The Kennedy Half Dollar, brought in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, has come to be a staple in American coinage. While a lot of those cash are commonplace, positive uncommon sorts may be worth significantly extra than their face value.
A eager eye may simply spot one of these treasures in everyday transactions. Here are the top 3 rare Kennedy Half Dollars that would be hiding for your alternate:
3 Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
| Coin Type | Year | Mint Mark | Distinctive Feature | Estimated Mintage | Composition | Notable Value Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accented Hair Proof | 1964 | None | Pronounced hair above ear; altered “I” | ~100,000 | 90% Silver | Unique design; limited mintage |
| 1970-D | 1970 | D | Not released for circulation; 40% silver | Limited | 40% Silver | Limited release; end of silver era |
| No FG Error | 1982 | P | Missing “FG” initials on reverse | Rare | Clad | Minting error; collector interest |
1. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – Accented Hair Variety
- Estimated Value: $200 – $5,000+ (depending on condition and proof quality)
- Key Identifier: “Accented Hair” design on JFK’s portrait
- Mint: San Francisco (Proof only)
This is the first and rarest variety of the Kennedy Half Dollar, released in 1964 as part of the inaugural proof sets. The “Accented Hair” version features a more pronounced hair pattern above Kennedy’s ear—believed to be the original design approved by the Mint, but later softened by Jacqueline Kennedy.
Only proof versions from 1964 have this feature, and the Accented Hair type is much rarer than the standard design.
How to Spot It:
- Heavier hair detail above JFK’s ear
- On the reverse, look for a missing serif on the “I” in “LIBERTY“—another giveaway
- Must be a proof coin, not found in circulation
2. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
- Estimated Value: $100 – $1,500+
- Mint: Denver
- Key Feature: Struck in 40% silver — last year of silver halves
This coin was not released into general circulation and only appeared in special mint sets (SMS) in 1970. Because of its limited release, many collectors overlook it, thinking it’s just another half dollar.
With silver content and low mintage (only about 2.1 million), this coin has become highly desirable—especially in higher grades or if it’s still sealed in its original mint set packaging.
How to Spot It:
- “D” mintmark below Kennedy’s neck
- Dated 1970
- Heavier than modern half dollars (about 11.5g due to silver content)
3. 1982-P Kennedy Half Dollar – No FG Initials
- Estimated Value: $100 – $1,200+
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Key Error: Missing “FG” initials on the reverse (designer Frank Gasparro)
On the reverse of Kennedy half dollars, the initials “FG” (for designer Frank Gasparro) normally appear between the tail feathers of the eagle and the leg. In a rare 1982 error, some Philadelphia-minted coins lack these initials entirely, making them extremely collectible.
How to Spot It:
- Flip to the reverse (eagle side)
- Look between the eagle’s right leg and tail—if no “FG” is visible, you may have a winner
- Make sure the coin is from 1982 and has no mintmark (which means it’s from Philadelphia)
Bonus Tip: Why These Coins Matter
Most Kennedy Half Dollars minted after 1971 are made from copper-nickel and have little more than face value unless they contain errors, are low mintage, or have silver content (1964 and select years through 1970). But as these rarities show, even ordinary-looking coins can be worth hundreds or thousands—if you know what to look for.
Final Thought
Don’t let Kennedy Half Dollars slip through your fingers they’re more than just 50 cents. Whether it’s the high-relief 1964 proof, the hard-to-find 1970-D silver edition, or the elusive “No FG” error, valuable coins could be hiding in old change jars, estate collections, or even recent coin rolls from the bank. So next time you come across a half dollar, take a closer look. You just might be holding a hidden gem.
FAQ’s
Are Kennedy Half Dollars still made?
Yes! The U.S. Mint still produces them, but in limited quantities, mostly for collectors.
Are all Kennedy Half Dollars silver?
No. Only 1964 coins are 90% silver, and those from 1965–1970 are 40% silver. Most later dates are clad and have no silver content.
Can I still find them in circulation?
Rarely, but yes — banks sometimes have rolls, and you might find older ones in change, estate sales, or coin collections.
