This is only one example of how coins can have a high monetary value. The leadership of the 35th president of the US, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and the sad circumstances surrounding his death have made indelible marks on American history.
His murder in 1963 stunned the globe and elevated Kennedy to the level of a legendary figure. Many things have served to perpetuate his name and work throughout the years, but the fifty cent coins are among the most iconic.
Production of John F. Kennedy commemorative coins
In 1964, a year following his murder, John F. Kennedy likeness coins were first struck for circulation. To commemorate the president, the US Mint issued the first ever run of fifty-cent pieces.
Even though they started off with 90% silver, these specimens soon became highly sought-after collectibles. Even though the majority of coins made after that date are mostly worthless in and of themselves, rare ones and mint state specimens have sold for exorbitant sums.
The Kennedy half-dollar is still popular with collectors for a number of reasons:
Importance in History: The coin pays tribute to a much-loved president.
The early editions had a high silver proportion, which adds to their material value.
Preserved coins and special editions are extremely valuable due to their rarity.
The Kennedy half-dollar is an important historical artifact that any collector, whether novice or expert, would be wise to include to their collection.
The 50-cent coin from 1964
Collectors place a high value on the 1964-minted 50-cent coin with the designation SP68 that features John F. Kennedy.
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This coin, which has a distinctive glossy sheen, was introduced as part of a limited edition collection in the first year of manufacturing. One of these examples fetched an incredible USD 160,000 in 2019, solidifying its status as a very desirable piece of Kennedy money.
Kennedy half dollars: how to verify their authenticity
- Verify the time and place of minting. Both the Philadelphia Mint (with no mint mark) and the Denver Mint (with a D mint mark) minted 1964 Kennedy half dollars. There is 40% silver in coins struck between 1965 and 1970, but none in 1971 and beyond.
- Evaluate the coin. Since 90% of a 1964 Kennedy half dollar is silver and 10% is copper, its weight should be 12.5 grams. Any coin that is noticeably lighter or heavier could be a fake.
- Find the circumference. The circumference of a genuine Kennedy half-dollar is 30.6 millimeters. Size differences could be a red flag for a counterfeit.
- Use a magnifying glass to study the design’s finer points. Get a good look at the text, Kennedy’s face, and his hair. Coins that are not genuine will have details that are mushy or squishy, but real coins will have sharp, clearly defined details.
- A trustworthy third-party grading firm, like as PCGS or NGC, can verify the authenticity of your coins. To establish verifiable legitimacy, they employ professional graders. Authentication can greatly boost the value of rare and costly kinds.
I have some Kennedy half dollars; how can I find out how much they’re worth?
A Kennedy half dollar’s worth is affected by the following main factors:
A mint mark with a date
- Silver coins, which were in circulation from 1964 to 1970, are worth more than their copper-nickel counterparts from succeeding years.
- There is a premium for 1970-D coins because they were only ever released in mint sets.
- After 1971, the majority of coins were only worth their face value, which is 50 cents.
- Condition/grade
- The value of worn-out circulating coins is lower than that of pristine, uncirculated coins.
- Primitive, high-quality, uncirculated coins sell for the most money.
- Unique types from 1776 to 1976 Due to their mass production, bicentennial coins were not worth more than their regular counterparts.
- Gold coins and special mint sets commemorating the 2014 50th anniversary are highly sought-after by collectors.
Very rare and valuable set of half dollar coins from the Kennedy administration?
The 1967 half dollar is another example of a coin that has generated a lot of curiosity. In addition to being 40% silver, this item stands out since it does not have a mint mark. Its rarity is enhanced by the fact that it was struck during a short hiatus in the manufacturing of Kennedy half-dollars.
Coins minted with a unique satin finish, such as the 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollars, are extremely valuable and sought for. The series’ most valuable coin was a 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar in SP68 condition, which fetched $156,000 at auction.
A limited quantity of 1964 Kennedy half dollars were struck with proof details of Kennedy’s hair that were significantly accentuated. Auctioned off for approximately $20,000 was a 1964 Accented Hair proof in PF68 grade.
Among the earliest in the series, this 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Proof-70 Deep Cameo is an example of flawless proof coinage. A similarly immaculate example in PR-70 condition fetched $156,000 at auction.
This 1964-D Kennedy half dollar is the greatest example of its kind known from the Denver mint, and it bears the grade MS68. Its exceptional condition and rainbow coloring helped it fetch $32,900 during the auction.
Rare, especially in good condition, 1967 Special Mint Set (SMS) half dollars of the Kennedy denomination are hard to come by. The price tag on an MS69 model was $31,200.
Collectors and aficionados are still enthralled by these Kennedy currencies, thanks to their distinctive qualities and limited supply.
Juniper Calloway is a dedicated journalist with 3 years of experience in covering hard-hitting stories. Known for her commitment to delivering timely and accurate updates, she currently works with MikeandJon Podcast, where she focuses on reporting critical topics such as crime, local news, and national developments across the United States. Her ability to break down complex issues and keep audiences informed has established her as a trusted voice in journalism.
