A Half Dollar Worth Millions?
Could a coin in your change be worth millions? The Kennedy Half Dollar, first minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, is a coin you might still find today. It shows Kennedy’s portrait on the front and an eagle on the back. Most are worth 50 cents, but rumors claim some rare ones could be valued at $6.9 million. Is this true, and could one of these valuable coins still be hiding in your wallet or coin jar?
Why Are Some Kennedy Half Dollars So Valuable?
Certain Kennedy Half Dollars are worth a lot because of rare errors or special features. In 1964, some were made with 90% silver, which makes them more valuable than later versions made with cheaper metals. A rare 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar, with a super sharp design, sold for $6.9 million at auction in 2021, fueling the high-value rumors. Another prized version is the 1970-D, only included in special sets, which can sell for up to $15,000 in top condition. Errors like doubled letters or dates also boost value, sometimes reaching thousands.
| Rare Coin | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Kennedy | Special Mint Set, sharp design | Up to $6.9 million |
| 1970-D Kennedy | Only in mint sets, 90% silver | Up to $15,000 |
Are These Coins Still Out There?
Kennedy Half Dollars are not used much in daily life anymore, but they’re still around in bank rolls, old collections, or even loose change. The 1964 SMS is incredibly rare, with only a few known, so finding one in circulation is a long shot. However, 1964 silver half dollars or coins with minor errors are more common and could show up in unexpected places like cash registers or flea markets. The chance of finding a valuable one keeps collectors and regular people excited to check their coins.
How to Spot a Rare Kennedy Half Dollar
Finding a valuable Kennedy Half Dollar is possible with a little effort. For 1964 coins, check the edge; silver ones look shinier and heavier than later clad versions. For the 1970-D, look for a “D” mint mark near the date, as these were only in special sets. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like doubled “LIBERTY” or dates. If you find a possible rare coin, don’t clean it, as cleaning can lower its value. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service to confirm if it’s a treasure.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Check 1964 Coins | Look for shiny silver edges |
| Look for “D” Mark | 1970-D has “D” near date |
Selling Safely and Avoiding Scams
If you find a rare Kennedy Half Dollar, sell it through trusted places like major auction houses or reputable coin dealers. Heritage Auctions is a good option for high-value coins. Always get your coin checked by an expert to make sure it’s real, as fakes or altered coins are common. Scammers might try to pass off regular half dollars as rare, so authentication is crucial. The dream of a big payout keeps the hunt for these coins alive.
Start Your Coin Hunt Today
The $6.9 million Kennedy Half Dollar is real for the ultra-rare 1964 SMS, but most half dollars won’t make you rich. Still, checking your change or old coin stashes for silver 1964 coins or errors is a fun way to search for treasure. With many Kennedy Half Dollars still out there, you might find something valuable. Grab a magnifying glass, learn the key signs, and start looking. A 50-cent coin could turn out to be worth a fortune.