You’ve probably seen one of these in a junk drawer or a dusty jar on your dresser. It’s heavy, oversized, and feels like "real" money compared to the tiny dimes we carry today. But if you think every John F. Kennedy half dollar coin is just worth 50 cents, you're leaving money on the table.
Honestly, most people treat these coins like curiosities. They haven't really circulated for decades, so when one turns up, it feels special. But "special" doesn't always mean "expensive." To know if you’ve actually hit a mini-jackpot, you have to look closer at the date, the mint mark, and even the President’s hair.
The 1964 Silver Rush
The story of this coin starts with tragedy. After the assassination of JFK in November 1963, the U.S. Mint moved with lightning speed to replace the Franklin half dollar. By March 1964, the first batch was released to the public.
It was absolute chaos.
People stood in lines that wrapped around city blocks at the Treasury Department. Banks had to ration them. Because they were minted in 90% silver, people didn't spend them—they hoarded them as keepsakes or for their "melt value."
If you find a 1964 Kennedy, it’s worth about $10 just for the silver inside it, even if it’s scratched up. But if it’s a "Special Mint Set" version from that year? One of those sold for a staggering $156,000.
Why the 1964 "Accented Hair" is a Big Deal
Jackie Kennedy actually had a say in how the coin looked. When she saw the first proof strikes, she thought the hair above JFK’s ear was a bit too busy. She requested it be smoothed out.
The Mint listened, but not before about 100,000 coins were already struck with that extra detail. These "Accented Hair" varieties are collector gold. You can spot them by looking for:
✨ Don't miss: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
- Extra heavy lines in the hair above the ear.
- A missing serif (the little horizontal bar) on the bottom left of the "I" in the word "LIBERTY."
The "Fading Silver" Years (1965-1970)
By 1965, the price of silver was skyrocketing. The government realized they couldn't keep making 90% silver coins without losing money. So, they compromised.
From 1965 to 1970, the Kennedy half dollar was "silver-clad." It had an outer layer of 80% silver and a core that was mostly copper. This brought the total silver content down to 40%.
A lot of people think these aren't silver at all because they don't have that pure white shine of a '64. Check the edge. If you don't see a solid copper stripe, it's probably 40% silver. At today's market rates, these are typically worth around $4 to $5 each.
The 1970-D is the "unicorn" of this era. It wasn't even released for circulation; it only came in official mint sets. If you find one in a random roll of coins, somebody’s grandkid probably broke open a collection they shouldn't have.
Spotting the Modern Rarities and Errors
After 1970, the silver was gone for good in regular coins. They became "clad," which is just copper and nickel. Basically, the same stuff as a modern quarter.
But wait. Don't toss the 1971 and newer coins aside just yet.
Some of the most valuable Kennedy half dollars aren't made of silver; they're "mistakes." Coin collectors go nuts for errors because they aren't supposed to exist.
🔗 Read more: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
The "No FG" Variety
Look at the reverse side of the coin, right near the eagle’s tail feathers and the shield. You should see a tiny "FG"—the initials of the designer, Frank Gasparro.
On some coins from 1966 and 1972-D, those initials are missing. This happened when the dies used to strike the coins were polished too aggressively, literally rubbing the designer's name right off. A 1972-D "No FG" in good condition can easily net you $100 or more.
Doubled Dies
If you look at the words "IN GOD WE TRUST" or "LIBERTY" and it looks like you’re seeing double, you might have a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO). The 1964-D and 1974-D are famous for this. It’s not just a blurry strike; it’s a distinct second image slightly offset from the first.
The 2026 "Enduring Liberty" Update
We're currently in a bit of a transition period for the John F. Kennedy half dollar coin. For the 2026 Bicentennial of the United States (the Sestercentennial), the Mint is shaking things up.
While JFK is staying on the front, the 2026 "Enduring Liberty" series is introducing new designs. This is the first major change to the half dollar's look since the 1976 Bicentennial coins (the ones with Independence Hall on the back).
Because of the high price of precious metals right now, the silver proof versions of these new 2026 coins are likely to be expensive straight from the Mint. If you're looking to invest, the .999 fine silver proofs are usually the way to go.
How to Value Your Collection at Home
You don't need a PhD in numismatics to figure out if you have something cool. Start with a simple "triage" process:
💡 You might also like: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
- Check the Date: Pre-1965 is 90% silver. 1965-1970 is 40% silver. 1971-Present is usually face value.
- Look for the Mint Mark: On 1964 coins, it's on the back, below the eagle's left claw. From 1968 onward, it’s on the front, right above the date. "S" stands for San Francisco (usually proofs), "D" for Denver, and "P" (or no mark) for Philadelphia.
- The "Ring" Test: Gently tap the coin on a wooden table. Silver coins have a high-pitched, bell-like ring. Clad coins have a dull "thud."
- Magnification: Use a 10x jeweler's loupe to look for that "No FG" error or the "Accented Hair."
Actionable Steps for New Collectors
If you've got a pile of these and want to do something with them, here is how to handle it without getting ripped off.
First, never clean your coins. I know, they look better shiny, but collectors hate it. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a cloth leaves micro-scratches that can drop the value by 50% or more instantly. Patina is good. Original luster is better.
Second, if you think you have a high-value error or a perfect 1964 proof, look into professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. It costs money, but a "slabbed" coin (sealed in plastic with a certified grade) sells for significantly more than a loose one.
Third, keep an eye on the "melt value." Even if your coin isn't a rare error, the price of silver fluctuates daily. If silver hits $35 or $40 an ounce, even those common 1964 halves become much more valuable as bullion.
Sort your coins by silver content first: 90%, 40%, and clad. Store the silver ones in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent "milk spots" or corrosion. For the clad ones, only keep the ones that look like they just came off the press—scratched up modern halves are really only worth 50 cents at the bank.
Check the 1970-D and 1987 dates specifically, as those were never meant for your pocket. If you find one, it's a keeper.