The Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the most beloved coins in American history. Released in 1964 just months after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, it quickly became a keepsake for millions of people. While most Kennedy halves are only worth 50 cents, a small handful of rare dates, mint marks, and errors have sold for thousands even tens of thousands of dollars. Here are the top 4 most valuable Kennedy Half Dollars that every collector and pocket-change hunter needs to look for.
1. 1964 Proof Accented Hair – The King of Kennedy Halves
The very first year of issue, 1964, saw two different proof varieties. The rare one is called the “Accented Hair” version. You can spot it by looking at the hair above Kennedy’s ear — the strands are sharper and more pronounced, with extra lines that look almost “accented.”
- Only about 1-3% of the 3.95 million 1964 proofs have the Accented Hair design.
- High-grade examples (PR68-PR69) regularly sell for $10,000 to $40,000, and a record price of over $156,000 was paid for a near-perfect coin.
This variety was changed mid-year because Jacqueline Kennedy reportedly didn’t like how the strong hair lines looked, making the early proofs instantly rare.
2. 1970-S Proof – The Forgotten 40% Silver Coin
Most people don’t realize that 1970-S is the last year the Kennedy Half was struck in 40% silver — but only in proof sets sold to collectors. Circulation strikes from 1971 onward are copper-nickel clad. That makes the 1970-S proof surprisingly scarce in top condition.
- Cameo and Deep Cameo examples in PR69 or PR70 can bring $3,000-$15,000.
- Even regular proofs in PR68-PR69 routinely sell for $500-$1,500.
Because so many were put away in original government packaging, finding one with deep frost and zero marks is tough.
3. 1964-D Double Die Obverse – The Bold Error Everyone Misses
Look closely at the 1964-D Kennedy Half and you might see strong doubling on the lettering, especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This dramatic doubled die obverse (DDO) is one of the strongest errors in the entire series.
- In MS65-MS66 condition, nice examples trade between $2,000 and $8,000.
- A single MS67 example sold for more than $20,000.
Because the doubling is obvious to the naked eye once you know what to look for, this is one of the few big-money coins you can still find in old rolls or family collections.
4. 1983-P No “FG” Initials Error – The Modern Sleeping Giant
In 1983, a small number of Philadelphia Mint halves left the mint without Frank Gasparro’s “FG” initials below the eagle’s tail on the reverse. It’s a missing designer-initials error that flew under the radar for years.
- Well-struck MS66-MS67 examples now sell for $2,500-$6,000.
- The finest known MS68 has traded hands privately for over $15,000.
Since the 1983-P was never released for circulation in large numbers (most went into Souvenir Sets), high-grade survivors are genuinely rare.
Final Thoughts
The Kennedy Half Dollar series is full of surprises. While billions were made, just a handful of dates, varieties, and errors command serious money. The 1964 Accented Hair proof still sits at the very top, but the 1970-S silver proof, the bold 1964-D doubled die, and the sleeper 1983-P No FG are all within reach of everyday collectors — if you know what to look for. Check your old proof sets, mint sets, and inherited jars. One of these four coins might be hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
Q: Are all 1964 Kennedy Halves 90% silver?
A: Yes, every 1964 Kennedy Half (both Philly and Denver) is 90% silver. 1965-1970 circulation strikes dropped to 40% silver, and 1971-present are copper-nickel.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a Kennedy Half?
A: On 1964 coins it’s on the reverse below the claw holding the arrows. Starting in 1968 it moved to the obverse right above the date.
Q: Do I need a magnifying glass to spot the Accented Hair variety?
A: Not really the difference is obvious once you see both side-by-side. The Accented Hair version has much sharper, deeper lines right above the ear and part line.
Q: What’s the best way to store these valuable coins?
A: Keep them in non-PVC flips or airtight holders, away from humidity and extreme heat. Never clean them cleaning almost always lowers the value.
Happy hunting — your next big find could be worth thousands.