Have you ever flipped through your spare change and wondered if any of those coins might be worth more than their face value? Well, that old Kennedy half dollar hiding in your drawer or piggy bank could potentially be worth a small fortune!
While most 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth just their silver content value (around $11-13), certain rare specimens have sold for staggering amounts – with the most valuable reaching up to $156,000 at auction.
Some headlines even suggest values approaching $500,000 for the absolute rarest varieties in perfect condition.
But what makes these particular coins so valuable? Is there really a chance you could have one worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars?
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar – a coin born from national tragedy that has become one of America’s most beloved and valuable modern coins.
The Birth of an American Treasure
The Kennedy half dollar came into existence under somber circumstances. Following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, the nation was plunged into mourning.
Within a week of this tragic event, the U.S. Mint began working on a coin to honor the fallen president. Congress quickly authorized the new half dollar, and by January 30, 1964, production had begun.
The coin features a profile of President Kennedy on the obverse (front), designed by Gilroy Roberts, while the reverse displays the Presidential Coat of Arms, created by Frank Gasparro.
Interestingly, Jacqueline Kennedy, the president’s widow, personally approved the design and requested a slight modification to her husband’s hair, which would later create one of the most valuable varieties of this coin.
What makes the 1964 Kennedy half dollar particularly special is its composition – it contains 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it significant intrinsic value even in its most common form.
This high silver content was short-lived; by 1965, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and by 1971, it was eliminated entirely.
This makes the 1964 issue a standout in the series and particularly attractive to both collectors and silver investors.
The Most Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties
Not all 1964 Kennedy half dollars are created equal. While the U.S. Mint produced over 429 million of these coins between the Philadelphia and Denver mints, certain rare varieties and errors can command prices that would make your jaw drop. Let’s explore the most valuable versions that could potentially be hiding in your collection:
1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar
The crown jewel of Kennedy half dollars is undoubtedly the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) variety. These coins were never officially released to the public and were likely struck as presentation pieces for VIPs or mint officials.
With fewer than 20 examples known to exist, they’ve become the holy grail for Kennedy half dollar collectors.
What makes these coins special is their unique satin finish – neither fully proof nor business strike – and exceptionally sharp details.
In 2019, a perfect specimen graded SP68 sold for an astonishing $156,000 at auction. Another example graded SP67 fetched $108,000 that same year.
While these don’t quite reach the $500,000 mark mentioned in some headlines, they’re still incredibly valuable and represent the pinnacle of Kennedy half dollar collecting.
1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
Another highly valuable variety is the “Accented Hair” proof version. This was one of the earliest versions of the Kennedy half dollar, featuring more pronounced hair details above Kennedy’s ear.
The story goes that Jacqueline Kennedy herself requested changes to the hair design, leading to a revised version that became the standard.
The “Accented Hair” variant can also be identified by an error in the lower left serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY.” These distinctive features make this coin particularly sought after by collectors.
In recent years, a perfect specimen graded PR69 Deep Cameo sold for $45,600 at Heritage Auctions, making it one of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars ever sold.
Other Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Errors
Several other error varieties can significantly increase the value of a 1964 Kennedy half dollar:
- 1964-D Double Die Obverse Error: Shows doubling in the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” and other details. These can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition.
- 1964-D Quadruple Double Die Obverse Error: An extremely rare error showing quadrupling of certain letters, particularly visible in the “U” in “TRUST.” PCGS has only graded one coin with this error, which sold for $1,940 in 2022.
- 1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark: Shows the “D” mint mark punched multiple times, creating an overlapping effect. In MS66 grade, these can sell for around $400.
| Variety | Key Features | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS | Satin finish, extremely limited | $156,000 (SP68) |
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | Unique hair detail, error in “Liberty” | $45,600 (PR69) |
| 1964-D Double Die Obverse | Visible doubling on lettering | $130-$2,000+ |
| 1964-D Quadruple Die | Quadrupling of “U” in “TRUST” | $1,940 |
| 1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark | Overlapping D mint mark | $400 (MS66) |
| Regular 1964 (Silver Value) | 90% silver content | $11-$13 |
How to Identify a Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
So, you’ve dug through your change jar and found a 1964 Kennedy half dollar – could it be worth thousands? Here’s how to check:
Examine the Mint Mark
First, check for a mint mark. On the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, the mint mark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin, below the eagle. If there’s no mint mark, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
If there’s a “D,” it was minted in Denver. While both versions can be valuable in the right condition or with the right errors, knowing your mint mark is the first step in identification.
It’s worth noting that starting in 1968, the mint mark was moved to the obverse (front) of the coin, appearing above the date. This change in mint mark location is an important detail for Kennedy half dollar collectors.
Look for Special Characteristics
For the valuable “Accented Hair” variety, examine the hair above Kennedy’s ear. Does it have a more pronounced, wishbone-like appearance? Also check the “I” in “LIBERTY” – on the Accented Hair variety, the bottom left serif is missing.
For double die errors, use a magnifying glass to look for doubling in the lettering, particularly in “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the date. For the SMS variety, look for a distinctive satin-like finish that differs from both regular circulation strikes and proof coins.
Assess the Condition
Condition is crucial in determining value. Coins in “mint state” (uncirculated condition) are worth significantly more than those showing wear. Look for:
- Sharp, well-defined details
- No visible wear on high points
- Original mint luster
- Minimal contact marks or scratches
Professional grading is recommended for potentially valuable specimens, as the difference between grades can mean thousands of dollars in value.
Conclusion
While finding a 1964 Kennedy half dollar worth $500,000 might be a stretch, discovering one worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars is entirely possible.
The 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar has sold for as much as $156,000, and other rare varieties like the Accented Hair proof have commanded prices over $45,000.
Even common 1964 Kennedy half dollars have inherent value due to their 90% silver content, worth around $11-13 each at current silver prices.
So, the next time you’re sorting through old coins or checking your change, pay special attention to any Kennedy half dollars from 1964.
Look for mint marks, examine the hair details, and check for errors or doubling in the lettering.
You never know – that coin that’s been sitting in your drawer for decades could be worth far more than you ever imagined. Happy hunting!
FAQs About Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
1. How can I tell if my 1964 Kennedy half dollar is the valuable SMS variety? The SMS (Special Mint Set) variety has a distinctive satin-like finish that differs from both regular circulation strikes and proof coins. These extremely rare coins (fewer than 20 known) have sharper details, particularly clean edges, and a unique texture. However, given their extreme rarity, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find one in circulation. If you suspect you have one, professional authentication is essential.
2. Are all 1964 Kennedy half dollars silver? Yes, all 1964 Kennedy half dollars contain 90% silver and 10% copper. This high silver content gives them a minimum value based on their metal content alone (about $11-13 at current silver prices). Starting in 1965, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and by 1971, Kennedy half dollars contained no silver at all.
3. Where is the mint mark on a 1964 Kennedy half dollar? On the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, the mint mark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin, below the eagle. If there’s a “D,” the coin was minted in Denver; if there’s no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia. Starting in 1968, the mint mark was moved to the obverse (front) of the coin, appearing above the date.
4. What makes the “Accented Hair” variety of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar valuable? The “Accented Hair” variety was one of the earliest versions of the Kennedy half dollar, featuring more pronounced hair details above Kennedy’s ear. After Jacqueline Kennedy requested changes to her husband’s hair design, the Mint modified the dies, making the Accented Hair variety relatively scarce. These coins can also be identified by a missing serif on the letter “I” in “LIBERTY” and broken rays behind the eagle on the reverse.
5. Should I clean my 1964 Kennedy half dollar if I think it’s valuable? Absolutely not! Cleaning coins can significantly reduce their value to collectors. Professional numismatists prefer coins with original surfaces, even if they show some toning or patina. If you believe you have a valuable coin, consult with a professional before doing anything that might damage it.
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