In October 2024, a single 1964 Kennedy half dollar smashed records when it sold for $5.9 million at auction. Yes – a coin you can legally spend for 50 cents just became the most expensive U.S. half dollar ever.
The Heartbreaking History Behind the Coin
After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, the U.S. Mint rushed to honor him. The Kennedy half dollar debuted in 1964 with a stunning portrait by Gilroy Roberts and the presidential seal on the reverse. Millions were struck… but a handful came out absolutely perfect.
Why One Just Sold for $5.9 Million
The record-breaker was a 1964 Proof Kennedy half dollar graded PCGS PR70 Deep Cameo with the ultra-rare “Accentuated Hair” variety. Only a tiny number received the perfect PR70 grade, and the first-strike Accented Hair proof is basically the holy grail of modern U.S. coins.
The Ultra-Rare Versions Still in Circulation
Good news: Not every mega-valuable Kennedy is a proof! A few business-strike (regular circulation) errors and varieties are worth $10,000–$100,000+ and still turn up in rolls today.
Top 5 Kennedys Still Found in Change (2024–2025 Values)
| Year/Variety | Key Feature to Look For | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 Accented Hair Proof | Extra hair lines above ear | $5,900,000 (record) |
| 1970-D (only 2.1 million made) | Low mintage, often in Mint Sets | $15,000–$35,000 |
| 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) | Matte-like finish, no mint mark | $10,000–$156,000 |
| 1971-D DDO (Doubled Die Obv) | Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” & date | $2,000–$12,000 |
| 1966 SMS No FG | Missing designer initials on reverse | $3,000–$18,000 |
How to Hunt These Coins Today
- Ask your bank for $500+ in half dollar rolls (many still deliver 1964–1970 coins).
- Check every 1964 proof for the Accented Hair variety (broken lower hair line).
- Look at the reverse – missing FG initials = instant payday.
- Use a 10x loupe – tiny die cracks and doubled lettering pop!
Common vs Collector Dream Coin
| Feature | Common Kennedy Half | Million-Dollar Kennedy |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 1971–present | 1964 (specific varieties) |
| Metal | Clad (copper-nickel) | 90% silver (1964 only) |
| Average Value | Face value (50¢) | $10,000 – $5,900,000 |
| Still in Circulation? | Yes | Yes (a few!) |
Notable Records
- Most expensive U.S. coin sold in 2024: $5.9M Kennedy
- Only ~12 known 1964 Accented Hair PR70 Deep Cameo examples
- 1964 SMS halves were “experimental” – nobody knows exactly how many exist
Expert Tips from Top Collectors
- Never clean your coins – it destroys value instantly.
- Store finds in 2×2 cardboard flips, not random jars.
- Get anything suspicious graded by PCGS or NGC before celebrating.
- Join local coin clubs – members love trading half-dollar rolls.
FAQs
Q: Can I still spend a $5.9 million coin?
A: Legally yes – but you’d be throwing away millions!
Q: Are silver Kennedy halves still in circulation?
A: Yes! 1964 (90% silver) and 1965–1970 (40% silver) still pop up regularly.
Q: What’s the easiest valuable Kennedy to find today?
A: The 1970-D – only 2.1 million minted and often overlooked.
Conclusion
Next time you get half dollars from the bank, slow down and really look. That shiny 1964 you almost spent at the laundromat could be the Accented Hair proof worth millions – or at least a 1970-D worth thousands for college tuition. Start hunting today, share this with your coin-loving friends, and who knows… your pocket change might just change your life! Happy hunting! 🪙
