One of the joys of collecting coins is never knowing when something exciting might turn up in your pocket change! Some rare coins can be worth serious money. We’re going to search out the most valuable half dollar coins in circulation. We’ll tell you how to spot them, and most importantly, just how much they might be worth. Ready to learn more? Read on!
Valuable Half Dollar Coins Table
| Coin Type | Mint Mark | Grade | Estimated Value ($) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | P | Poor | 12 | 90% silver, high mintage, historic value |
| 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar | D | Poor | 22 | Fewer minted than Philadelphia coins |
| 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Double Die Obverse | D | 50 | 20 | Doubled image on “IN GOD WE TRUST” |
| 1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, FS-501 | D | 40 | 19 | Re-punched mintmark, second “D” above the first |
| 1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, FS-503 | D | 40 | 18 | Re-punched mintmark, second “D” to the left |
| 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar, No FG | D | 40 | 275 | Missing engraver initials on reverse |
| 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Double Die Obverse | D | 40 | 28 | Major double die variety |
| 1976-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar | S | Circulated | 6-7 | Silver content, commemorative issue |
| 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar on Silver Planchet | D | AU55 | 6,038 | Struck on a silver-clad planchet error |
| 1977-D Kennedy Half Dollar on Silver Planchet | D | MS64 | 6,900 | Rare error, struck on a silver-clad planchet |
1964 (P) Kennedy Half Dollar
The assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 was an event that shook the whole world. Calls to commemorate the late President on the nation’s coinage led to the creation of the Kennedy half dollar. The first Kennedy half dollars came out of the coin presses in Denver at the end of January 1964, and in Philadelphia a week later.
The 1964 half dollars were composed of 90% silver. That means that any coin, no matter its condition, will have an intrinsic melt value. The following year, the composition was changed, with the silver content reduced to 40%. The historic value of the 1964 mintage adds to its attractiveness to collectors. A Philadelphia half dollar in even the poorest condition will be worth a minimum of $12.
While mint state coins can be worth far more, the value of circulated coins stays flat. Even a coin graded AU58 – the “AU” stands for “about uncirculated” – is valued by independent coin graders, the PCGS, at only $14. Perhaps that’s not surprising when you consider that this is a relatively modern coin. Large numbers were put into circulation, with the Philadelphia mint facility producing over 273 million half dollars in 1964.
1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The Denver mint facility produced far fewer Kennedy half dollars in 1964 than the Philadelphia mint, striking 156 million coins there. You can identify them by the “D” mintmark on the reverse. It appears just to the left of the sprig of olive in the eagle’s talon.
There’s a premium for coins in the poorest condition, graded 1. These are so worn that there’s just enough detail to identify the date and the denomination. If you find one of these half dollars in your pocket change, it will be worth around $22. However, if it’s in slightly better condition, the value actually drops. Half dollars graded between 2 (“fair”) and 55+ (“about uncirculated”, just short of mint state) are all valued by the PCGS at $13.
The big money, though, is reserved for uncirculated coins – and by definition, those aren’t going to pop up in your pocket change. The auction record for a 1964 Denver Kennedy half dollar was set in 2016 for the finest known example in existence, graded MS (“mint state”) 68, which sold for $22,325.
1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Double Die Obverse
Sometimes, the Mint makes a mistake during the production of a coin. Rarely, that mistake isn’t caught during quality checks. The results – known as error coins – are both rare and collectible. One such error, known as a double die obverse, appears on some of the 1964 half dollars struck in Denver.
A double die error occurs when the die used to strike the coins is struck at least twice. If it (or the hub) moves slightly between strikes, the result is a doubled image. This doubling transfers onto the coins struck by that die. If the doubling appears on the obverse, it’s called a double die obverse, or DDO.
The 1964 Denver half dollar with a double die obverse is fairly scarce, but the doubling is clear enough to be seen with the naked eye. Look for it in the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and on the date. The PCGS only offers values for coins graded 50 and above. It values an example graded 50 at $20, rising to $32 for a coin graded 58+.
1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, Re-punched Mintmark, FS-501
Another error that occurred in 1964 was the re-punching of the mintmark on some of the half dollars struck in Denver. A second “D” appears next to the first. The relative positions of the two mintmarks are given different codes for collectors. Coins where the second mintmark appears slightly higher than the first have the code FS-501. If the second mintmark is slightly lower than the first, it’s coded FS-502.
You might see this error with the naked eye if you have a very sharply struck and clean coin. However, it’s easiest to spot with a loupe or microscope. If you find one of these errors, it will add to the value of the coin. A 1964 Denver half dollar with a re-punched mint mark graded 40 (“extremely fine”) is worth about $19. That increases to $27 for an “about uncirculated” example graded 50, and $38 for one graded 58+.
1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, Re-punched Mintmark, FS-503
The repunched mint marks on 1964 Denver half dollars don’t always appear one above the other; they can be side by side too. If the second mintmark appears to the left of the first, it’s coded FS-503. If it appears to the right, it’s coded FS-504. The FS-503 variant is slightly easier to find than the FS-504, but it’s still more valuable than a standard Denver half dollar from the same year.
A coin with this error assessed as “extremely fine” with a grade of 40 will be worth around $18. That increases to just shy of $30 for coins at the top of the “about uncirculated” category.
1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, Re-punched Mintmark, FS-504
The re-punched mintmark coded FS-504, where the second “D” appears to the right of the first, is slightly rarer than the rest. As a result, coins with this error are a little more valuable. The PCGS offers values for FS-504 half dollars graded 50 and above. Coins graded between 50 and 59 fit into the “about uncirculated” category.
The PCGS places the value of one of these error coins graded 50 at $30, increasing to $40 for coins graded 55, and $45 for those graded 58.
1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar, No FG
An interesting variant on the half dollar design occurred in the coins struck in Denver in 1972. Other half dollars bore the initials of the coin designer, Frank Gasparro, on their reverse. They appeared between the left leg of the eagle and its tail.
But a small number of the 1972 Denver half dollars didn’t have the “FG” initials. Some people think that it was an error by the engraver, while others believe it was due to overzealous polishing of the die. The same issue occurred with the half dollar coins struck in Philadelphia in 1966 and 1982, but it’s particularly rare on the 1972 Denver half dollars. This rarity means collectors are willing to pay more for them.
As always, the better the condition of the coin, the more it will be worth. But coins with this error don’t have to be in mint state to be worth a lot. The PCGS values an example graded “extremely fine” 40 at around $275.
1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Double Die Obverse
Ten years after the first Kennedy half dollars were struck, some from the Denver mint facility produced a double die obverse. You can see the same sort of doubling on the 1974 coins that you see on the 1964 coins. However, this time it’s only on the obverse.
You’ll see it on the date and on “IN GOD WE TRUST.” It’s more difficult to identify than on the 1964 coins, but if you look carefully, you should be able to spot it. Coins in the lowest condition are worth around $28. Higher grades can be worth as much as $800!
1976-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
The bicentennial silver Kennedy half dollar was minted in 1976 in recognition of America’s 200th anniversary. The 1976-S half dollars were struck with 40% silver, but a smaller number were minted with 90% silver. These coins are identified by the “S” mintmark on the reverse.
Although these coins are often used in collections, there are several of them in circulation. You might find one in your pocket change. Because of the silver content, it’s worth between $6 and $7.
1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar Struck on Silver-Clad Planchet
An unusual mint error occurred in 1971 when a small number of Kennedy half dollars were struck on silver-clad planchets that weren’t supposed to be used. It’s an unusual mistake and would have been very rare, especially when you consider that half dollars were no longer supposed to contain any silver.
One such coin appeared at auction in 2018, selling for $6,038 after being graded AU55. This is an incredible price for a half dollar. While this exact coin may not appear in your pocket change, it’s worth examining the coins you come across to see if they might also contain silver!
1977-D Kennedy Half Dollar Struck on Silver-Clad Planchet
Similar to the 1971 error, at least one 1977 Kennedy half dollar was also struck on a silver-clad planchet. A circulated coin with this error is extremely rare, so there are few records of their sales. In 2022, one of these half dollars was graded MS64 and sold for $6,900 at auction. If you find a 1977 half dollar, it’s worth checking its weight. The normal weight is 11.3 grams; if it’s 11.5 grams, it’s likely to be one of the rare error coins.
In conclusion, collecting coins can be a thrilling adventure! Some half dollar coins are especially valuable. Knowing which coins to look for can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding these valuable coins helps you appreciate the history and potential worth hidden in your pocket change. Keep an eye out—you never know when you might find a treasure!
FAQs
What makes a half dollar coin valuable?
The value of a half dollar coin can depend on several factors, including its rarity, demand among collectors, condition (grade), and historical significance. Coins with errors or unique features, such as double dies or rare mint marks, can also significantly increase in value.
How can I tell if my half dollar coin is rare or valuable?
To determine the value of your half dollar coin, check its date, mint mark (located on the reverse), and any unique characteristics such as errors or variations. Consulting a coin price guide or a professional coin appraiser can help you assess its worth.
Where can I find valuable half dollar coins?
Valuable half dollar coins can sometimes be found in circulation, especially older coins or those from specific years known for their rarity. You might also check coin shops, online auctions, or estate sales.
What is the best way to store valuable half dollar coins?
To preserve the condition and value of valuable half dollar coins, store them in a cool, dry place. Use coin holders, capsules, or albums made of inert materials to prevent damage from moisture, dust, or physical contact.
Are there any specific half dollar coins I should look for?
Some of the most valuable half dollar coins to look for include the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, the 1964-D Kennedy half dollar, and coins with notable errors, such as the 1972-D Kennedy half dollar with no FG initials