Top Kennedy Half-Dollar Coins
The Kennedy Half-Dollar is one of the most iconic and widely collected coins in U.S. history. First released in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, this legendary coin has produced rare varieties, high-grade survivors, and valuable mint errors that can be worth thousands—or even millions of dollars.
In this step-by-step guide, we explore the most valuable Kennedy Half-Dollar coins, how to identify them, and what they can sell for in today’s market.
Let’s begin your treasure hunt.
1) 1776–1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half-Dollar (Worth Up to $1,000,000+)
Issued to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, the Bicentennial Half-Dollar features special patriotic designs.
How to Identify
- Dual date: 1776–1976
- Special reverse showing Independence Hall & Liberty Bell with Eagle
- Two types:
- Copper-Nickel Clad
- 40% Silver Collector Edition
Value
- Circulated clad: $1 – $5
- 40% Silver Proof: $20 – $200
- High-grade silver with rare errors: $500,000 – $1,000,000+
What Raises Value
- MS67+ or Proof-70 grade
- Double die errors
- Perfect surfaces & original luster
2) 1971-D Kennedy Half-Dollar (Worth Up to $500+)
First year of copper-nickel composition.
How to Identify
- Date: 1971
- Mint mark D (Denver)
Value
- Fine condition: $50 – $500
- Error coins: $1,000+
Look For Errors
- Off-center strikes
- Double die obverse
- Planchet flaws
3) 1974 Kennedy Half-Dollar (No Mint Mark) – Worth $690+
Philadelphia Mint issue.
How to Identify
- Date: 1974
- No mint mark
Value
- Average condition: $690
- Excellent condition: $820+
- Error coins: Thousands
4) 1980-P Kennedy Half-Dollar (Worth Up to $25,000+)
Extremely valuable in high grade.
How to Identify
- Date: 1980
- Mint mark P
Value
- Circulated: Face value – $5
- High grade: $10,000 – $25,000+
5) 1994-D Kennedy Half-Dollar (Worth Up to $30,000+)
Condition rarity drives value.
How to Identify
- Date: 1994
- Mint mark D
Value
- Good condition: $20,000
- Very Fine or better: $28,000+
- Finest known examples: $30,000+
6) 1997-P Kennedy Half-Dollar (Worth Up to $110,000+)
Rare in pristine condition.
How to Identify
- Date: 1997
- Mint mark P
Value
- Circulated: Face value
- High-grade certified: $15,000 – $110,000+
Step-by-Step: What To Do If You Find One
Do NOT clean the coin
Handle by edges only
Store in coin holder
Submit to PCGS or NGC for grading
Research recent auction prices
Important Tip
Cleaning destroys value instantly. Even light wiping can reduce a coin’s price by thousands.
Final Thoughts
Kennedy Half-Dollars remain one of the hottest collectibles in U.S. numismatics. From Bicentennial silver rarities to high-grade modern issues, your pocket change or collection could be hiding a life-changing treasure.
Start checking today.
