9 Half Dollar Coins That Might Be Worth Hundreds – Check Your Change

If you have old coins stashed away in a jar, a drawer, or inherited from a relative, it’s time to take a closer look especially at those half dollars. Some seemingly ordinary half dollar coins are surprisingly valuable, with collectors willing to pay hundreds (or more) depending on rarity, condition, and minting errors.

Here’s a look at 9 valuable half dollar coins that could make you a small fortune. If you own any of these, you might be sitting on serious cash!

9 Valuable Half Dollar Coins

Year	Coin Type	Feature	Mintage	Value Range
1964	Kennedy Half Dollar	90% Silver	273 million	$10+
1964	“Accented Hair” Proof	Sharper Hair Details	100,000	$100–$500
1970-D	Kennedy Half Dollar	Not Circulated	2.15 million	$20–$50
1987 P&D	Kennedy Half Dollars	Mint Set Only	2.89 million ea	$2–$5
1998-S	Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar	Matte Texture	62,000	$100–$200
2001-P	Kennedy Half Dollar	Low Mintage	19.5 million	$2–$5
2002-2020	NIFC Kennedy Half Dollars	Collector Set Only	Varies	$2–$5
1966	SMS Kennedy Half Dollar	Missing “FG” Initials	Varies	$50–$150
1974-D	Kennedy Half Dollar	Double Die Obverse	Varies	$50–$100

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. Released quickly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, this coin is special for more than sentimental reasons. It’s 90% silver, which offers it a robust base value for treasured steel content alone.

• Mintage: 273 million
• Estimated Value: Around $10 in circulated condition, more if it’s pristine

If you’ve got a shiny 1964 half dollar lying around, it might be time to give it a closer look.

1964 Accented Hair

One of the most sought-after versions of the unique Kennedy coin is the 1964 “Accented Hair” Proof. What units it aside is bolder hair capabilities above Kennedy’s ear something to word when you see it.

• Mintage: Roughly 100,000
• Estimated Value: $100–$500 based on condition

Numismatists adore the slight design distinction, and the limited mintage makes it a treasure find.

1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar

Here’s a coin that by no means made it into circulation the 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar. It become simplest produced in mint sets, so it is extra difficult to locate in normal change.

• Mint Mark: D (Denver)
• Mintage: 2.15 million
• Value: $20–$50 uncirculated

It isn’t silver, but its rarity maintains its strength.

1987 P&D Kennedy

The 1987 P&D Kennedy Half Dollars are another collection of coins only produced for collectors. You won’t see these in your change, but they’re still within the reach of the average collector.

• Mintage: 2.89 million each
• Value: $2–$5

Although they aren’t old, their small issue keeps them on the list.

1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy

The 1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy Half Dollar became issued as part of a Robert F. Kennedy commemorative set. Its matte finish presents it with a extraordinary texture and look.

• Mintage: 62,000
• Value: $100–$200

This one’s all about looks and scarcity combined.

2001-P Kennedy

You may skip over the 2001-P Kennedy Half Dollar, but its mintage was significantly lower than in earlier years.

• Mintage: 19.5 million
• Value: $2–$5 in uncirculated condition

Whereas circulated coins are only worth face value, uncirculated coins in good condition continue to generate interest.

NIFC Kennedy

Kennedy half dollars from 2002 through 2020 were not meant to be put into circulation. They were only available in mint or collector sets as NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) coins.

• Worth: $2–$5 each

If you get one in your pocket change, chances are someone broke up a mint set.

1966 SMS Missing Kennedy

Error coins such as the 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar with Missing “FG” Initials are where things get very interesting. Some of these coins lack the “FG” initials (for designer Frank Gasparro) on either side of the eagle’s tail.

• Value: $50–$150

Minting errors are scarce—and valuable. Keep a lookout!

1974-D Doubled Die Kennedy

The 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar with Double Die Obverse has a distinct double image on Kennedy’s profile and some inscriptions.

• Value: $50–$100

This error coin puts a twist—literally—on your collection.

Tips for Identifying Valuable Half Dollars

1. Look for Silver Content: Coins from 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Coins from 1965–1970 are 40% silver.
2. Check Mint Marks: These are usually on the reverse (older coins) or just below Kennedy’s neck on newer coins.
3. Condition Matters: Coins graded MS65 or higher (by services like PCGS or NGC) fetch the highest prices.
4. Watch for Errors: Missing mint marks, double dies, and off-center strikes can make even modern coins valuable.

Final Thought

These half dollars are more than simply coins they’re snapshots of American records and miniature treasures. If you’re a casual collector or just someone curious about what’s on your exchange jar, you is probably sitting on something some distance extra valuable than fifty cents. Half dollar coins are more than pocket change they can be treasure. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just inherited a coin jar, it’s worth checking each coin’s year, mint mark, and condition. You never know you could be holding a valuable piece of history.

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