Kennedy Half Dollars are among the rarest and most sought-after of all coins from collectors, not only because they are historic in nature but because of rare varieties that are now worth thousands. Most Kennedy coins are run-of-the-mill and worth what they’re selling for based purely on their metallic content, yet a handful of unusual mint marks, misprinted coins, and special releases have shot up astronomically. The following four Kennedy coins are exceptional in 2025 because each is worth as much as $4,500 to $26,500.
1. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% Silver) – Value approximately $4,500+
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the initial year of issue and has 90% silver, making it worth both its metal value and the fact that it is a rarity. Although numerous circulated 1964 halves are valued at about the silver melt value (about $9.63), uncirculated halves, particularly those discovered in proof or special mint sets, are valued at thousands. Mint state coins graded MS-65 or higher by trusted firms can cost up to $4,500 or more because of their limited availability and demand from collectors.
2. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar – As much as $19,900,000 in extreme situations
The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) half dollar is the most valuable and rare Kennedy coin. Special strike coins with a distinct finish and low production, these were. Certain SMS coins present mint errors or stunning preservation, and these are the ones which can bring value running into millions. One of them is a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar said to have been valued at $19.9 million for being in mint condition, being rare, and having latent mint errors. As low as such enormous values get, less valuable SMS coins cost tens of thousands of dollars.
3. 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver) – Worth approximately $5,000+ in high grade
The 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar is famous as the final year of circulating halves with silver, at 40% silver. While most 1970 halves are ubiquitous, those with the “S” mint mark in uncirculated state and proof strikes are extremely valuable. Pieces of high grade, particularly those with proof-like surfaces or defects, are worth more than $5,000 to collectors who value the last silver releases of the series.
4. 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar with mint errors – Valued up to $26,500
Certain Kennedy Half Dollars in the 1970s, like that for 1973, can be very valuable when they contain unusual mint errors. These may include doubled dies, off-centering strikes, or planchet errors. A 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar in mint condition with such a flaw may command as much as $26,500 or more based on the magnitude and rarity of the flaw as well as the grade of the coin. These kinds of variations are much prized by collectors and are therefore among the most valuable modern Kennedy coins.
Why are Kennedy coins so valuable?
There are a variety of factors for which the worth of Kennedy Half Dollars outweighs their silver content:
- Mint mark and year: Fewer coins were minted or issued with special problems in certain mints or years, which added to their rarity. For instance, those San Francisco (“S” mint mark) or Denver (“D”) coins minted in certain years are more expensive.
- Condition and grading: Professionally graded coins like those graded by PCGS or NGC in Mint State (MS) 65 and above fetch premium prices.
- Mint errors: Misstrikes, doubled dies, and mint errors can dramatically add value.
- Historical importance: President John F. Kennedy’s Kennedy Half Dollar is the sentimental and historical coin.
- Silver content: Prior to 1971, Kennedy coins do have silver content, but this is usually eclipsed by collectibility value for scarce types.
How to assess value for Kennedy coins
Kennedy Half Dollars need to be inspected closely by collectors for:
- Various mint marks (particularly “S” and “D”)
- Brilliant, uncirculated condition or proof surfaces
- Signs of mint mistakes like off-center strikes or doubled dies
- Distinctive finishes like those found in Special Mint Sets (SMS)
Inspection under a magnifying glass or loupe and referencing coin guides or professional graders can determine whether a coin is worth more than face value or silver content.
Although most Kennedy Half Dollars are standard and worth no more than the metal content, a few coins from 1964, 1970, and error strikes of the 1970s are worth thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. The SMS Kennedy Half Dollar of 1964 is one rare gem of possible multi-million dollar value under extreme conditions. Collectors and even occasional collectors need to closely examine their coins since gems could be hiding in their collections or in circulation.
Knowledge of the major dates, mint marks, and types of errors enables coin collectors to better understand and appreciate the rich numismatic history and monetary value of Kennedy Half Dollars.
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