A Rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth $70,000: Do You Own One?

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a coin that carries historical significance, valuable silver content, and impressive demand among collectors. Minted to honor President John F. Kennedy after his tragic assassination, this coin has become an iconic piece of American history. But what makes some of these coins worth so much? Some of these rare versions have been sold for as much as $70,000, or even more! Let’s dive into why these coins are so valuable and how you can tell if you own a rare, high-value 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.

What Makes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Special?

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was created just months after President Kennedy’s death as a tribute to his memory. Due to the public’s admiration for the late president, the U.S. Mint produced millions of these coins. However, the 1964 version is particularly special for a few reasons.

First, it contains 90% silver, which makes it more valuable compared to later versions, which used less silver or different materials altogether. Because of its silver content, the coin remains valuable to both collectors and investors, even though silver prices may fluctuate.

The Kennedy Half Dollar also stands out for its historical importance. The tragic assassination of President Kennedy made these coins a national symbol of mourning and respect. They were a way for the American people to honor his legacy.

Identifying Rare and Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half-Dollars

Not all 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth large amounts of money. In fact, most of them are not especially rare or valuable. However, certain versions are highly sought after due to unique features and historical significance. Here’s how to tell if your coin could be worth more than just its silver content.

1. Special Mint Set (SMS) 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

One of the rarest versions of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is the Special Mint Set (SMS) coin. These coins were made with a unique satin-like finish instead of the mirror-like surface found on most proof coins. They also lack a mint mark, which helps to identify them.

Features to look for: a smooth, satiny surface with sharp details and no mint mark.
Value: Some of these coins have sold for as much as $156,000 at auction!
How to Identify: Check for a smooth, matte-like finish instead of a glossy, proof-like surface.

2. Accented Hair Proof Variety

The Accented Hair variety is another rare version of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. Some of the early proof coins were made with extra details in President Kennedy’s hair. This was later changed at Jacqueline Kennedy’s request, making the early coins more collectible today.

Why it’s rare: The U.S. Mint altered the design after Jacqueline Kennedy requested a smoother look.
Value: These coins can sell for $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on their condition.
How to Identify: Look closely at Kennedy’s hair above his ear. If you see deeper details, you might have the Accented Hair variety.

3. Mint Mark and Location

The mint mark and location can also affect the value of a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. There are two main mint marks for this coin: Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D). While the Philadelphia version is more common, both are still valuable, especially in higher grades.

Philadelphia Mint: Coins with no mint mark are often slightly rarer than their Denver counterparts.
Denver Mint (D): These are a bit more common but still worth money, particularly in great condition.

4. Coin Condition & Grading

The condition of the coin plays a big role in its value. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect. A higher-grade coin is worth much more.

• MS60–MS65 (Uncirculated): Value range: $50–$500
• MS66–MS67: Value range: $1,000–$10,000
• MS68 or higher: Value: $50,000 or more (these coins are extremely rare!)

5. Silver Content & Melt Value

Even lower-grade 1964 Kennedy Half dollars have value due to their 90% silver content. When silver prices rise, so does the melt value of the coin, which is typically around $10 to $15 per coin. However, collectors often pay a premium for rare versions or coins in high-grade condition.

How to Determine If Your Coin is Valuable

If you have a 1964 Kennedy half dollar and think it might be valuable, here’s how you can determine its worth:

Step 1: Inspect Your Coin

Start by checking the mint mark. If there’s no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia. Look for any special features like the Accented Hair variety or a smooth satin finish, which might indicate a Special Mint Set coin.

Step 2: Weigh Your Coin

A genuine 1964 Kennedy half dollar weighs exactly 12.5 grams. If your coin weighs more or less, it may be counterfeit or altered.

Step 3: Get a Professional Appraisal

If you’re still unsure, get a professional opinion. You can send your coin to a grading service like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS, or visit a trusted coin dealer to have it appraised.

Step 4: Sell or Preserve Your Coin

If you have a rare coin, you can sell it to a coin dealer or at an auction. Alternatively, you might want to preserve it for its long-term investment potential. Always keep your coin in a protective holder and store it in a cool, dry place.

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is not only a piece of American history but also a potential investment. While not all of these coins are worth large amounts of money, certain rare versions can fetch impressive prices, sometimes as much as $70,000 or more. By understanding the unique features that make these coins valuable, you can determine whether your 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth more than just its silver content. Whether you’re a collector, investor, or someone who stumbled upon a coin from 1964, it’s worth taking a closer look. Who knows—you might own a rare gem!

FAQs

USA NEWS	CLICK HERE
AUSTRALIA NEWS	CLICK HERE