Kennedy Half Dollar Value & Price Guide

The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. It remains one of the most popular series for collectors due to its historical significance and the varying silver content found in early issues.

Price Range: $1 - $3 based on recent sales

History of Kennedy Half Dollar

Authorized by Congress just weeks after the tragedy in Dallas, the Kennedy Half Dollar replaced the Franklin Half Dollar in early 1964. The design was fast-tracked, utilizing the existing Kennedy inaugural medal created by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro to meet the overwhelming public demand for a commemorative coin. While the 1964 version was struck in 90% silver, rising metal prices led to a reduction to 40% silver for the 1965-1970 issues. By 1971, the composition was changed to a copper-nickel clad, though the series saw a temporary design change in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the United States Bicentennial with a special Independence Hall reverse.

Value Factors for Kennedy Half Dollar

The typical price range for Kennedy Half Dollar is $1 - $3 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Silver Content: 1964 coins are 90% silver, while 1965-1970 coins are 40% silver, significantly impacting base value.
• Mint Marks: Coins struck in Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) can have different rarity levels compared to Philadelphia issues.
• Strike Quality: Proof sets and high-grade uncirculated specimens command premiums over coins found in pocket change.
• Key Dates and Errors: Low mintage years and specific die errors, like the 1974-D doubled die obverse, drive collector interest.

Tips for Buying Kennedy Half Dollar

• Prioritize 1964 issues for their 90% silver content, which provides high intrinsic bullion value.
• Look for 'SMS' or Special Mint Set strikes from 1965 to 1967, which feature a higher quality finish than standard circulation strikes.
• Check the 1970-D and 1987 issues specifically, as these were only issued in mint sets and not for general circulation.
• Examine the 'FG' initials on the reverse to identify rare 'No FG' varieties caused by over-polished dies.

Items in This Collection

• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1964 D Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
• 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1981 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1977 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1986 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1991 Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin
• 1776-1976 D Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar
• 1965 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1989 P Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar
• Colorized Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1990 D Kennedy Half Dollar
• 1971-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
• 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin