Revealing the Secrets of the Kennedy Half Dollar That Can Sell for Up to $1.5 Million
The Kennedy half dollar is one of the most popular and collectible of U.S. coins, with some rare versions selling for surprisingly high prices.Usual Kennedy half dollars are not costly as such; usually, they are around their face value or slightly above it, but some kinds would be very expensive, bringing up to as high as $1.5 million. In this post, we shall look at some of these rare coins and the factors behind high prices such old coins get.
Origin of The Kennedy Half Dollar
Kennedy half dollar was designed for the year 1964 as memorialization of the deceased President John F. Kennedy who died as a result of assassination in 1963. This particular coin replaced the Franklin half dollar and showed the portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse. Initially, it was 90 percent silver; however, in 1971 it was changed to copper-nickel clothed bills because of the increase in silver prices.
Rarity of Some Kennedy Half Dollar Coins
The rarity and high price of some Kennedy Half Dollar coins is due to a variety of reasons. These include errors made during minting, a limited number of coins printed, and certain unique features that are highly sought after by collectors.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% Silver)
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is most sought after because it has a 90% silver content. Coins that are in high quality, especially if graded MS-65 or above, can sell for thousands of dollars. Certain types of minting errors can make such coins valuable up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar (Without Mintmark)
The 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar is a very famous minting error, in which the coin was struck without a “D” mintmark. Only a few of these coins were made, and they are much more expensive than normal coins. These rare coins can range in value from several thousand dollars to over $1.5 million, depending on their condition and history.
1964 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
These coins were made specifically for collectors, and they are also very valuable. The 1964 Proof version, which has a shiny mirror-like finish and sharp details, is especially sought after among collectors.
1970-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin was printed in limited numbers only for collectors, and its 40% silver content and excellent condition make it very sought after. These coins were only released in proof sets, so their availability is very low.
How to Identify Kennedy Half Dollars
Identifying Kennedy half dollars can be a bit tricky for the uninitiated, but there are a few key things to look for:
Mintmarks and Dates: Some rare Kennedy half dollar coins have special mintmarks or some coins are without mintmarks, such as the 1964-D coin without a mintmark.
Condition and Grading: The value of any rare coin depends on its condition. Coins graded MS-65 or above by professional services such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) are more valuable.
Errors: Minting errors such as double strikes, off-center coins, or features such as missing mintmarks are very valuable and in high demand among die-hard collectors.
| Year | Description | Auction Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Special Mint Set (SMS) | $47,000 | Features a satin finish; only a few known to exist. |
| 1967 | Special Mint Set with Ultra Deep Cameo | $6,995 | Sold in November 2020; graded MS68. |
The Market for Kennedy Half Dollars
The market for rare Kennedy half dollar coins is dynamic, and auction results regularly set new records. Coins that have a great history and have distinctive errors often sell for very high prices. Coin prices can be affected as market trends change, but some coins always maintain their value.
Conclusion
Kennedy half dollars, especially rare varieties and error coins, offer an interesting glimpse into the history of U.S. coins. While many of these coins are inexpensive, some rare coins can fetch prices in the millions of dollars due to their unique features, rarity, and historical significance. Whether you are an experienced collector or a curious novice, understanding the secrets of these rare coins can help you identify valuable coins.
FAQS:
What determines the value of a Kennedy half dollar?
There are many factors, such as rarity, condition, minting errors, and historical provenance, which contribute to assessing the value of a Kennedy half dollar.
How do I know what my Kennedy half dollar is worth?
Professional grading services or the knowledge of recent auction prices tell much of an insight into your coin value.
Are all 1964 Kennedy half dollars of high value?
Sure, 1964 is the first year of minting; only some issues like Special Mint Set coins are really worth their weight in money.
What is the kind of Special Mint Set (SMS)?
Lower-quality finish coins produced between 1965 and 1967, yet under a better quality than normal strikes, were intended for collectors.