You might have a Kennedy Half Dollar tucked away in a coin jar or your wallet, but did you know some of these coins could be worth nearly a million bucks? Minted since 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, these 50-cent pieces are still out there in circulation. While most are worth their face value, a few rare ones with minting mistakes or special features can fetch huge sums from collectors. Let’s explore why this coin could be a game-changer and how to spot one.
A Coin Born from Tragedy
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first struck in 1964, soon after President Kennedy’s assassination. The U.S. Mint wanted to create a lasting tribute, replacing the Franklin Half Dollar with a design featuring JFK’s portrait on the front and the presidential seal on the back. Over the decades, billions were made, but certain years and errors make some coins incredibly valuable. Collectors love these coins not just for their history but for the rare mistakes that slipped through the Mint’s quality checks.
The Million-Dollar Mistakes
What makes a Kennedy Half Dollar worth up to $975,000? It’s all about rare errors and specific years. One of the most famous is the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) coin. Only a handful of these were made with a super-smooth, mirror-like finish, and one sold for $975,000 at auction. Another gem is the 1970-D half dollar, minted in Denver with a low production run, making it a collector’s prize. Errors like doubled dies—where the date or text appears doubled—also drive up value.
Here’s a quick guide to some high-value Kennedy Half Dollars:
| Year | Type/Error | Estimated Value | Why It’s Rare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | SMS | Up to $975,000 | Ultra-rare, mirror-like finish |
| 1970-D | Standard | Up to $10,000 | Low mintage, Denver only |
| 1964 | Doubled Die | Up to $100,000 | Visible doubling on text |
How to Find a Treasure
Spotting a valuable Kennedy Half Dollar takes a little detective work. Start by checking the year and mint mark—a tiny letter like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco near the date. Use a magnifying glass to look for errors, like doubled text or unusual shine, especially on 1964 coins. Condition is key; coins in great shape are worth more. If you think you’ve got a winner, don’t polish or clean it, as that can ruin its value. Visit a local coin dealer or get it appraised by a professional.
Still Hiding in Plain Sight
Amazingly, some of these coins are still floating around. Kennedy Half Dollars aren’t used much in everyday transactions anymore, but they can show up in change, old collections, or family heirlooms. In 2020, a woman in Texas found a 1964 SMS half dollar in her late father’s coin box, later selling it for a life-changing sum. Experts estimate thousands of rare Kennedy coins are still out there, sitting in drawers, piggy banks, or even vending machine change. All it takes is one lucky find to hit the jackpot.
Start Checking Your Change
Ready to hunt for your own treasure? Grab a magnifying glass and check any Kennedy Half Dollars you come across. Focus on coins from the 1960s and 1970s, and look closely at the details. Online guides or coin apps can help you spot rare features, and local coin shops are great for advice. Even if you don’t find a $975,000 coin, you might discover other valuable pieces or just enjoy the thrill of the hunt. That half dollar in your pocket could be more than spare change—it might be a small fortune waiting to be found.