Before casually dropping a half-dollar into your coin jar, think twice. Two specific Kennedy half-dollar coins, often called pocket change, can be extremely valuable—sometimes fetching up to $250,000. Their worth comes from a mix of minting errors and limited production runs, making them highly prized among collectors.
The 1964 Special Mint Set Kennedy Half-Dollar SP68
One of the most intriguing coins in this series is the 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy half-dollar graded SP68. Although 1964 was the debut year for Kennedy half-dollars, the SMS version was not widely released for public use. Only around 20 coins were made, primarily for internal Mint use or as VIP presentation pieces.
How to identify this coin?
- Exceptional strike quality: These coins have much sharper details than standard 1964 half-dollars.
- No typical proof marks: They don’t look like usual proofs or circulation coins.
- Extremely rare: Very few are known to exist, mostly held in private collections.
In January 2019, an SP68 graded 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollar sold for around $156,000 at auction, making it a prized collector’s item.
The 1966 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar Missing “FG”
Even rarer is the 1966 SMS Kennedy half-dollar without the “FG” initials, which represent Frank Gasparro, the coin’s designer. Normally, Gasparro’s initials are located near the eagle’s tail feathers on the coin’s reverse side. Due to a minting error, some 1966 SMS coins lack these initials entirely.
Why is this coin so valuable?
- Minting error: The missing “FG” initials make it a unique error coin.
- Special Mint Set rarity: Like the 1964 SMS, these were not for general circulation but sold in special sets.
- Condition matters: Coins in near-perfect condition are exceedingly rare.
Top-grade versions of this coin can reach values around $250,000, making it the most valuable Kennedy half-dollar known.
Why Are These Kennedy Half-Dollars So Valuable?
Not every Kennedy half-dollar has such high value. Most coins found in circulation or old rolls are worth just their face value or slightly more if they contain silver. The immense worth of the 1964 SMS and 1966 SMS no “FG” coins comes down to:
- Extreme rarity, with fewer than 100 pieces of each known to exist.
- Unique minting history, including limited Special Mint Sets and notable production anomalies.
- Strong collector interest, which drives prices higher as these rare coins gain attention.
If you suspect you own one of these rare half-dollars, getting it professionally graded or appraised is essential. Look closely for sharp detail, unusual finishes, or missing features like the “FG” initials to spot a potential treasure.
FAQs
What makes the 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollar so valuable?
Its rarity, exceptional strike quality, and limited production make it a collector’s dream worth up to $156,000.
Why is the 1966 SMS Kennedy half-dollar missing “FG” initials rare?
A minting error removed the designer’s initials, creating a unique and highly valuable coin.
Are all Kennedy half-dollars valuable?
No, most are worth face value or slightly more unless they have rare minting features or silver content.
How can I verify if my Kennedy half-dollar is rare?
Look for high-quality strikes, missing details like “FG,” and consider professional grading for accurate valuation.