Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars: One Could Be Worth Over $22,000 – Check Your Change Now!

Coin collecting can be full of surprises—sometimes valuable finds turn up in your everyday change. Among these, half dollar coins can be worth more than their face value, especially if they’re rare or feature special characteristics. Let’s explore the most valuable half dollars you might find and what makes them special.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Philadelphia Mint)

Following President John F. Kennedy’s tragic assassination in 1963, the U.S. Mint released the first Kennedy half dollars in early 1964. These coins were made of 90% silver, making even the most worn examples worth more than face value due to their melt content.

A coin from Philadelphia in poor condition is valued at around $12, while AU58 condition coins are estimated at $14. Over 273 million of these were minted, making them common but still collectable.

1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar

Struck at the Denver Mint, this version saw lower mintage numbers—about 156 million. You can identify it by the small “D” near the eagle’s talon on the reverse.

Unusually, coins in the lowest possible grade (1) fetch around $22. However, coins graded from 2 to AU55+ drop in value to around $13. The record auction price is a coin graded MS68, which sold for $22,325.

1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar with Double Die Obverse

Some Denver-minted 1964 half dollars have a rare error where the die used to stamp the coin was misaligned during production. This created a doubled image, most noticeable on the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. Coins with this error start at around $20 in grade 50 and can reach $32 at grade 58+.

1964-D Re-Punched Mintmark FS-501

Another error from the Denver Mint involves a re-punched mintmark, where a second “D” is stamped slightly above the first. This FS-501 variety can be spotted with a magnifier. Coins in grade 40 are valued at $19, while those in grade 58+ can go up to $38.

1964-D Re-Punched Mintmark FS-503

This variety shows the second “D” to the left of the first. Slightly more common than FS-504, it still brings a higher price than regular half dollars. Graded at 40, it’s worth around $18, and in AU58 condition, about $30.

1964-D Re-Punched Mintmark FS-504

Here, the second “D” is to the right of the first, making it rarer. A coin in grade 50 can fetch $30, while better-preserved versions in grade 58 are worth up to $45.

1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar Missing “FG” Initials

In 1972, some Denver-minted half dollars were released without the “FG” initials of designer Frank Gasparro. This may have been caused by over-polishing of the die. The absence of initials makes these coins rare and desirable. A coin in grade 40 could be worth around $275.

1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar with Double Die Obverse

This is the only major double die found in the entire Kennedy half dollar series. The doubling is visible in the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

These error coins are valued similarly across circulated grades, starting at $28 for grade 40 and up to $34 for AU58+. Given the low ceiling value, grading may not be worth the cost.

1976-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar

To celebrate 200 years of U.S. independence, a silver-clad half dollar was struck only at the San Francisco Mint.

Unlike the Denver and Philadelphia versions, these had higher silver content and weighed slightly more. Despite being seen as collectible, they’re common today. Circulated examples usually sell for about $6 to $7.

Frequently Asked Questions