A Kennedy Half Hollar: It’s not often that a small coin is worth more than its worth of gold – but in the lucrative world of coin collecting, it can and does happen. A rare Kennedy half dollar, originally worth just 50 cents, stunned collectors and investors when it sold for more than a 1-ounce gold bar, which is currently worth around $2,300.
So, how does a common-looking coin become a treasure worth thousands? Here’s the story of the Kennedy half dollar that made history – and what you should look for in your collection.
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The Coin That Defied Expectations
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964, just months after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The coin, created to honor his legacy, quickly became a symbol of national pride and grief.
While most Kennedy Half Dollars are worth between 50 cents and a few dollars, one particular coin – the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Special Mint Set (SMS) – sold for over $47,000, more than the value of a full ounce of gold.
What Made This Coin So Valuable?
The combination of several unique features has made this coin extremely rare and valuable:
1964 SMS (Special Mint Set)
The 1964 SMS Half Dollars were not part of the official U.S. Mint Proof or Business Strike programs. Only a few dozen are known to exist, possibly created as prototypes. Their existence was not confirmed until after they were struck.
Exceptional Strike and Finish
These coins have a unique, satin surface with incredible detail – somewhere between a proof and a regular strike. The finish and appearance are different from any other Kennedy Half Dollar of 1964.
Extremely Limited Quantity
Fewer than 20 genuine 1964 SMS Half Dollars are believed to exist, making them rarer than most modern U.S. gold coins. Rarity is one of the key drivers of value in numismatics.
High Grade Condition
The record-breaking coin was graded SP68 (Specimen 68) by a professional grading service. It is nearly flawless – only two points below perfection on the 70-point numismatic grading scale.
Why is it worth more than a gold bar?
A 1-ounce gold bar is always valuable because of its underlying metal content. But coins like the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar have numismatic value — value that goes far beyond the metal.
Here’s why collectors were willing to pay more than the gold:
- Historical significance (the first year of the Kennedy Half Dollar)
- Mystery and rarity (only a few known examples)
- Excellent condition (grade SP68)
- Unique finish and eye-catching features
Could You Own a Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar?
Most Kennedy Half Dollars are worth a little more than face value, but some are worth hundreds – even thousands – of dollars, depending on the amount:
- Years: 1964 and 1965-1970 are silver (90% and 40%, respectively)
- Mint Mark: Rare varieties may come from certain mints (e.g., “D” or “S”)
- Condition: Coins in MS65+ or Proof condition are much more valuable
- Errors: Double dies, off-center strikes, or missing elements increase value
- Special Mint Sets (SMS): Especially rare for 1964
How to Find Out if Your Coin is Rare or Not?
If you have a Kennedy half dollar and want to know its value, here are some steps:
- Look for the date and mint mark (just behind Kennedy’s neck)
- Check for unusual details (surface finish, doubling, charm quality)
- Weigh the coin – the 1964 version should weigh about 12.5 grams
- Grab a magnifying glass – check for sharpness and errors
- Submit to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication
Final Thoughts
It may seem incredible that a Kennedy half dollar is worth more than a bar of gold – but in the world of rare coins, value isn’t always measured in ounces. It’s measured in history, rarity, condition and collectors’ passion.
So, before you toss that old half dollar into the coin jar, take a close look at it. You may be holding something far more valuable than you think – perhaps even more valuable than gold.
(FAQs.)
1. What is the Kennedy Half Dollar?
The Kennedy Half Dollar is a U.S. coin first minted in 1964, shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It features his portrait on the obverse (front) and the presidential seal on the reverse (back). It replaced the Franklin Half Dollar.
2. Why is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar so valuable?
Most 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are made of 90% silver and are worth more than face value. However, some 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) coins are extremely rare and collectible because:
- Unusual strike quality
- Unique finish
- Limited production (possibly less than 20 exist)
- High-grade preservation
These features make some examples worth thousands of dollars.
3. What is a Special Mint Set (SMS)?
A Special Mint set is a type of coin set that is made with more care than a commercial strike, but not to proof standards. SMS coins typically have a satin-like finish and sharp detail. While SMS coins were issued for many years, the 1964 SMS coins were never officially released, making them incredibly rare.
4. How much is a 1 ounce gold bar worth?
As of mid-2025, a 1 ounce gold bar is worth about $2,300 based on current gold market prices. The rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar SMS that sold for over $47,000 was worth 20 times that much.