The 4 Rare Kennedy Half-Dollars is a famous U.S. coin first made in 1964 to honour President John F. Kennedy after his death. Many people collect these coins, and some of them have become very valuable over time. While most Kennedy half-dollars are common, a few rare versions can be worth thousands—or even up to $150,000!
Let’s explore 4 rare Kennedy half-dollar coins that collectors love and are willing to pay big money for.
1. 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half-Dollar
In 1964, a very small number of Kennedy half-dollars were made in what is called a “Special Mint Set” or SMS. These coins have a soft satin finish and are different from regular coins and proofs. They also show sharp details in the design.
Because only a few of these coins were ever made, they are super rare. In 2019, one of these coins, graded SP68 (almost perfect), was sold for $156,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction.
2. 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half-Dollar
This version of the 1964 coin has something unique—Kennedy’s hair looks more detailed, especially above his ear. These extra hair details are called “Accented Hair.”
The design was later changed because Jacqueline Kennedy, the president’s wife, didn’t like it. That’s why only a small number of coins have this “Accented Hair” design. Experts say only 1% to 3% of 1964 proof coins have this version.
Today, these coins are rare and can sell for high prices. One proof coin graded PF68 sold for nearly $20,000.
3. 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar
This coin is special for several reasons:
- Limited Mintage: Only 2.15 million coins were made in 1970, which is much less than usual.
- Silver Content: It is made of 40% silver. After this year, Kennedy half-dollars were made from cheaper copper-nickel.
- Not for General Use: The 1970-D coin was made only for collectors, not for spending.
Most of these coins are worth between $25 and $5,000, depending on condition. But in 2023, a coin in perfect MS67 condition sold for $150,000!
4. 1967 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half-Dollar
In 1967, the U.S. Mint did not make regular proof sets. Instead, they released SMS sets with special finishes. The 1967 SMS Kennedy half-dollar is one of those coins.
These coins are rare, and collectors love their clean look and design. In 2019, one of these coins in top condition (MS69) was sold for $31,200 at auction.
Notable Auction Prices for Rare Kennedy Half-Dollars
| Coin Type | Year | Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1964 | SP68 | $156,000 |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | PF68 | $19,975 |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1970 | MS67 | $150,000 |
| 1967 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar | 1967 | MS69 | $31,200 |
Why Collecting Kennedy Half-Dollars Is Exciting
Rare coins like these tell stories from history and show how coins were made differently in the past. They’re not just pieces of metal—they are collectibles with real value. If you enjoy history or collecting things, learning about coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Plus, who knows? You might already have a valuable coin in your home without even knowing it!
Conclusion
Even though most Kennedy half-dollars are common, a few special ones can be extremely valuable. Coins like the 1964 SMS, 1964 Accented Hair, 1970-D, and 1967 SMS versions are worth a lot because of their rarity, silver content, and history. If you or your family has old coins at home, it might be worth taking a closer look—you could be holding a small treasure!
FAQ’S
What makes the 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollar valuable? It’s rare, with a special satin finish and limited production.
How do I identify a 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy half-dollar? Look for extra hair detail above the ear and a missing serif on “I” in “LIBERTY.”
Why is the 1970-D Kennedy half-dollar rare? It was made for collectors only, with limited mintage and 40% silver.
What is the value of a 1967 SMS Kennedy half-dollar? A pristine one can sell for over $31,000 at auction.
How can I check if my Kennedy half-dollar is valuable? Look for rare features like a special finish, limited mintage, or silver content.
