13 Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Money: An Overview

Ever wondered if those old Kennedy half dollars might be worth a small fortune? You're in luck. While most 50 cent pieces are ordinary, some can fetch thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—at auction. 

This guide reveals the 13 most valuable Kennedy half dollars, what makes them so special, and how the best app to check coin value can help you in this case​. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Kennedy half dollars are worth money and how to spot them in your collection.

1. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1964 Kennedy half dollar marks the beginning of the series, minted to honor the late President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. What makes a 1964 Kennedy half dollar rare? It's a coin with history, and collectors prize its 90% silver composition.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963 sent shockwaves around the globe. To commemorate his legacy, Congress and the U.S. Mint moved swiftly to create a coin in his honor. The Kennedy half dollar debuted in 1964 and replaced the Franklin half dollar. It featured a striking profile of JFK on the obverse, designed by Gilroy Roberts, and the Presidential Seal on the reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro. But which 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth the most?

• Value: What is the most valuable 1964 Kennedy half dollar? Standard 1964 Kennedy half dollar value is around $10–$50, but the most valuable half dollar coins—a Proof coin graded PR68—sold for $108,000 at auction.

• What to Look For: Double-die obverse errors and pristine Proof coins.

• Where Sold: High-grade examples often sell at major auctions like Heritage Auctions.

2. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1970-D Kennedy half dollar is special because it was the last regular-issue half dollar to contain silver. It was struck only for collector sets, making it a rare find in circulation.

By 1970, silver was being phased out of U.S. coinage entirely. The 1970-D Kennedy half dollar was the last regular-issue coin struck with 40% silver, but it wasn’t released for general circulation. Instead, it was produced exclusively for collector sets as rare half dollar coins.

• Value: This silver half dollar value ranges from $50–$3,000.

• What to Look For: High-grade examples (MS67 or above).

• Where Sold: Frequently sold in coin shops and online platforms like eBay.

3. 1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1998-S Kennedy half dollar was released as part of the Kennedy Collector’s Set. It is one of the rarest modern 50 cent coins worth money.

Issued only as part of the Kennedy Collector's Set, this coin has a unique matte finish not found on any other Kennedy half dollar. It was bundled with a commemorative Robert F. Kennedy silver dollar. Its extremely limited mintage—just 62,000—makes it one of the rarest modern Kennedy coins with high JFK half dollar value.

• Value: How much is a half dollar worth? Mint-condition coins sell for $2,000–$4,000.

• What to Look For: The unique matte finish, exclusive to this release.

• Where Sold: Often auctioned at numismatic conventions and online marketplaces.

4. 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

What half dollars are worth money more? The 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar is a true enigma in the numismatic world. There are only 12 known examples. So, it’s one of rare Kennedy half dollar coins.

The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy half dollar is one of the most mysterious and rare half dollar coin pieces ever produced. Only 12 examples are known to exist, and their origins remain unclear. Some speculate they were experimental pieces created to test a new finish, while others believe they were struck for high-ranking Mint officials.

The exact purpose of the 1964 SMS coins is debated. They were discovered decades later in the estate of a former Mint director. These coins feature a satin-like finish distinct from regular 1964 coins, with sharper strikes and finer details.

• Half Dollar Coin Value: The last known sale was $156,000 for an SP68 example. So, it’s one of the rarest half dollar coins.

• What to Look For: Satin-like finish and sharp details.

• Where Sold: Rarely available, but occasionally auctioned by Heritage Auctions.

5. 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar

What 50 cent pieces are worth money, and what makes a 1973 Kennedy half dollar rare? Errors on the 1973-D Kennedy half dollar make it one of the more interesting rare half dollar coins worth money.

While the coin itself is not rare, error coins from this mintage have sold for impressive sums. Coins from the Denver Mint in 1973 occasionally feature errors like off-center strikes or missing letters. These flaws turn ordinary coins into the most valuable half dollars that collectors eagerly seek out.

• Value: Are Kennedy half dollars worth anything? Coins with dramatic errors can fetch $1,000–$3,000.

• What to Look For: Off-center strikes, clipped planchets, or doubling.

• Where Sold: Auction sites and coin shows.

6. 1965 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

What other most valuable Kennedy half dollars are known? The 1965 Kennedy half dollar marks the first year of significant changes in U.S. coinage composition. The Coinage Act of 1965 reduced the silver content in half dollars to 40%. 

In addition to regular coins, the U.S. Mint also produced Special Mint Sets (SMS) from 1965 to 1967, designed as a substitute for Proof and Mint Sets during a period of heavy coin shortages.

• Value: While standard SMS Kennedy half dollars worth money at $20–$50, coins with ultra-high grades or unique finishes are far more valuable. One SP67+ example with a cameo-like appearance sold for $5,875 at a Stack’s Bowers auction.

• What to Look For: Look for coins with cameo or deep cameo contrast, a rare feature for SMS coins. Additionally, errors such as doubled dies or misaligned strikes can fetch higher prices.

• Where Sold: Collectors often find 1965 SMS coins in original Mint packaging at estate sales or auction houses specializing in rare coins.

7. 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

We are going on - what year half dollars are worth money that was not mentioned still? The 1966 SMS Kennedy half dollar is another product of the Special Mint Set program. This issue is notable for its satin-like finish and occasional appearance of cameo contrasts.

By 1966, coin shortages were still a major issue. To discourage hoarding, the Mint omitted mintmarks from all coins produced between 1965 and 1967. The 1966 SMS Kennedy half dollar was part of the Mint's effort to maintain interest among collectors and meet public demand for circulating coins.

• Value: In 2015, a stunning SP68 Deep Cameo example sold for $6,463 at a Heritage Auctions event. This proves that rare Kennedy half dollars can be rather expensive. 

• What to Look For: Coins with cameo or deep cameo finishes are especially valuable. Check for sharp details and flawless surfaces, as even minor imperfections reduce the coin’s grade and value.

• Where Sold: These coins frequently appear at auctions and in original SMS packaging from estate sales or dealer inventories.

8. 1982 No FG Kennedy Half Dollar

Are there any more? What Kennedy half dollars are worth money? The 1982 Kennedy half dollar is infamous for a unique error: the disappearance of designer Frank Gasparro’s initials (FG) from the reverse. This striking anomaly has made the coin a collector favorite among rare half dollars.

This error was first discovered by sharp-eyed collectors and has since become one of the most sought-after errors in the Kennedy half dollar series.

• Value: How much are half dollars worth? Circulated examples of the 1982 No FG Kennedy half dollar typically sell for $20–$50. High-grade examples in MS66 or better condition can cost $1,000 or more.

• What to Look For: Check the area below the eagle's tail feathers on the reverse. If the initials “FG” are missing or barely visible, you’ve likely found a valuable error coin.

• Where Sold: These error coins are commonly traded on eBay, at coin shops, and through specialized numismatic auction platforms.

By the way! If you want to find a rare $1 coin, you should read our related article.

9. 1974-D DDO Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1974-D Kennedy half dollar is another one from 50 cent pieces worth money. It is famous for its doubled-die obverse (DDO), where parts of the design appear doubled due to a minting error. This coin is one of the most popular errors in the series and a prime example of the most valuable half dollars Kennedy.

• Value: Depending on its grade, the value of Kennedy half dollars for this coin ranges from $50 in circulated condition to over $3,000 in MS67. A particularly fine example sold for $4,465 at a Heritage Auctions event.

• What to Look For: Use a magnifying glass to examine the words “In God We Trust” on the obverse. Doubling is most prominent in the letters “RUST.”

• Where Sold: These error coins are hot items at coin shows, auctions, and online marketplaces like eBay.

10. 1995-S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1995-S Silver Proof Kennedy half dollar represents a resurgence in the appreciation for silver coinage. Unlike regular circulation coins, this half dollar was struck exclusively for collectors as part of the Proof Set series. 

Its 90% silver composition harkens back to the early days of the Kennedy series, making it a favorite among numismatists. Low mintage and stunning Proof finish make these pieces highly desirable and rare 50 cent coins.

• Value: Are half dollars worth anything if they are of this type? Most examples sell for $50–$100, but high-grade Proof coins graded PR70 can fetch over $1,000 at auction.

• What to Look For: Deep cameo contrasts—where the frosted design elements starkly contrast the mirrored background—are particularly valuable.

• Where Sold: These coins are readily available in original Mint packaging, but flawless examples often appear in major coin auctions.

11. 1987-P and 1987-D Kennedy Half Dollars

Which half dollars are worth money else? The 1987 Kennedy half dollar because it was not intended for general circulation. These coins were produced exclusively for Mint Sets and are of a high value of half dollar coins.

• Value: How much are Kennedy half dollars worth? Mint State coins in their original packaging are valued at $10–$20. However, top-grade examples in MS67 or MS68 have fetched $1,000 or more at auction.

• What to Look For: Search for coins in Mint Sets that have exceptional luster and no visible flaws.

• Where Sold: These coins are frequently found in unopened Mint Sets and sold on platforms like eBay or through numismatic dealers.

12. 2014-W 50th Anniversary Gold Kennedy Half Dollar

What year 50 cent pieces are worth money if to speak about modern ones? To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half dollar, the U.S. Mint released a stunning gold version in 2014. This coin is struck in three-fourths of an ounce of pure 24-karat gold together with artistry, history, and not a 50 cent coin value in one package.

• Value: How much is half a dollar coin worth? Originally sold for around $1,240. Today, examples in perfect condition can sell for $2,000–$4,000.

• What to Look For: Coins graded PF70 (Proof 70) or with first-day-of-issue designations fetch the highest premiums.

• Where Sold: Available at major auctions and through specialized dealers.

13. 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy Half Dollar

Which half dollar coins are worth money as the last in our today article? The 1979-S Type 2 Kennedy half dollar stands out for a seemingly minor detail: its mintmark. This coin is distinguished by its clear and rounded “S” mintmark, a refinement over the blob-like mintmark used earlier in the year. 

This difference has made it a collector’s favorite and one of the most valuable half dollar coins from the late 20th century.

• Value: What is this half a dollar coin worth? While Type 1 Proofs are worth around $10–$30, the Type 2 variety can sell for $150–$300 in PR69 condition. The highest-grade examples have reached $700 at auction.

• What to Look For: Use a magnifying glass to examine the mintmark. A clear, rounded “S” indicates the valuable Type 2 variety.

• Where Sold: These coins are often included in original Proof Sets but are also sold by collectors and dealers.

How Do I Know If My Kennedy Half Dollar Is Valuable?

1. Look under Kennedy’s neck—no mint mark (Philadelphia), "D" (Denver), or "S" (San Francisco). Silver or proof coins with "S" can be the answer to which Kennedy half dollars are worth the most.

2. No copper stripe on the edge? It might be 40% silver! But how much is a Kennedy silver dollar worth? Silver half dollars are among the rarest half dollar coins and highly collectible.

3. Is it shiny and uncirculated? Proof coins with mirror-like finishes are some of the half dollars that are worth money.

4. Doubled letters, missing layers, or off-center designs make your 50 cent piece worth money. Rare errors can be expensive 50 cent coins with prices of even thousands!

5. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars (90% silver) and high-grade Bicentennial (1776-1976) versions are some of the rarest and most expensive half dollar coin examples. Try to find one of them. 

6. Wondering, what are half dollars worth? Look up your coin’s year and recent sales online. Ask, how much is a JFK half dollar worth? You might discover your half dollar is worth money you didn’t expect!

7. Use apps like Coin ID Scanner. You just need to take a picture of your coin, and the toll will do the rest - you will see everything about this piece, e.g., mintage, JFK coin value, weight, and even more!

The Kennedy series are interesting for many collectors because of their historical significance, JFK’s legacy and the opportunity to find something rare with errors. These valuable 50 cent coins offer something for everyone. So, look through your collection if you're a beginner—you might just uncover one of the most valuable half dollars ever minted!

Sources:

1. https://www.pcgs.com/prices/detail/kennedy-half-dollar/125/most-active

2. https://www.ngccoin.com/auction-central/top-ten-rare-coins-auction-results.aspx?SubCatID=44