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One of the most popular coins to collect during the 20th century features one of the most popular presidents of the 20th century.
Kennedy half dollars, which have been in circulation since 1964, honor John F. Kennedy – our nation’s 35th president, who served from 1961 until he was assassinated in 1963.
The United States government swiftly approved the Kennedy half dollar mere weeks after Kennedy was killed — making for what was one of the most sudden changes in United States coinage history.
The Kennedy half dollar replaced the Franklin half dollar — which was struck from 1948 to 1963.
Below, you will see how much Kennedy half dollars are worth (including the Bicentennial half dollar), and which ones are considered rare Kennedy Half dollars…
The Most Common Kennedy Half Dollars
Kennedy half dollars, though not seen in circulation much anymore, are actually very common coins.
Before Kennedy half dollars were made in 1964, half dollars in general circulated quite well.
However, a mourning nation wanting these souvenirs of the fallen president quickly put in place a national habit of withholding half dollars from circulation.
Couple that effect with the overall zeal to keep all silver coins from circulation during the mid 1960s, when people hoarded coins which contained any trace of silver, and you can easily see how half dollars in circulation became a thing of the past.
The United States Mint made 100s of millions of Kennedy half dollars. Production remained high overall through much of the 1970s. By the time the 1980s entered, half dollar use had essentially stopped across much of the country — and the numbers of Kennedy half dollars being made declined.
The last year more than 60 million half dollars were made for circulation was 1983.
The last time Kennedy half dollar mintage in any single year was in the 100s of millions was in the mid 1970s.
If you look for half dollars, the dates you’ll most often find are from:
- 1971
- 1972
- 1974
- 1776-1976 (the Bicentennial half dollar)
After that, you’ll likely find some sporadic dates ranging from the late 1970s and early 1980s — followed by a variety of dates from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Relatively few Kennedy half dollars made in the 2000s have really ever reached circulation. Most dates from the mid 1980s and on have very light (if any) perceptible wear — because they are used so infrequently.
Are Silver Kennedy Half Dollars Hard To Find?
If you look for Kennedy half dollars at banks, there’s actually a slim chance you’ll wind up finding silver half dollars.
Because half dollars don’t circulate very much and most people don’t even think to ask for them in change or, for that matter, spend much time looking at half dollars — silver half dollars do turn up on occasion in bank rolls.
Be sure you check coin rolls of half dollars whenever you can. With a bit of searching, you stand a chance of finding a 40% silver Kennedy half dollar (made from 1965 through 1969 for circulation) or even a 90% silver 1964 Kennedy half dollar.
Here’s when Kennedy silver half dollars were made:
- 1964 was the only year Kennedy half dollars were struck in the 90% silver format.
- From 1965 through 1970, Kennedy half dollars were made of a 40% silver composition. (By the way, 1970 Kennedy half dollars were made only for mint sets, though some have entered circulation.)
- Beginning in 1971, Kennedy half dollars made for circulation were struck in a copper-nickel clad composition.
- Some 1776-1976 Kennedy half dollars were made in a 40% silver composition for coin collectors – these are found in mint sets and proof sets.
- 90% silver proof Kennedy half dollars have been made since 1992 for inclusion in certain proof sets.
Are There Any Rare Kennedy Half Dollars?
There are really no rare regular-strike Kennedy half dollars.
Values for most Kennedy half dollars are cheap — except for the prices of a couple scarce coins and error coins, of which there are many:
- The 1970-D Kennedy half dollar is the scarcest, worth about $20 in typical uncirculated grades.
- The 1998-S silver matte finish Kennedy half dollar is worth $500.
- All circulated copper-nickel clad half dollars without any errors are worth only face value.
- Most proof Kennedy half dollars are valued between $3 and $10.
- Regular, uncirculated 1964 Kennedy half dollars are worth around $8.
- Regular uncirculated 1965 through 1969 Kennedy half dollars have a value of around $5.
- All worn silver Kennedy half dollars are worth right about whatever the current melt value is for the respective amount of silver.
What’s The Value Of A 1776 To 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar?
If you’ve found a Bicentennial half dollar in your change, you’re probably wondering what the 1776-1976 half dollar value is — and whether or not these old half dollars are rare.
Amazingly, more than a half a billion (that’s with a B!) 1976 Bicentennial half dollars were made. So, in a nutshell, no – the Bicentennial ones aren’t rare Kennedy half dollars by any stretch of the imagination.
A well-worn bicentennial Kennedy half dollar made from copper-nickel clad and bearing either no mintmark under Kennedy’s head or a “D” mintmark (for Denver) is worth face value — or 50 cents.
The “S” mintmark Kennedy half dollars (made at the San Francisco Mint) may be worth significantly more — because some 1976-S Kennedy half dollars are made from copper-nickel clad and others are made from a 40% silver composition.
To tell the difference, you’ll need to look at the side of your Bicentennial half dollars. If you see an orange or brown band along the edge, it’s made from copper. If the edge appears silver or has only a slight tan tone, it’s more likely a silver half dollar.
You can also tell the difference between copper-nickel and 40% silver Bicentennial half dollars by weighing them:
- A clad Bicentennial half dollar weighs about 11.34 grams.
- A 40% silver 1976 half dollar weighs 11.5 grams.
If you have a copper-nickel clad 1976-S Bicentennial half dollar, it’s probably a collectible proof coin and is worth about $1.
Have the silver 1976-S Kennedy half dollar? Then it’s worth $3 to $5.
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
I’m collecting kennedy half Dollars and want to know how to spot the 1965-66-67 coins that are not SMS?
Hi, Marty —
SMS Kennedy halves generally have a sharper strike than regular-issue Kennedy halves. Some 1965 and most 1966 and 1967 SMS Kennedy halves also tend to have a mirror-like appearance. Conversely, most regular-issue Kennedy halves from 1965, 1966, and 1967 halves don’t have a mirror-like finish, even if they are uncirculated.
I just discovered your very interesting site…..thank you for all the enjoyment I
find here. I am 83 years old and am sorting out some old wheat pennies that
I tucked away some years back. One of my 1909’s has a very small 0. It
is obviously an error. The 0 is not level with the other numbers. Do I have a
treasure? Also, thank you for enlarging the VDB 1909. I have one of them but
it is very worn though one can see the VDB. What is the best way for me to sell it to a coin dealer? I can really use the money whatever amount. Thank you very much for any response you can afford me. tmccain1@tampabay.rr.com
Hello, TMcCain1 –
We’re very appreciative to know how much you enjoy the site!
As for the 1909 penny with the small ‘0,’ it actually is the case that 1909 Lincoln pennies do have very small ‘0s.’ In fact, the bottom of the ‘0’ in 1909 comes up nearly as high as the loops in the ‘9s.’ Now, I’m not sure if that’s the size of the ‘0’ in your coin, though I can say I’m not aware of any die varieties that would have caused an unusually small ‘0.’
As for selling your 1909 VDB cent to a coin dealer, most dealers accept walk-ins and will evaluate your coin based on its condition. Dealers pay 50 to 80% of the coin values listed in most coin pricing guides. They will offer less, though, if a coin has been cleaned or is damaged. While I can’t say exactly what you’ll get if you sell your 1909 VDB penny, I think you could expect $7 to $10 if it’s a decent piece with typical amounts of wear, usual brown color, and no signs of damage.
Enjoy going through all those coins, and please let us know if you have any further questions or comments!
thank you for the imformation
i would love for you to write how much a kennedy half dollar with a error on it is worth(the error is the letter e in liberty)
Jai,
Thanks for your comment. Please feel free to post a photo at The Fun Times Guide to Coins Facebook page and we may be able to give you some idea as to its value after seeing exactly what type of error your coin has. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/TheFunTimesGuideToCoins
mine (i have 2 1976 coins) are weird to.. the bottom of the E is missing.
Hi, Roy –
Actually, the missing bottom on the “E” in LIBERTY is intentional and part of the design on all normal Kennedy half dollars.
I have a 1964 proof set of coins and the Kennedy half has the highly defined hair and I was wondering about the valve of this coin
Hi Gerald,
As of this writing, a 1964 proof set with the accented hair Kennedy half variety is worth around $40 to $50.
Good catch! One slabbed cost me around $40 a couple of years ago. Check eBay to get a sense of what they sell for.
i have a 1977 kennedy 1/2 dollar i got in change from the bank in 1977, had it put away , now everyone saying its a fake, is it possible its real, im just looking for someone to look it over and know for shure , thanks
Hi, Wayne —
I can tell you without even seeing the coin with 99 percent certainty that your 1977 Kennedy half dollar is real, and tens of millions were made. Half dollars don’t circulate much anymore, and likely the people telling you it’s fake have never seen a half dollar before.
By the way, unless you have an S-mint 1977 Kennedy half dollar (check for the letter between Kennedy’s neck and the date), your half dollar is worth face value if worn. You’re probably better off just hanging onto it as you’ve already owned it for so long; it will have more value to as a keepsake than as a spendable 50-cent coin.
I have a1977 Kennedy Half dollar that is a coper colored or bronze. If you look to the left side around his neck there is a 1960 date and on the right 1985 the last numbers 0 and 5 are deeply stamped. Can any body tell me what this is
Gossett,
Sounds like you have a real Kennedy half dollar that was both plated and altered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential election win. Such novelty pieces are actually quite common and, because they’re altered, don’t really have any collector value to most numismatists.
I have a 1974 Kennedy gold covered half dollar with the 1960-1985 dates on the face. Is this an error?
Jeanne,
What you have is a real Kennedy half dollar that was altered by a coin company to commemorate the 25th anniversary of John F. Kennedy winning the 1960 presidential election. These are novelty coins and are common. These are worth a few dollars each.
1967 silver 90% how much is it worth
Connor,
A 1967 40% silver (there was no 90%) is worth around $3 with current silver values.
How do I know if my Kennedy Half Dollars are SMS?
Sr Johnson –
In the case of the SMS Kennedy halves, 1965 pieces usually have more refined details than their regular uncirculated counterparts, and those from 1966 and 1967 have nearly mirror like surfaces, whereas the regular uncirculated pieces do not.
If you’re interested, here is some more information about special mint sets and their values: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/1965_mint_set/
Hi Joshua,
I have six JFK half dollars that are turning very green. Is it okay to clean them? If so what would you recommend?
Hi, Audrey –
The fact that they are turning green indicates it may be PVC damage, though without looking, I can’t tell. It depends what type of holder they have been stored in. If it is PVC damage, you may want to visit your nearest coin dealer and ask if they have a PVC remover, which would be the safest way to remove the discoloration.
Hate to be picky about the content, as the intentions were good, but 90% silver Kennedy halves have been included in Silver Proof sets since 1992.
Guest,
Yes, that fact was noted in one of the bottom bullet points and is restated here: “90% silver proof Kennedy half dollars have been made since 1992 for inclusion in certain proof sets.”
i have a 1965 Half dollar. it has no mint mark and the coin appears to be all silver there is absolutely no copper coloring on the edging
Ive got a 1969 and a 1967 the same when compared to the other 50 of each I have these 2 stand out and look 100% silver. Are there any other coins out there like this?
Hey Joshua, I have a 1776-1976 Kennedy Half Dollar and it appears to have a error. The “D & O” on DOLLAR on the back is NOT imprinted. When I first looked at it I thought it was just worn but the ridge below it is not worn and the stars above it is not worn. For a circulated coin it is in very good shape with a great wagon wheel shine. After I inspected a little closer and turned it there is a FAINT outline of “DO” have you ran accross one of these before?
Hi, Angela –
If you could post a picture of the coin here in the comments forum, that would help, but given the description it sounds like it may have been a weak strike. If this is the case, the coin isn’t really any more valuable than a regular piece.
I have a coin with john f kennedy on the front and on the back it says when he was born a liitle about his life and when he died is this worth anything.
I found in my collection of 1964 Kennedy half-dollars there is one in particular that has a bullet between his head and T does anyone else have this coin?
Warren,
The bullet in the head is a morbid carving made by some individual outside of the U.S. Mint. This adds no additional value.
Was ther ever any 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars minted that were NOT 90% silver?
Hi, Biff –
No, in fact all 1964 Kennedy half dollars were 90 percent silver. The first 40 percent silver half dollars are dated 1965, and the first copper-nickel clad halves were released in 1971.
i have a 1980 Kennedy coin in almost perfect condition what is it worth and if not worth much is it worth keeping.
Hi, guest –
As for your 1980 Kennedy half dollar, while it is considered a common coin, they don’t show up much anymore in circulation (and haven’t since even before YOUR Kennedy half was made). Even in mint state condition, your Kennedy half dollar is worth roughly 75 cents to $1, but hang onto it; it’s an unusual coin to most people and a momento from an earlier era in U.S. coinage history.
Hi i was just going threw my little coin collection i just started building on to see the value i might be able to get from some of them and i have a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. I read up on it and i read that its the first year they started making the Kennedy Half Dollars that it contains 90% silver and i was comparing it with my other Kennedy Half Dollars that are 1966 and the hair looks different in the 1966 then the 1964 but i am not certain on that but it does look pretty different. i cant make out with my eye what mint mark it is but it looks like a W… i am not sure on that though its very faint. i know the coin loses value depending on how clean it is mine is pretty dirty and i read to not wash the coins they will lose value so im not going to risk shining it out. I read threw alot of things on google which landed me here and to your facebook page to ask you what you think the value of this coin is? I was looking at this website here
https://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=422&lotNo=4933
and that guys coin is going for 5,000$ with 7 bidders. mines not as clean as that so i was wondering how much value i could lose from it being not so shiny and just the general realistic range on what this could be worth.
Hi, Tyler –
Great questions; let’s start with the issue of value. The reason that the 1964 Kennedy half dollar on the link is going for several thousand dollars has much to do with how well it was struck at the mint. Yes, it’s very shiny, but it’s not just shine alone that makes it worth so much. It’s also how many of the minutest of details were struck up and how perfect the surface of the coin is overall. Typically, however, a 1964 Kennedy half dollar is worth between $5 and $10.
Now, in 1965, the U.S. Mint switched from using 90 percent silver to 40 percent silver composition, and in the process, dies (the device that strikes the image on a coin) also received a little modification. With the metal change also came tiny changes in how the design looks as a result of how the design strikes up on a different metal composition. Kennedy half dollars made in 1965 and 1966 are currently worth around $3.
Hi my name is nidia and I have a kennedy coin from 1974 great condition. I was wondering if its worth anything?
Hello, Nidia –
If your Kennedy half dollar is worn, it’s worth face value.
Hello! Me weylin again, i found 14 kennedy half dollars all from 1964 in my vault. Ill try to post a picture so you can see their wear. I also have a jfk half dollar thats stamped 1974 at the bottom but says 1960 on the left and 1985 on the right. My only curiosity for that coin is that it is extremely shiny (like glistening).
It’s a goldish color and someone said its strange that the dates are stamped into the front like that. Sorry to keep bothering you. Last time I promise.
Weylin, we are more than happy to answer any questions here! Please feel free to ask questions any time you want to learn more about your coins. That’s what we are here for. As I had mentioned in my previous reply to you, the 1974 Kennedy half dollar was polished (and probably plated) and is dual dated (stamped after the coin left the mint). This coin appears to commemorate an anniversary relating to Kennedy’s assassination.
Hello, Weylin!
Great find on the 1964 Kennedy halves! Each is worth around $5 to $7 right now, given silver values.
Your 1974 Kennedy half dollar was polished and, I can see on the bottom half of the obverse side, on either side of Kennedy’s bust, dual dating that was stamped by somebody after the coin left the mint, so it is a novelty piece. That one is probably worth a couple dollars to somebody interested in such altered / novelty coins.
Can you give me an idea on what this coin is worth. I have a Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar with date possible doubled die and definitely the mint mark is a doubled with a smaller D stamped on top of a bigger D.
I cannot find any record of a 1976-D doubled die Kennedy half dollar. I wonder if the mintmark had been stamped twice onto the die and, in the process, had rotated, which I can say has occurred on numerous coins over the years up until the late 1980s and is considered as a variety for said coins. Based on the scarcity of the individual coins, values can range from as little as $5 to $10 up to $50 or more.
Have you seen any articles or research on the dies used only on the 1983 coins, different from 1982 and 1984? How about any articles or research on some of the 1970’s coins that have a short staff on the E above Kennedy’s head? I have been checking a few Kennedy’s recently and found a few with these differences.
Hi, Starfire –
I haven’t seen anything specifically about the 1983 dies, but what I can tell you is that it is quite common for the dies to be variated slightly year to year to improve striking.
I will have to investigate this further and let you know if I can find anything definitive on this.
I sent the following in an email and I post it here also:
I have seen articles on coins regarding the changes in dies. I was just
reading about the number of changes in the penny dies since 1958. At least 7
changes. I thought someone might have done the same for Kennedy halves.
Anyway, I noticed the reverses seem the same on 1982, 1983 and 1984 halves, but
the obverses are different. In 1982, the letters are very close to the rim and
the last t in trust is so close that the bottom is cut at an angle. In 1983,
the letters are noticeably further from the rim. Also, the last t un trust is
full and further from the rim. In 1984, the letters are again close to the rim,
like in 1982. The last t in trust is more similar to the one on the 1983 than
the 1982. It is not quite as far from the rim as the 1983 and therefore does
not have a flare on both sides of the bottom of the t like in 1983. It only has
a flare on the left side of the bottom.
With such noticeable differences, I would have thought someone might have
written up the new differences in the dies and why they might have made the
changes.
I’ve obtained a good amount of JFK half’s from the bank 64-70 %40 &%90 now how do I win? Where can I get full value for my treasure? I know e-bay. The cash for gold places only offer double face value? Please let us know!
Hi, I’m having a hard time finding the value of my Error 1974 Kennedy half dollar, the reverse of the coin is rotated by more than 50% (eagle is upside-down and slightly off… I would say it is rotated by more than 200 degrees clockwise) – I cant find anything comparable to this huge rotation error, would anyone know?
You are mistaken, I fear. The Kennedy half Dollar’s eagle is always upside down to the Kennedy on front. This tail to head rule apples to many coins and I fear that you have an ordinary Kennedy half.
I have a 1971-d Kennedy half dollar with a die rotation only slightly was wondering on value it is in at least ef condition from what i’ve read i’m no coin collector. any input is appreciated
Hello, K –
Many Kennedy half dollar die rotations of that era are altered, but as you mention the die rotation is only slight (less than 5-10 degrees?), it could be legit. The tell-tale sign of a fake would be a seam around the edge of the coin. If the rotation is less than 20 degrees, the typical value for such a piece would be around $3.
Thanks for your question!
hello, joshua. I found a few years back a 197_? Kennedy half. As you can see in photos’ why i’m not sure what the date is, my guess’ 1970. . The error on the coin is a total mystery, it looks like a blob of “extra silver”. The error goes through to the back . On the front , you can see the ear is on top of the the error along with a light image still visible. Is this an error from the mint,? Have you see this type of error before? Thanks for any information and help on this mystery. photos attached
Hello JM,
I have seen coins like this. Sometimes the cause is a gas bubble trapped between the layers of copper and nickel cladding, though because this coin appears to have some surface damage, I’m thinking maybe some type of post mint damage (maybe acid or intense heat) caused the deformity.
The pitting on the obverse surface and green discoloration across both the obverse and reverse surfaces has me really leaning toward this being post mint damage.
Given the shape of the depressions near the base of the obverse where the date is, I believe this is a 1973-dated Kennedy half dollar.
So I assume since there looks to be post mint damage, there is no increased value for the “gas bubble” mint error? Or is the gas bubble not an collectible mint error?
Hi, JM –
Great follow-up question. In some cases, the gas bubbles occur in the minting process, but the surface issues with your coin lead me to think it was exposed to extreme heat, which is something that would have happened after your coin left the mint. Bubbles commonly occur with coins that have been involved in fires, and fire could have very well causes the surface issues with your half dollar.
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Today i came across an all silver 1969 D half dollar. I was told they are very rare… can anyone tell me anything on it? I cant find anything on it.
1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar Value is worth a minimum of 50 cents, one in perfect condition can be worth around $5.
Hi, everyone,
Actually, a 1969-D Kennedy half dollar in “perfect” (Mint State 70) condition can be worth thousands of dollars. I think the value mentioned here for a “perfect” piece refers to a standard Mint State 63/64 coin.
Great discussion!
Hello, Brandy –
Given that 1969-D Kennedy half dollars were typically struck with a 40% silver planchet, the first way to verify the authenticity of this would be to weigh your coin. A typical 40% silver half weighs 11.5 grams and a 90% silver (“all silver) Kennedy half weighs 12.5 grams.
Once I find out how much yours weighs I can begin to determine both the origin and an estimate on value.
Thanks for your question!
hi. My name is nik. I recently got into coins and I love it! I have a question. I went to my bank today to get some rolls of halves for roll hunting silver coins. The man at the bank told me that all he had was rolls that came from the mint and that they move all the slver coins before delivery. He said that silver coins would only be in rolls people bring in to cash. Is this true?
Nik, To answer your question in most cases they do move the Silver coins but not all the time you have to be there at the right time, the best way to obtain silver coins in circulation is to have a job working as a cashier, so you can buy the coins as they come in at face value. also if you did not know from 1964 and below the Dimes, Quarters and Half Dollars are 90% Silver and from 1965 – 1969 these coins are 40% Silver and from 1942 through 1945 Jefferson Nickels are 40% Silver You can tell this by looking at the back or tails side of the coins they will have a large “P” , “D” , or “S” this is the tell tell sign of the Silver nickels.
Thank you so much for answering my question. I appreciate you taking the time.
My pleasure, Nik!
Josh how do you post images? Because I think I have some double die pennies.
Hello, Matt —
There’s a rectangular icon to the bottom left of the comment boxes; click on the little rectangular box to bring up a photo selection for uploading.
Best wishes,
Josh
Ok, thanks!
Hey, I have a 1776-1976 half dollar, it doesn’t have a mark or anything. And it is in good condition. How much do you think it is worth?
Do you think it is worth face value?
Hi, Matt —
If the coin is worn at all it’s worth face value, but it’s still a neat coin to keep — Bicentennial half dollars are a cool piece of Americana and important coins for U.S. hobbyists to include in their collections.
Cheers,
Josh
Ok, and one more thing. How much is a 1922 S silver dollar
Thanks again,
Matt
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eeb2d541bef73328cb52a9b4cc95cf1e61648c4388483bccb6448e7d0d8d22fd.png
I am sick 🙁
Hello, Nik —
Every bank has its own policy as to when and how they transfer silver dollars, but in a word yes — the only silver coins would be in rolls wrapped by people like you and me. None would come from the U.S. Mint or Federal Reserve.
Here’s some roll-hunting inspiration for you: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/bank_rolls/
Good luck!
I have a walking liberty 1492-1992. $25. Coin. How much is it worth. I have a 1935 walking liberty to.I have a 1974 Kennedy. How much for all three coins together.
Hello, Cheryl —
While Columbus commemorative coins were made in 1992, none of the Columbus pieces made at the U.S. Mint were of the $25 denomination, so it’s possible you have a coin from another source, perhaps the Franklin Mint? Would you mind posting a photo of that coin please so I can determine what piece it is and what it might be worth?
Meanwhile, your 1935 Walking Liberty half dollar is worth $6 in worn condition and the 1974 Kennedy half is worth face value if worn.
Thanks for your question!
Hello Joshua, i have 1972 D Kennedy Half Dollar Coin, but the back side is turned upside down, does this give any aditional value to the Coin? Thanx
Hi, Miroslav —
Unfortunately, most rotated die errors such as those on your Kennedy half dollar are fake and were created by cutting out the reverse (tails side) design and slipping in a new reverse die at an unusual angle in relation to the obverse (heads side) of the coin.
If yours is fake, it will have a telltale seam either around the reverse rim or along the edge of the coin.
Best,
Joshua @ TheFunTimesGuide
Ok but is it worth anything if it’s not fake? I’ve found today one like this and there is no sign of manipulation…
Hi, Adrian —
Yes, but the value varies based on the amount of rotation less than 5 degrees won’t really bring any value over face. As the rotation increases, the value does to $50 or more.
Again, modern rotation errors are extremely scarce and usually altered, so any piece like this might be worth having authenticated for more clarity.
Best,
Josh
Hello I got a 1974 s half coin that look as if it is gold plated. Do you know anything about this coins and how much could it be worth
Hi, Ruben —
Actually, you have a proof Kennedy half dollar that was broken out of its case and spent as change. Because of the original mirror-like finish on the coin, its appearance will look different than most other Kennedy halves. Your piece, while not worth anymore than 75 to 80 cents as an impaired proof coin, is worth holding aside.
Best,
Josh
Thank you Joshua
What could cause this dot under the 3rd Star on this 1972 S Proof Kennedy Half? It is still in the mint package, and it isn’t something on the outside, so I was just curious what it could be, if you could help, thanks. If you need another pic or anything, please let me know..
I have a 1977 Kennedy Half Dollar that has the date 1960 under the L of Liberty and 1985 under the Y. Is that just something someone probably etched into the coin? The coin sparkles a little more than the ordinary as well.
Hi, Larry —
Yes, you’re theory is correct — this is a real 1977 Kennedy half dollar that has been counterstamped; it sounds like it was turned into a novelty coin to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kennedy’s 1960 election. Such pieces are usually worth between face value and $1.50-$2.
Best,
Josh
Can someone tell me this,….I have some 64 Kennedy half dollar…..some have a letter d on the opposite side of the fg on the back…what does this mean?…..Is it for Denver by chance……and is it worth more than the others from Philadelphia?
Hi, James —
It sounds like you are indeed referring to the Denver mintmark and, in this particular case, there really is no added value for D-mint 1964 Kennedy half dollars versus Philadelphia-mint halves of the same date.
Great question,
Josh
My wife has a 1976 Kennedy half dollar that appears to have a gas bubble on both sides of the coin. They are not lined up as though one bubble. They are separated slightly. One is in the middle of Kennedy’s cheek and the bubble on the reverse is on the left side of Independence Hall. What would this possibly be worth?
Hi, Cory —
I would need to please see a photo. It’s also possible (and quite likely) the gas bubble is actually a deformation from high heat exposure. Clad coins commonly bubble when exposed to flames and other sources of intense heat.
I hope this info helps,
Josh
Hey , I was wondering if you could tell what could me if this an error on the coin and if it adds any value to the coin.?. I would really appreciate it .
Hi,
Based on what I see in the photo, this appears to be a counterstamp impression or other form of post-mint damage.
In that case, this coin would be worth face value.
I hope this sheds some light on the situation!
Josh
Time to update your site because the kennedy half dollars are back in circulation again because I went to the bank last week and I got 3 rolls and I found one 2016 dated half dollar so that would mean they are back in circulation if a new coin is in a bank roll.
Hi, Jim —
Half dollars are still not officially being struck for circulation. If a 2016 half dollar has ended up in a bank roll (lucky find indeed!), it’s only because somebody in private commerce put it there. By the way, good luck with your half dollar roll searching! What a great way to look for silver coins!
Here’s some more info on coin roll searching: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/bank_rolls/
Best,
Josh
Got 2 1972D Kennedy, are this double dies? Thanks
Hi, Charles —
Based on the photos, I’m afraid these aren’t doubled dies.
Keep on checking your change!
Josh
Hello. My friend found a half dollar coin with JFK 1776-1976 on the front and independence half dollar on the back. It says 200 years of freedom Even Pluribus Unim. 5g. Can you possibly help me figure out how much it’s worth?
Hi, Brittiny —
You have a 1976 Bicentennial half dollar that, if worn, is worth face value. Those that have a small “S” mintmark and don’t have an orange-colored copper band on the edge of the coin are made from a 40% silver composition and are worth about $4.
Best,
Josh
Nice article, thanks. I just bought a nice 1976 Bicentennial
half dollar today and I’m waiting for my 1964 half dollar to be delivered! I’m
excited!
Awesome, Balazs! I hope you enjoy your new Kennedy half dollars! Thank you for your kind comments and feedback, too!
How much is my 1944 walking liberty half dollar selling for? I know its %90 silver just curious
Hi, Brock —
Right now, a 1944 Walking Liberty half dollar in average circulated condition is worth about $6 to $7.
Thank you for your question,
Josh
I have three die marks on my 1969 kennedy half dollar.the marks are D,GR,FG dose this add any value to it
Hello, Deray —
Those die marks are the following:
“D” is the Denver mintmark, denoting where the coin was struck.
“GR” are the initials of Gilroy Roberts, the person who designed the Kennedy bust on the obverse (head’s side) of the half dollar.
“FG” are the initials of Frank Gasparro, the artist who designed the Presidential Seal design on the reverse (tail’s side) of the half dollar.
By the way, your 1969-D Kennedy half dollar is a 40% silver coin and is presently worth about $3.
Thank you for your questions!
Josh
Here a pic of the 1969 kennedy half dollar
What is the mark above the date on my 1776 1976 Kennedy half dollar?
Hi, Derek —
Without seeing your specific coin, I would venture a guess you’re referring to a small, single letter known as the mintmark. A mintmark (or lack thereof) indicates where your coin was made.
•A “P” tells you the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint; in most cases, the absence of a mintmark also means the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint.
•”D” mintmarks stand for the Denver Mint
•The presence of an “S” mintmarks means your coin was made at the San Francisco Mint.
Here’s more info on mintmarks: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/mint_marks_letters_on_coins/
I hope this info helps. Thank you for your question!
Best,
Josh
Hi, total newbie here. I have several Kennedy half dollars that i inherited: 1964, 1971, 1972, 1776-1976, and 1980. All five of them have 180° die rotation errors. I was wondering what that might mean in terms of their value? I can send photos of them if that would help.
Thanks in advance for any information you may have!
They could be worth something but be very careful because you want to check that the coins have not been tampered with. Such errors are very unlikely and you should look at the coin very carefully because the vast majority of such errors are created by forgers who basically cut the coin very close to the rim on one side, remove the cladding and then rotate and re-insert it in order to produce an error coin.
Compare a regular kennedy half with your ones to make sure there is nothing that looks like a seam where there shouldn’t be.
I would guess that a genuine die rotation error would be worth a reasonable amount – retail would be around 100 bucks for most although it could be even more but they are NOT particularly prized as far as errors go I would say and it might take some time to shift your coins if you wanted to get top dollar for them.
If you send some photos here we might be able to tell if they are likely to be genuine or not but you have to get a really good photo.
I happen to have one that is a fake which I strangely found in change but I don’t have a good enough camera to show it properly for you to see what to look for:( Will try again if I get the chance.
Actually I am shocked but from what I can tell it seems someone actually sold one of these for 75bucks on ebay even advertising it as a fake… I cant say any real numismatist should pay for that but there you go…
Good advice, Richard!
Since 40% Silver bi-centennial halves were made for uncirculated mint sets, does that mean these coins are available with P and D mint marks?
Hi, Kevin —
In the case of the 1776-1976 Bicentennial coins, special 3-coin S-mint uncirculated sets were produced. No P- or D-mint 40% silver Bicentennial half dollars were made as regular issues (these would otherwise be off-metal errors, which are technically possible.) ‘
Best,
Josh
Hi Joshua,
After seeing reference to the 40% silver bicentennial in uncirculated sets I couldn’t find specifics on which mint(s) and before I exchanged the large number of coins I have I wanted to make sure I wasn’t unloading something valuable.
Thanks for answering my question.
Hi, Kevin —
All regular-issue 40% silver Bicentennial coins, uncirculated and proof, have an “S” mintmark on the obverse. I hope this info helps!
Good luck,
Josh
Are 1776-1976 kenndy halfs worth saving and are they worth anything??
Hi, Robert —
Unless they are in uncirculated condition, are silver, or are proofs (these latter two varieties have “S” mintmarks) then they are worth face value.
Thank you for your question!
Josh
What year after 1970 are worth saving i have thousands
Hi, Robert —
You might want to check this link out for a list: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/silver-half-dollars/
Aside from dates, do check for errors… Errors and varieties (like the 1982 no FG half dollar) are generally worth more than modern date rarities.
Good luck!
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/85dec86f366c4bc56b00163acf946dced62fd9b319078d3896088ec34f9d79d4.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1cff1f17b67ad65d674d2c6e042257fbfbea7df849e9faf5d255486f18deda5e.jpg
Very nice, Tony! Yours appears to be a in a government-sealed 1975 or 1976 uncirculated set and thus indicates the missing “C” is due to something caused by the Mint. My best guess based on what I see is a filled die. Such pieces often sell for between $3 and $5 among those who are interested in such die varieties… yours being in uncirculated condition and in a mint set may help it fetch a little more.
Thank you for your question and photos,
Josh
Thank you I’m the one that showed you all them pennies I got a 1884 Morgan dollar and a 1925 peace Dollar too and I’m about to get a 1926 peace Dollar and a 1921 s Morgan dollar too
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a98df79159fe20fdcaaa180954edf1e6148dc0c01232c078728ee0e881da6121.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/95237d2a739afac1fce09ddd10267a22ab3ef40093293bcad5495999ee630d8a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/03816408332e5b94a9d530aeff49fdb205119f2c2950eac3eae35426d685a0d7.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fca4f2665559601736a768bfd016fa6b4b0218ffe9fc3345974eaaff6e3cfdff.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1affcf4c7043b5374ff31574b64d1f19cfdc43f3610d32eec6fe8d4df39abc7c.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0e04a433aa2b6470d8486f1485afed5a77f2a1a4c8eefcaa5758069ea904ba97.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f2100efa92a674bb57a9624533a1e961f7701af8c434e784db2e93a5abc1e3e1.jpg
I got a bicentennial Kennedy half dollar in plastic uncurcilated and where it says independence hall its missing the “c” it kinda looks like a “o” but from a loop it looks like theres no letter at all
Hello,
Are the 8 attached photos just regular MAD coins or are they something different? Anything of value?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/870e76300bde2bd0691ca17c6fddefeed003e1f84bec611217134f671cd2a205.jpg
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7884bd1c748f67a5961644d3ea66b5ecf6382b2688a5d20551949d0a6ffba764.jpg
Hello,
Are the 8 coins in the attached photos just regular MAD coins or are they something different? Anything of value?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/870e76300bde2bd0691ca17c6fddefeed003e1f84bec611217134f671cd2a205.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7884bd1c748f67a5961644d3ea66b5ecf6382b2688a5d20551949d0a6ffba764.jpg
Hi, Kevin —
Based on what I see in these images, these half dollars appear normal and are worn. Thus, they are worth face value.
Thank you for checking here first!
Josh
Hi,
Wondering if you might be able to help. My dad recently gave me a box of coins to sell and amongst them is a 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar with the reverse side rotation. It also appears to have a copper coloured band around the edge. Do you have any idea what this may be worth if anything?
Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks 🙂
Hello, Tamsyn —
I’m not sure if you mean the reverse (tail’s side) appears upside down when the obverse (head’s side) is right-side up or not. If so, that’s normal. If not, it could be an error or an alteration. A photo of both sides and the edge could help me make this determination. Could you please post a photo of the copper band? 1976 half dollars do have a copper band exposed on the side of the coin, as the inside of most of these coin is copper, but it could also be a jeweler’s mount. I’ve seen several coins mounted in just such a way.
If you want to find out what your other coins are worth, I suggest you check out this article: https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/us-coins/
Good luck!
Josh
Got $60 in halves. Todat
A whole lot of the. 1776-1976 ones.
All had been visible circulated. I’m keeping the best one.
Last roll, 1 1966 and 1. 1968.
At least something. Quarters and dimes nothing. A 1971 penny change at Arbys
Nice finds, Joan! Congratulations!
I’m going to try the nickels and pennies again. From different banks.
Something unusual happened when I got the .50s and also the dimes.
This branch of Wells Fargo (different town from the nickels and pennies ) ran my account and made a notation of what I got. Strange.
That’s interesting, Joan… Maybe they just keep records of what bank members request what coins? I’m not sure… good luck with your roll searches — they can definitely be fun and profitable!
Best wishes,
Josh
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Hi I found this in a roll today, I don’t know what I think of it. Any ideas?
I found this in a roll today. I don’t know what to think of it, any ideas?
I can’t find anything on my 2004-P Kennedy Half Dollar with a tribute to the challenger mission on the back. It doesn’t seem to be sold anywhere on line. Is it worth anything?
Hi, Mike —
I know what piece you’re talking about. It is not a US Mint issue coin in its current state. It’s a regular 2004-P Kennedy half dollar with a decal applied to the back (or “reverse”) commemorating the Challenger explosion. These pieces are considered novelty coins and this one sells for about $1 or so.
It’s a neat piece…
-Josh
I have a uncirculated Kennedy half dollar with a letter from President Johnson with his signature presenting it to Congressman Hawkins (Claifornia) as one of the first minted. Actually it is one the first ones made given to the Congressmen with a presentation letter. It is in a small plastic covering attached to the letter. He authored the Civil Rights law. It is in a wooden frame with glass probably put in it by himself. I am looking for somewhere to sell this but don’t know exactly where.
Hi, witerose —
Would you please post a photo of this set? If it’s an actual presentation set from the mid 60s I know of at least one major auction house that would be a fit for something like this… I hope to help you further.
Best wishes,
Josh
I just tried to send pictures, I had them uploaded and then deleted the printed info for them and then the pic’s disappeared. Tried to do it again but won’t let me. did you get them?
I tried again. let me know if you got them.
Hi, Witerose,
I’m afraid I did not receive any photos from you… If they’re uploaded here as JPG or PNG files of less than 2MB they should hopefully go through.
Fingers crossed,
Josh
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e1f0d7de032e3578590788f163d23d42a7169f598ae70abe985b112148eceed.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f597bfe530b97cff4e862d0f9f97730be9b86517c54f2c54f2c9dbcd909c186a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cd473273bb28058fc176cb7817cf99be7f54c4e4fa263ac9b9464f4d48edc9f9.jpg
Hi, Witerose —
What you have here is a very special and unique type of historical artifact. This piece, appears to be signed President Johnson and is addressed to Augustus Hawkins, who served as the first black congressman from California and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. I don’t know if the frame is original, but clearly the letter and the 1964 Kennedy half dollar belong together and should stay together. Separated these pieces would lose much of the value they have as a set.
I think if you’re interested in selling this, you should consider Heritage Auctions, which handles a lot of material like this. Here is their info:
Website: https://www.ha.com/
Phone number: 877-437-4824
I think something like this would be a popular item, but it’s hard to say how much it would take. I’m guessing it would easily snag somewhere in the $100 to $500 range and would have plenty of crossover appeal with collectors of Kennedy half dollars, congressional historians, those who were or are fans of Rep Hawkins (who died in 2007 at the ripe old age of 100), or those collect artifacts representing black history.
I hope this info is helpful and I wish you all the best!
Cheers,
Josh
I have 4 1972 Kennedy half dollars 1 1977 and 1 1979 and then the bicentennial one from 1776 to 1976 and on the back it has independence hall. I was trying to see if any of them are worth anything. I also noticed there is an X under his neck on all of them what does that mean?
Hi, Dakota —
For the most part, circulated (worn) Kennedy halves made from 1971 on are worth face value. The insignia that looks something like an X under Kennedy’s bust is actually a stylized combination of the initials for Gilroy Roberts, the person who designed the heads side of the Kennedy half dollar.
Thank you for reaching out,
Josh
Ok so what about the bicentennial one is it just worth face value or what just wondering
Yes, Dakota — the Bicentennial half is actually one of the most common dates and worth face value if worn.
I just found a bicentennial quarter is that any good or would it still be worth 25 cents it has a torch surrounded by 13 stars and a man with a triangle hat beating on a drum
Hi, Dakota —
Over a billion Bicentennial quarters were made between the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, so unless the coin is in mint condition it’s worth face value.
Best wishes,
Josh