
- 1970-D (40% Silver): This Denver mint issue, struck exclusively for collector sets, can range from $50–$3,000.
- 1998-S Matte Finish: This unique matte finish coin from a collector’s set is rare, with mint condition examples selling for $2,000-$4,000.
- Error coins: Specific error varieties, like the 1974-D DDO , can be valued from $50 in circulated condition to over $3,000 for high-grade examples.
Note: The market for collectible coins fluctuates. Consult reputable coin dealers or grading services for the most accurate current valuations. You can also research recent auction results and price guides from sources like Greysheet and NGC.
