The value of any Kennedy Half Dollar really comes down to four things: its year, mint mark, what it's made of, and its condition. While most of the modern ones you'll find are just worth their 50-cent face value, the early issues are a completely different story.
Specifically, the 1964 (90% silver) and the 1965-1970 (40% silver) coins will always be worth more than fifty cents, thanks to their precious metal content. Of course, certain key dates and exceptionally well-preserved examples can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars from serious collectors.
Understanding The Three Eras Of Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar series is easiest to understand when you break it down into three distinct eras, each defined by a major change in the coin's metal composition. This is the single biggest factor driving the coin's base value. Once you know which era your coin is from, figuring out its approximate value becomes much more straightforward.
The Silver Eras (1964 and 1965-1970)
The very first Kennedy halves, struck in 1964, stand alone as the only year intended for circulation that contains 90% silver. These were immediately snapped up and hoarded by the public, both as a keepsake for the fallen president and for their high silver content. Because of rising silver prices, this composition only lasted one year.
From 1965 to 1970, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a 40% silver composition. These are often called "silver-clad" coins and still carry a significant premium over face value.
The Copper-Nickel Clad Era (1971-Present)
Finally, from 1971 to today, every circulating Kennedy Half Dollar has been made from a copper-nickel clad composition. These coins contain no silver at all, which is why almost any Kennedy you find in your pocket change is only worth fifty cents.
Kennedy Half Dollar Eras at a Glance
To simplify things, this table breaks down the three distinct periods of the Kennedy Half Dollar. It's the quickest way to identify what your coin is made of and where its base value comes from.
| Era (Years) | Composition | Primary Value Driver | Common Circulated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 Only | 90% Silver | Silver Melt Value | $9.00 - $12.00+ |
| 1965-1970 | 40% Silver-Clad | Silver Melt Value | $3.50 - $5.00+ |
| 1971-Present | Copper-Nickel Clad | Face Value | $0.50 (unless uncirculated or a rare variety) |
As you can see, the date is everything. A coin dated 1970 or earlier is guaranteed to contain silver, making it inherently more valuable than any modern half dollar you'll come across.
A Visual Guide to Compositional Changes
This infographic gives you a simple visual breakdown of these three key eras and how the metal content changed over the years.
It really puts into perspective how the built-in value of the Kennedy Half Dollar shifted so dramatically after that first year of issue, and then again after 1970.
Key Takeaway: The single most important factor for a Kennedy Half Dollar's base value is its date. A coin dated 1970 or earlier contains silver and is inherently more valuable than a modern one.
Once you've identified your coin's era, the next step is determining its market value. For those in the Boise area with collections of silver coins, gold, or jewelry, understanding their true worth is the first step. We specialize in Gold and Jewelry Buying and pride ourselves on offering the highest payout in Boise. We provide free, non-damaging Xray Scanning and Gold Testing to ensure you get a fair and hassle-free offer. We even offer Price Matching, so you can save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments.
How to Properly Grade Your Kennedy Half Dollars
Figuring out what your Kennedy Half Dollars are worth really boils down to one thing: condition. A coin's grade is the universal language for its level of wear and tear, and it can be the difference between a coin worth its face value and one worth thousands. Getting a handle on this scale is the first real step to sizing up your collection.
Coin grading is based on a 70-point numerical scale that runs from P-1 (Poor) all the way up to a flawless MS-70 (Mint State 70). Most coins you find in circulation will naturally fall on the lower end, but even tiny bumps up the grading ladder can have a huge impact on the kennedy half dollar values by year, especially for those early silver issues or the harder-to-find key dates.
Key Grading Tiers for Circulated Coins
For any coin that's actually been used as money, grading is all about spotting wear on the high points of the design. These are the most common grades you'll come across and what you should be looking for on your Kennedy halves.
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Good (G-4): The coin is pretty worn down, but you can still make out the basic design and lettering. Kennedy's portrait will look almost flat, with hardly any detail left in his hair. The eagle on the back will be just as flat, with very few feathers showing.
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Very Good (VG-8): All the main details are there, but the wear is obvious. You might start to see a little bit of separation in the strands of hair just above Kennedy's ear, but the eagle's breast feathers will be worn smooth.
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Fine (F-12): Things are getting sharper here. The hairlines around Kennedy's face and ear are much clearer. On the reverse, some of the main feather details on the eagle's wings and breast are visible, but still show a lot of wear.
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Very Fine (VF-20): This grade shows just moderate wear on the highest points. You can see most of the finer details in Kennedy's hair, and the eagle’s breast feathers have some real definition, though the very center is still worn down.
A coin in Very Fine (VF-20) condition still has about 50% of its original detail. This is a pretty common grade for silver Kennedy half dollars that were pulled from circulation and saved early on.
Identifying Uncirculated or Mint State Coins
An "Uncirculated" coin, also called "Mint State" (MS), is one that's never been spent as money and shows absolutely no signs of circulation wear. These pristine coins are graded on a finer scale, from MS-60 to MS-70.
The main differences between these top-tier grades come down to tiny imperfections. We're talking about things like "bag marks" (small nicks from clinking against other coins in a mint bag), the quality of the coin's original luster, and how sharply it was struck. An MS-60 coin might have some noticeable marks, while an MS-67 will look almost perfect with a blazing shine. For many people, learning how to start a coin collecting hobby really begins when they start to grasp these subtle but crucial differences in quality.
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The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: A Silver Icon
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar isn't just a coin; it's a piece of American history you can hold in your hand. Struck in the immediate, somber aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, its creation was a direct response to a nation in mourning, a tangible tribute to a fallen leader.
What truly sets this coin apart is its composition. 1964 was the first and only year the Kennedy Half Dollar was struck for circulation using 90% silver. This high silver content, coupled with the immense public desire for a memento, led to widespread hoarding.
Almost as quickly as they were released, these half dollars vanished from circulation. Everyone wanted one, and very few were willing to spend them.
Philadelphia and Denver Mint Values
To meet the incredible demand, the U.S. Mint produced a staggering number of these coins in 1964—over 430 million between the Philadelphia and Denver facilities.
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1964 (Philadelphia Mint): These coins don't have a mint mark. A circulated example is primarily valued for its silver melt value, typically trading for $9 to $12. Get one in pristine, uncirculated MS-65 condition, however, and the value can jump to $30 or more.
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1964-D (Denver Mint): You'll find a small "D" mint mark on the reverse side, just below the eagle's left talon. Values are right in line with the Philadelphia issue, with high-grade uncirculated examples also commanding a solid premium.
Thanks to their silver content, even heavily worn 1964 half dollars are valuable. If you have a collection of silver coins, understanding their material worth is key. For those in Idaho, our Gold and Jewelry Buying services offer the highest payout in Boise. We provide hassle-free offers with free non-damaging Xray Scanning and Gold Testing.
The Rare Accented Hair Variety
Beyond the standard issues, the 1964 series includes a special variety that collectors hunt for: the "Accented Hair" proof. This version was part of the initial design and is believed to have been a personal preference of Jacqueline Kennedy.
This variety is distinguished by heavier, more defined strands of hair just above Kennedy's ear. Another key diagnostic is a truncated lower-left serif on the letter 'I' in "LIBERTY."
These subtle details make a huge difference in value. The Accented Hair proof is significantly rarer than the standard proof, with estimates suggesting only about 5% of the proof mintage has these features. As a result, its value can skyrocket to anywhere from $100 to over $1,000, all depending on its grade.
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar's unique story and silver composition make it a cornerstone for any collection. Because they are 90% silver and 10% copper, their value is strong both historically and materially. While most circulated 1964 coins are worth between $15 and $20 today, uncirculated or rare error varieties certified by grading services can fetch prices exceeding $20,000—an extraordinary premium for pristine specimens and rarities.
This foundational knowledge is crucial as you explore other historic coins. You can learn more about identifying valuable coins from 1964 and earlier to expand your numismatic expertise. And if you're considering selling, we offer Price Matching to ensure you save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments.
The Silver Clad Era: 1965 to 1970
After the absolute frenzy of collecting and hoarding the 1964 release, the U.S. Mint had a problem. Rising silver prices meant they had to change the Kennedy Half Dollar's recipe, which kicked off what we now call the "silver clad" era. From 1965 to 1970, these coins were made with a reduced silver content of 40%.
This change means any Kennedy half you find from these years has built-in value from its precious metal content. While they don't have the same silver punch as the '64s, their base value is always tied to the spot price of silver, making them worth much more than their 50-cent face value.
Values and Mintage: 1965 to 1969
For the first few years of this new composition, the mint pumped out staggering numbers of half dollars to keep up with public demand. As a result, coins from 1965 through 1969 are very common in circulated condition. Their value is mostly tied to their silver, which usually puts them in the $3.50 to $5.00 range.
Of course, serious collectors are always looking for the best of the best. Finding an uncirculated, high-grade example is where the real money is. A coin from this period that gets a grade of MS-65 (Mint State 65) or higher can jump in value to $20 to $35. Pristine examples are just so much harder to find than worn ones. This really underscores why proper storage is so critical; check out our guide on how to store silver coins to make sure you're protecting your collection's future value.
Expert Tip: Don't panic if you can't find a mint mark on a half dollar from 1965, 1966, or 1967. The U.S. Mint didn't use them for those years. It's a normal feature, not a rare error.
The 1970-D: A Modern Key Date
The year 1970 is a huge one for this series and a date every collector gets excited about. The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar was the last of the 40% silver coins, but that's not the main reason it's so special. The big deal is that it was Not Intended For Circulation (NIFC).
These coins were only sold directly to collectors in official U.S. Mint sets, which led to a tiny mintage of just over 2.1 million. That scarcity makes the 1970-D a hot commodity. Even a regular uncirculated 1970-D is worth somewhere between $15 and $25. If you find one in a top grade like MS-65, the value can easily shoot past $50.
This specific coin is a perfect example of a key principle in the kennedy half dollar values by year: low mintage numbers can create serious value, even for relatively modern coins.
If you have a collection of 40% silver half dollars or other precious items, determining their true worth is the first step. For those in Boise, our Gold and Jewelry Buying services offer the highest payout in Boise. We provide free, non-damaging Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for hassle-free offers. With our Price Matching guarantee, you can save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments, ensuring you receive the best possible value.
Modern Copper Nickel Clad Half Dollar Values
Everything changed for the Kennedy Half Dollar starting in 1971. This was the year the U.S. Mint stripped all silver from circulating coins, switching to a hard-wearing copper-nickel clad composition. This move officially severed the coin's value from the precious metals market for good.
Because of this, the vast majority of Kennedy halves you'll find from 1971 to today are worth exactly what they say they are: 50 cents. If one turns up in your pocket change, it's almost certainly a standard clad coin with no extra value. But don't write off this entire era—there are still a few treasures for a sharp-eyed collector to find.
For modern coins, value is all about two things: condition and rarity. Only pristine, uncirculated coins or special collector-only issues will fetch more than their face value.
Notable Modern Issues and Their Values
While most clad Kennedy halves are incredibly common, a few years and special editions do stand out. The most recognizable is the 1776-1976 Bicentennial issue, with its iconic reverse design of Independence Hall. Billions were made, so circulated examples are only worth face value. However, the San Francisco Mint also struck special 40% silver versions for collectors, and those are definitely worth hanging onto.
Here are a few other modern issues to keep an eye out for:
- Proof Coins: These are the real lookers. Struck with specially polished dies, they have a stunning mirror-like finish and are sold directly to collectors. Most are valued in the $2 to $5 range.
- Silver Proofs: In 1992, the U.S. Mint brought back silver in a big way for its collector sets, issuing proof Kennedy halves in 90% silver. These coins consistently trade for their silver melt value plus a small numismatic premium.
- NIFC (Not Intended For Circulation) Issues: This is a key period for modern collectors. From 2002 to 2020, the Mint stopped putting Kennedy halves into general circulation. Instead, they sold them directly to collectors in bags and rolls. This created much lower mintages, and uncirculated NIFC coins can be worth $1 to $3 apiece.
It's worth repeating: with modern coins, condition is everything. A common date coin graded MS-67 (which is a very high grade) might sell for $30 or more. That exact same coin with just a few nicks and scratches? It’s back to being worth 50 cents.
If you've got a pile of modern coins, silver issues, or other valuables, knowing their true worth is the first step. For our neighbors in Idaho, our Gold and Jewelry Buying services offer the highest payout in Boise. We make it easy with free, non-damaging Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for accurate, hassle-free offers. With our Price Matching guarantee, you can be confident you’ll save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments.
How Mintage Figures Impact Coin Scarcity and Value
When you're trying to figure out kennedy half dollar values by year, one of the first things an experienced collector looks at is the mintage. This is simply the total number of coins a specific mint produced in a given year. The logic is straightforward: the fewer coins they made, the scarcer they are, and that scarcity is what drives value.
This single factor is why two coins with the exact same metal content can have wildly different prices. If a coin was struck by the hundreds of millions, it's just plain common. But a coin from a year when production was tiny? That's a prize for any collection.
High Mintage vs. Low Mintage Years
The early days of the Kennedy Half Dollar saw mind-boggling production numbers. Back in 1964, the U.S. Mint churned out over 430 million Kennedy halves just to keep up with the overwhelming public desire to own a piece of history. Production stayed high for the rest of the 60s and through the 70s.
Because of these massive mintages, coins from this era are incredibly easy to find today. For them, value is almost always tied to their silver content or being in exceptionally pristine condition. But things didn't stay that way forever.
As we moved into the 21st century, the half dollar all but vanished from everyday pocket change. This shift led the U.S. Mint to make a major change. Grasping this is just as important as knowing the different eras of silver content in other coins, which you can read about in our guide on the value of Mercury Dimes.
The Rise of NIFC Coins
Starting in 2002, the game changed completely. The U.S. Mint stopped issuing Kennedy Half Dollars for general circulation. Instead, they began striking them in much smaller quantities and selling them directly to collectors in bags and rolls.
These coins quickly got a nickname in the hobby: "Not Intended For Circulation" (NIFC). This decision instantly created a new category of modern-day rarities. Since NIFC coins never saw the inside of a cash register and were made in tiny numbers, they are naturally harder to come by than their counterparts from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. They don't have silver, but their low mintage alone gives them a nice little premium over face value, especially for uncirculated examples.
Special Issues and Limited Production
On top of the circulation and NIFC coins, the Mint also creates special collector versions specifically designed with low production numbers in mind. These are often the most valuable modern Kennedy Half Dollars you can find.
- Silver Proofs: Struck since 1992 in 90% silver, these coins have that gorgeous, mirror-like finish and are made in far smaller numbers than standard clad proofs.
- Matte Finish: For certain special sets, the Mint has produced coins with a unique, non-reflective matte finish. A standout is the 1998-S Matte Finish, with a tiny mintage of only about 62,000, making it a huge target for collectors.
- Reverse Proofs: These are a fantastic twist on the classic proof. The fields (background) are frosted and the devices (the portrait and eagle) are mirrored. Their distinct look and limited numbers make them perennial favorites.
Cashing In: Selling Your Kennedy Half Dollars and Other Valuables
Once you've gone through your collection and have a good handle on what it's worth, you might decide it's time to sell. Whether you're holding silver Kennedy halves, gold bullion, or fine jewelry, the key to getting the best price is finding a buyer you can trust. A reputable local expert makes all the difference, offering a secure and transparent process from the moment you walk in.
Here in Boise, we've built our reputation as the premier destination for Gold and Jewelry Buying. We're absolutely committed to giving you the highest payout in Boise for your precious metals. Our entire process is built on trust and accuracy, so you can walk away knowing you got the true value of your items.
Why A Local Expert Beats Selling Online
Let's be honest, selling your valuables shouldn't be a complicated or risky ordeal. Online buyers might seem convenient at first glance, but they come with the stress and uncertainty of shipping your precious items across the country. Dealing with a local buyer means immediate payment and total peace of mind.
We make a confident, hassle-free offer by providing a professional and completely transparent evaluation. We use state-of-the-art, non-damaging technology to get an exact assessment of your valuables.
- Free Xray Scanning: This tech lets us see the precise metallic composition of your coins and jewelry without leaving a single scratch.
- Free Gold Testing: We verify the purity and weight of every gold item right in front of you, ensuring our offer reflects its exact market value.
Our goal is to provide a straightforward and educational experience. We want you to feel confident in your decision, which is why all our offers are no-obligation and come with a Price Matching guarantee.
Get The Best Value Right Here In Boise
When you understand the Kennedy half dollar values by year for your collection, the next logical step is getting a fair price for them. By choosing a trusted local buyer, you save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments. You get to skip the risk of lost packages, shipping damage, and long waits for payment.
For a deeper dive into maximizing your return, our guide on how to sell collectible coins offers some fantastic insights.
We provide a secure, professional environment where you can sell your Kennedy half dollars, gold, and jewelry with absolute confidence. You'll know you received the best possible payout in Boise.
Your Top Kennedy Half Dollar Questions Answered
When you start digging into the world of Kennedy half dollars, a few questions always seem to surface. It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or have been collecting for years; getting straight answers is key. Let's tackle some of the most common questions to clear things up.
Think of this as your quick-reference guide. Getting these fundamentals down will make you a much sharper collector, helping you spot the valuable coins and understand what you're holding.
Are All Kennedy Half Dollars Made of Silver?
This is probably the number one point of confusion for new collectors, and the short answer is a firm no. Only the early years of the series contain any silver.
- 1964: These are the big ones. The Kennedy half dollars minted in 1964 are the only ones made of 90% silver.
- 1965-1970: The composition changed after the first year. These coins contain a reduced amount of silver, clocking in at 40% silver.
- 1971-Present: From 1971 on, all Kennedy halves intended for circulation are made from a copper-nickel clad composition. They contain no silver at all. That said, the U.S. Mint has continued to strike special silver proof versions specifically for collectors, so you can still find modern silver Kennedys, but they weren't meant for your pocket change.
How Do I Find the Mint Mark On My Kennedy Half Dollar?
Finding the mint mark—the little letter that tells you where the coin was made—is pretty straightforward, but you have to know where to look, as the location changed.
On the very first 1964 Kennedy halves, you'll need to flip the coin over. The mint mark is on the reverse (the back with the eagle), just below the eagle's left talon. After a brief hiatus, the mint mark returned in 1968, but this time it was moved to the obverse (the front), right under the bust of Kennedy.
A Quick Mint Mark Guide:
- D = Denver Mint
- S = San Francisco Mint
- P = Philadelphia Mint (only used from 1980 onwards)
- No Mint Mark on a coin before 1980 usually means it came from the Philadelphia Mint.
Should I Get My Kennedy Half Dollars Professionally Graded?
For the vast majority of Kennedy half dollars you'll find in circulation, professional grading is not worth the expense. The cost to have a coin graded by a top-tier service like PCGS or NGC would be much higher than the coin's value.
However, grading becomes a very smart move for a few specific types of coins:
- High-value key dates, especially the 1970-D.
- Coins with significant, verifiable, and well-known errors.
- Any Kennedy half dollar in truly exceptional, near-flawless condition (think MS-65 or higher).
In these cases, having a coin authenticated and graded by a professional service can dramatically boost its market value and give potential buyers the confidence they need to pay top dollar.
What Does "NIFC" Mean For Kennedy Half Dollars?
If you collect modern coins, you'll run into the term NIFC, which stands for "Not Intended For Circulation." This is a game-changer for anyone interested in Kennedy halves from the last couple of decades.
Starting in 2002, the U.S. Mint stopped releasing Kennedy half dollars for general circulation. Instead, they began selling them directly to collectors in mint-sealed bags and rolls. Because they weren't being mass-produced for banks anymore, their mintage numbers dropped dramatically. As a result, these NIFC coins from 2002 to today are much tougher to find in the wild and often carry a small premium, particularly if they are still in uncirculated condition.
Whether you're selling a single rare coin or an entire collection of precious metals, getting an expert, trustworthy evaluation is paramount. At Carat 24 - Trusted Gold Experts, we specialize in Gold and Jewelry Buying and are committed to offering the highest payout in Boise. We provide free Xray Scanning and Gold Testing for transparent, hassle-free offers. With our Price Matching guarantee, you can save the hassle and sell locally for more than online shipments. Visit us to discover the true value of your treasures today. Learn more at https://carat24boise.com.
