A 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof just sold on eBay for a jaw-dropping $19,995. Yep, almost twenty grand for a coin that usually sells for under $30. So what made this one so special? Was it the toning? The PCGS certification? Or just a buyer with really deep pockets?
Let’s break it down and figure out if this coin was truly worth the hype—or if someone just overpaid big time.
What Is the 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof?
The 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar marks the end of an era—it was the last Proof coin from the short-lived 40% silver Kennedy Half series. From 1965 to 1970, these coins were minted with less silver than earlier issues, but they still hold collector value.
In 1970, the U.S. Mint produced 2,632,810 Proof Sets, which originally sold for just $5 (about $42 in today’s dollars). Most of these sets are still around and sell for about $13 intact today. So again… why did one of them just go for nearly $20,000?
Why Was This Coin So Valuable?
The coin sold for nearly $20,000 because of three main reasons:
- It was certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).
- It had monster rainbow toning.
- The buyer was likely very excited and willing to pay top dollar.
Let’s break that down.
PCGS Certification Matters
Back in the late ’80s, PCGS used small green holders nicknamed “rattlers” because coins would sometimes rattle inside them. This coin was graded Proof 67, which is actually a very normal grade for the date. Nothing groundbreaking there.
But here’s the twist: those old holders are collectible in their own right. Some buyers trust the older grades more, or they just like the vintage look. Combine that with killer toning, and you’ve got a coin with added nostalgic value.
What Is Monster Toning?
This is the real game-changer. The coin featured vibrant, rainbow-colored toning across its surface—something collectors call “monster toning” because it looks wild and unique.
But is the toning natural? That’s the million-dollar (well, $19,995) question.
If it developed naturally over time in the rattler holder, then it’s a rare beauty. But if someone used chemicals or “gassed” the coin to fake the toning, then its value drops significantly. The seller has good feedback and sells other toned coins that look legit, so that adds some trust to the sale.
The Seller’s Description Helped
The eBay seller described this coin using words like “unicorn,” “amazing,” and “craziest color I’ve ever seen.” This type of wording grabs attention and creates excitement, which may have helped close the deal.
Was the Buyer Too Excited?
Did the buyer overpay? It’s hard to say for sure.
There are no official records of this coin ever selling for this much before. For example, PCGS shows that the most anyone had paid was $805 for a similar coin in 2008. Another one sold for $960 in 2021. Both of those coins were shiny, not toned, so they’re not exactly the same.
Still, paying 20 times more than previous sales is a big leap. Maybe the buyer really wanted it and didn’t care about making a profit later.
Will the Value Hold?
In the future, this coin might not sell for as much. The eBay listing will disappear in a few months, and there may not be many public records left of the sale. Only time will tell if the buyer made a smart choice or just followed their heart.
Key Facts About the 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1970 |
| Mint | San Francisco (S mint mark) |
| Silver Content | 40% |
| Type | Proof |
| Normal Value | Under $30 |
| Special Features | Monster rainbow toning, PR67 grade |
| Sale Price on eBay | $19,995 |
| Certification | PCGS Rattler holder (1986–1989 era) |
Conclusion
The $19,995 sale of a 1970 S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof with monster rainbow toning is definitely surprising. It shows how much value some collectors place on beauty, rarity, and uniqueness. Whether the buyer made a smart investment or just followed their passion is up for debate.
But one thing is clear—coins with stunning toning can turn heads and break price records, even in a digital world where anyone can click “Buy Now.”
FAQ’s
Q1: What is monster toning on a coin?
A: Monster toning means bright, colorful patterns on the coin caused by aging or chemical reactions, making the coin very attractive to collectors.
Q2: Why is PCGS certification important?
A: PCGS is a trusted coin grading service. Their certification helps buyers know the coin’s condition is verified and authentic.
Q3: Is it common for Kennedy Half Dollars to sell for this much?
A: No, this is very rare. Most 1970-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proofs sell for much less unless they have special features like toning or high grades
