That half-dollar rattling around in your pocket or coin jar might be worth more than you imagine. Two specific Kennedy half-dollar coins, often mistaken for ordinary pocket change, have been known to fetch staggering amounts — even reaching up to $250,000 in select cases.
These exceptional values stem from a mix of minting mistakes and limited production runs, making collectors willing to pay six-figure sums for just one of these elusive coins.
According to a recent report from The Finance Key, two particular Kennedy half-dollars have become the focus of serious interest among numismatists and auction houses alike, thanks to their extraordinary worth. Let’s explore what makes these coins so remarkable.
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half-Dollar SP68 — Valued Up to $156,000
Among the most coveted coins in the Kennedy half-dollar lineup is the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy half-dollar graded SP68. While 1964 was the debut year for Kennedy half-dollars, the SMS edition was never widely released like the coins meant for regular circulation. It’s believed that only around 20 examples were struck, likely intended for internal U.S. Mint use or as exclusive presentation pieces for VIPs.
How to Identify This Coin:
- Superior Strike Quality: Unlike typical 1964 half-dollars, SMS specimens feature an exceptionally sharp and detailed finish, a result of being struck with extra care.
- Absence of Traditional Proof Marks: These coins lack the telltale signs found on proof or business strike coins, making them distinct.
- Extreme Rarity: Only a handful of these coins are believed to exist, most of which are held tightly within private collections.
In January 2019, one of these 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollars, graded SP68 (Specimen 68), commanded an impressive $156,000 at auction. Its near-flawless condition made it an irresistible prize for collectors.
1966 SMS No ‘FG’ Kennedy Half-Dollar — Valued Up to $250,000
Even rarer than its 1964 counterpart is the 1966 Special Mint Set Kennedy half-dollar missing the “FG” initials — the signature of Frank Gasparro, the coin’s designer. Typically, Gasparro’s initials appear on the reverse side, near the eagle’s tail feathers. However, a small number of these coins lack the “FG” marking entirely, likely due to a die polishing error during minting.
Why Collectors Value This Coin:
- Rare Minting Flaw: The absence of the “FG” initials classifies this coin as a mint error, boosting its appeal to collectors.
- Special Mint Set Origin: Like the 1964 SMS coin, this 1966 edition wasn’t distributed into general circulation but was included in limited-edition collector sets.
- Condition Matters: Coins that remain in pristine, high-grade condition are exceedingly rare, making them even more valuable.
In top-tier condition, the 1966 SMS No ‘FG’ Kennedy half-dollar is estimated to be worth as much as $250,000, making it the crown jewel among Kennedy half-dollars.
Why Should Citizens Consider These Coins So Valuable?
Before embarking on a deep dive through your coin stash, it’s important to remember that not every Kennedy half-dollar is a treasure. Most half-dollars you encounter in circulation, or even those found in old rolls, typically hold little more than their face value — unless they happen to be composed of silver, which slightly boosts their worth.
The 1964 SMS and the 1966 SMS No ‘FG’ Kennedy half-dollars are particularly prized due to:
- Scarcity: Both coins are extremely rare, with fewer than 100 verified examples of each.
- Unique Minting Histories: Their origins in Special Mint Sets and the presence of unusual minting anomalies make them especially desirable.
- Strong Collector Demand: As more collectors become aware of these coins, the competition and market prices continue to rise.
If you suspect you might own one of these rare Kennedy half-dollars, it’s best to consult a professional coin dealer or grading service. Look out for telltale signs like an unusually high-quality strike, the absence of expected design elements such as the “FG” initials, or a distinctive finish that sets the coin apart from standard examples.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my Kennedy half-dollar is from a Special Mint Set?
A: SMS coins typically have a sharper strike and a satin-like finish compared to ordinary circulation coins. They also often lack the mirror-like surfaces of proof coins but still show higher detail than standard strikes.
Q2: Are all 1964 Kennedy half-dollars valuable?
A: Not necessarily. Most 1964 Kennedy half-dollars are only worth their silver content unless they are part of the Special Mint Set (SMS) or are in exceptionally high-grade condition.
Q3: Why is the “FG” missing on some 1966 half-dollars?
A: The missing “FG” initials are the result of a die polishing error at the Mint. These types of minting anomalies are rare, which makes the coin highly desirable among collectors.
Q4: Where can I get my Kennedy half-dollar appraised?
A: You can visit a reputable coin dealer, submit it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, or attend a local coin show where experts can offer insight into your coin’s authenticity and value.