Kennedy Half Dollar Values
How Much Kennedy Half Dollars are Worth: Kennedy Half Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $21 | $21 | $23.30 | $23.30 | $23.30 | $23.40 | $25.70 | $29.30 | $41 | $73 |
| 1964 | D | -- | -- | $21 | $21 | $23.30 | $23.30 | $23.30 | $28 | $25.80 | $31 | $46 | $106 |
| 1965 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.80 | $9.40 | $11.10 | $19.20 | $36 | $120 |
| 1966 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.80 | $11 | $11.10 | $18.20 | $25 | $122 |
| 1967 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.80 | $11 | $11.10 | $16.20 | $27 | $190 |
| 1968 | D | -- | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.80 | $11 | $11.10 | $14.20 | $21 | $58 |
| 1969 | D | -- | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.80 | $11 | $11.10 | $17.20 | $25 | $117 |
| 1970 | D | -- | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.90 | $9.70 | $20 | $29.20 | $43 | $298 |
| 1971 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $5.20 | $9.70 | $31 | $78 |
| 1971 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.30 | $18 |
| 1972 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $10 | $9.20 | $18.60 | $47 |
| 1972 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $13.30 | $23.30 |
| 1973 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $22.30 | $56 |
| 1973 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $15.30 | $26 |
| 1974 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $15.30 | $60 |
| 1974 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $11.70 | $16.80 | $45 |
| 1976 | (None) Phil | Clad | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $2 | $2 | $4 | $12 | $12.70 | $24.50 | $119 |
| 1976 | D | Clad | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $2 | $2 | $4 | $12 | $12.70 | $26 | $39 |
| 1976 | S | Silver | -- | $7 | $7 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $8.30 | $15 | $10.50 | $13.40 | $20.70 | $28.10 |
| 1977 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $11 | $9.70 | $14.30 | $33 |
| 1977 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $15.30 | $45 |
| 1978 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $14.30 | $34 |
| 1978 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $14.30 | $39 |
| 1979 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $13.30 | $34 |
| 1979 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.80 | $24 |
| 1980 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.40 | $18.30 |
| 1980 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $5.20 | $6.70 | $18.30 | $76 |
| 1981 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $7.70 | $14 | $58 |
| 1981 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $15.30 | $65 |
| 1982 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $10 | $5.60 | $13.30 | $46 | $97 |
| 1982 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $8 | $7.30 | $8.90 | $25.50 | $42 |
| 1983 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $8 | $6.90 | $8.30 | $22.30 | $61 |
| 1983 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $7 | $9 | $6.70 | $21.30 | $40 |
| 1984 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $14.30 | $26.30 |
| 1984 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $16.30 | $60 |
| 1985 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $9 | $6.70 | $10.80 | $19.70 |
| 1985 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.30 | $21.20 |
| 1986 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $5.40 | $6.70 | $10.80 | $29.30 |
| 1986 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $12.30 | $19.60 |
| 1987 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $14.30 | $29 |
| 1987 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $10.80 | $22.60 |
| 1988 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $23.80 |
| 1988 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $17.70 |
| 1989 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.30 | $20.70 |
| 1989 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $10.30 | $21.30 |
| 1990 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $14.30 | $25.80 |
| 1990 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $13.30 | $44 |
| 1991 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $12.30 | $21.80 |
| 1991 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.30 | $25 |
| 1992 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $10.30 | $18.60 |
| 1992 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $19.70 |
| 1993 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $5.20 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $17.70 |
| 1993 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $5.20 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $19.60 |
| 1994 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $21.20 |
| 1994 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $20.30 |
| 1995 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $20.20 |
| 1995 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $19.10 |
| 1996 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.90 |
| 1996 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $12.40 |
| 1997 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $23 |
| 1997 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $19.70 |
| 1998 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $20.20 |
| 1998 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $21.70 |
| 1999 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $12.40 |
| 1999 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $13.50 |
| 2000 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $16.40 |
| 2000 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $11.30 | $16 |
| 2001 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.40 |
| 2001 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2002 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $12.40 |
| 2002 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.40 |
| 2003 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2003 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $18.50 |
| 2004 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $15 |
| 2004 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.90 |
| 2005 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.80 | $33 |
| 2005 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $10.30 | $19.10 |
| 2006 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $16.40 |
| 2006 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $16.40 |
| 2007 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $5.20 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $16.40 |
| 2007 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $20.40 |
| 2008 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2008 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $28 |
| 2009 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $18 |
| 2009 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $29.90 |
| 2010 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.90 |
| 2010 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $21.10 |
| 2011 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $13.40 |
| 2011 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.40 |
| 2012 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $5 | $1.10 | $3.30 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2012 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $5 | $7 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2013 | P | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $5 | $9 | $6.70 | $10.30 | $12.40 |
| 2013 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $6 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $12.40 |
| 2014 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $4 | $2.10 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $13.40 |
| 2014 | D | -- | -- | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $3.40 | $5.60 | $6.70 | $10.30 | $13.40 |
| 2015 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $6 | $8 | $6.20 | $8.30 | $10.40 |
| 2015 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2016 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $4 | $1.10 | $6.20 | $9.30 | $16.40 |
| 2016 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $4 | $1.10 | $6.20 | $9.30 | $15.40 |
| 2017 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $5 | $1.10 | $3.30 | $8.30 | $16.90 |
| 2017 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $5 | $6 | $6.20 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2018 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $5 | $6 | $5.70 | $9.30 | $13.40 |
| 2018 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $7 | $5 | $4.70 | $8.30 | $12.40 |
| 2019 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $4 | $9 | $6.70 | $9.30 | $11.90 |
| 2019 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $17 | $32 |
| 2019 | D | Rocketship Set | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $20 | $22 | $24 |
| 2020 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $0.80 | $8 | $8.70 | $13.30 | $18.40 |
| 2020 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $5 | $8 | $7.70 | $10.80 | $19.40 |
| 2021 | P | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $0.80 | $1.10 | $5.20 | $9.30 | $14.40 |
| 2021 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $0.80 | $1.10 | $6.70 | $10.80 | $19.40 |
| 2022 | D | -- | -- | -- | -- | $0.60 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $0.80 | $1.10 | $3.30 | $8.30 | $14.40 |
History of the Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first struck in 1964 as an immediate tribute to John F. Kennedy following his assassination in November 1963. Designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), the coin shifted from its role as everyday currency and became a symbol of national mourning and pride.
The initial 1964 issues used 90% silver composition, continuing the tradition of silver half dollars in circulation. Shortly thereafter, rising silver prices and shortages led the U.S. Mint to reduce the silver content to 40% for the years 1965–1970, and finally to a copper-nickel clad composition beginning in 1971.
The obverse bears a left-facing portrait of JFK based on his official presidential medal, while the reverse features the Presidential Seal, an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by stars. The design has remained largely unchanged since its debut, but special mint sets, proofs, and other varieties have added layers of collector appeal.
Because public demand to keep the 1964 silver coins was so intense, many examples were hoarded rather than spent, which led to far fewer coins entering circulation than expected, setting the stage for long-term collectability.
Rarest Coins in the Series
While many Kennedy Half Dollars are common and trade near face value or silver-content value, there are some coins that stand out and significantly influence it’s market price. According to value guides, the Kennedy Half Dollar value range covers everything from ordinary circulated coins to rare experimental or proof specimens worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Among the most sought-after:
- 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set): A very rare trial strike version of the 1964 coin. One such specimen reportedly sold for ~$156,000 in 2019.
- 1965–1970 40% silver issues: While not rare, these coins carry value due to their silver content and relative availability in quality grades.
Wide availability of common clad issues (1971-present) keeps those values modest, but condition, finish, and rarity still play strong roles in high-end examples.
Types of Collections
Collectors of Kennedy Half Dollars often pursue these general strategies:
- Representative / Type Set: One might include a single Kennedy Half Dollar in a broader U.S. coin type collection; perhaps a 1964 silver issue or a 1976 Bicentennial edition.
- Date & Mint-Mark Set: A collector may aim to assemble all years and mint marks (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco) for a given composition period (silver, 40% silver, or clad). These sets allow exploration of variations without necessarily going for ultra-rare issues.
- Finish / Variety Specialization: Some collectors focus on proof issues, special mint sets, varieties (missing mint marks, finish differences, errors), or premium grade examples.
- High-Grade / Trophy Piece Strategy: At the top end, collectors target only the finest examples available.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For someone entering numismatics, the Kennedy Half Dollar presents an accessible pathway. Many issues, especially common clad coins, can be acquired at low cost, providing an opportunity to learn coin handling, grading basics, and condition assessment. The 1964 silver issues, while more expensive, allow newcomers to engage with a historically important series.
Advanced Collecting
At the advanced level, attention shifts to condition, finish, rare varieties, provenance, certification and market trends. For example, identifying a deep cameo proof, verifying a missing mint mark variety or chasing a high-grade SMS example requires experience and often substantial resources. The Kennedy Half Dollar value at this level is determined by subtle gradations: one grade up or one better finish can mean a large price jump.
Investment Potential
From an investment standpoint, the Kennedy Half Dollar series contains several attractive attributes:
- Silver composition & intrinsic value: Early issues (especially 1964 90% silver, and 1965-70 40% silver) provide a metal value floor and thus downside protection in volatile markets.
- Historical and emotional significance: The association with JFK’s legacy adds a collectible premium beyond metal content, which supports demand even for circulated coins.
- Variety and finish fluctuations: Rare finishes, low-mintage issues, and error coins are scarce, which can drive higher prices.
- Progression of compositions: The shift from 90% silver to 40% silver to clad mirrors macro-economic changes and provides multiple entry points for investors.
However, it is also important to recognize that many coins in the series remain common, and value appreciation depends heavily on grade and rarity. Common clad issues may trade close to face value, offering limited upside. According to price guides, while some coins are worth only a few dollars in circulated grades, rare high-grade or special finish issues can sell for several thousand dollars.
Therefore, when assessing the JFK Half Dollar value and investment potential, focusing on condition, certification, provenance, and rarity is critical. This is especially true if one aims beyond the baseline silver value.