John F. Kennedy’s legacy continues to make an impact, not just in politics and history but in the world of numismatics as well.
The Kennedy half dollar, first issued in 1964 following the president’s assassination, has become a sought-after coin for collectors and investors alike. Over the years, certain JFK fifty-cent coins have fetched remarkable prices at auction, proving their enduring value.
The Rise of JFK Half Dollars
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced by the U.S. Mint in 1964 to honor the late president. The coin featured a portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse, and it was initially made of 90% silver.
It was struck in large numbers in its first few years, but as the years passed and the coin’s composition changed, certain variations began to emerge, making some coins more valuable than others.
Among the various coins minted during this time, some rare specimens have become exceptionally valuable. From errors in the minting process to limited releases, these coins have fetched eye-popping prices at auctions across the United States. Here’s a look at the top 10 JFK fifty-cent coins that have been auctioned for absurd amounts.
1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) SP68
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar from the Special Mint Set is one of the rarest of all the Kennedy half dollars. Only about a dozen of these coins are known to exist, and their distinct satin-like finish gives them a unique look. One specimen graded SP68 sold for a staggering $156,000 in 2019, making it one of the most expensive Kennedy half dollars ever sold.
2. 1964 SMS SP67
Another rare example from the 1964 Special Mint Set, this coin is known for its remarkable finish and sharp details. A specimen in SP67 grade sold for $108,000, underscoring the premium placed on coins of this type.
3. 1964 Accented Hair PR69
The 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy half dollar is a variety that features distinct lines above Kennedy’s ear, a minting error that has made it highly desirable among collectors. A high-grade PR69 specimen was sold for $45,600. This variety remains one of the most prized coins among Kennedy half dollar collectors.
4. 1967 SMS MS69 Ultra Cameo
Part of a Special Mint Set, the 1967 SMS Kennedy half dollar features a mirror-like finish with frosted details on the design elements. A coin in MS69 Ultra Cameo grade sold for $31,200. Its high-quality appearance and limited mintage have made it a highly sought-after coin.
5. 1964-D “Richard Green Collection” MS65
This coin, which hails from the Richard Green Collection, is one of the highest-grade examples of the 1964-D Kennedy half dollar. It fetched $22,325 at auction, demonstrating the value of coins with both rarity and exceptional quality.
6. 1964 Proof PR68
The 1964 proof Kennedy half dollar is another iconic coin from the series. With its high-quality minting and deep cameo contrast, a PR68 specimen sold for $108,000. Collectors prize these coins for their pristine condition and historical significance.
7. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1970-D is significant because it was struck only for inclusion in proof sets and is the last regular-issue half dollar to contain 40% silver. Its limited mintage makes it highly valuable, and some specimens have been sold for up to $3,000.
8. 1998-S Matte Finish Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
With a mintage of just over 60,000 coins, the 1998-S Matte Finish Kennedy half dollar has one of the lowest mintages in the series. This rarity, combined with its distinctive matte finish, has made it a collector’s item. It often sells for over $1,000 at auction.
9. 1966 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar with Double Die Obverse
A minting error, this coin features a double die obverse and is highly coveted by error coin collectors. Specimens of the 1966 SMS Kennedy half dollar with this mistake have fetched prices of $10,000 or more.
10. 2014-W Kennedy Half Dollar
Although more recent, the 2014-W Kennedy half dollar is a collector’s favorite because it was minted in limited quantities. A pristine specimen can be worth up to $3,000, a testament to the continuing interest in the series.
Factors Driving the Value of Kennedy Half Dollars
The high auction prices for JFK fifty-cent coins can be attributed to several factors:
- Rarity: Coins with low mintage numbers, such as the 1964 Special Mint Set and the 1998-S Matte Finish, are especially valuable.
- Condition: Higher grades, like PR69 and MS69, often command top prices.
- Minting Errors: Coins with errors, such as the Accented Hair variety or the double die obverse, are highly prized by collectors.
- Historical Significance: The Kennedy half dollar was introduced shortly after the assassination of President Kennedy, giving it a special place in American history and making it a desirable piece for collectors.
Conclusion
Kennedy half dollars, especially those from certain years, are some of the most valuable coins in the U.S. numismatic world. With their historical significance, limited availability, and occasional minting errors, these coins can fetch jaw-dropping prices at auction.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of coin collecting, keeping an eye on these valuable JFK coins could lead to discovering a rare gem worth far more than face value.
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