The recent rediscovery of a rare 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar has shaken the numismatic world. In mid‑2025, a family in Pennsylvania uncovered a 1964 Kennedy half dollar tucked away in a toolbox—later authenticated as an exceptionally rare double‑die obverse error worth over $50,000 .
Surprisingly, another specimen sold privately for nearly $2 million in June 2025. Yet, whispers of an SMS (Special Mint Set) variant trading for as much as $5.9 million have emerged
Historical Context
- Introduced: January 1964, replacing the Franklin Half Dollar following JFK’s assassination
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper—the last US half dollar issued in 90% silver
- Mint Figures (Business / Proof):
- Philadelphia: 277,254,766 / 3,950,762
- Denver: 156,205,446 / 0
Consumers hoarded them immediately; nearly 430 million were minted by November 1964 but remained scarce in circulation
Why the 1964 Version Is So Valuable
- First‑year issue and high silver content.
- Rare minting errors:
- Double‑Die Obverse: subtle doubling in Kennedy’s profile/lettering. Few known, values exceed $50,000
- Accented Hair proof: extra hair details between partition and ear; about 40,000–100,000 exist. A deep cameo proof graded PF68 sold for ~$46,800
- Non‑associate varieties:
- Special Mint Set (SMS) satin‑finish pieces—only about a dozen known; one sold for $47,000 in 2016, and a current SMS rumored at $5.9 million
- Specimen SP68 special‑strike sold for $156,000
Modern Record Values
| Coin Type | Condition / Grade | Notable Price | Date / Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double‑Die Obverse | — | $50,000+ | Estate find May 2025 |
| Ordinary 1964, private sale | — | $2,000,000 | June 26, 2025 |
| SMS satin‑finish | Exceptionally high | $5.9 million estimate | Rumored July 5, 2025 |
| Special‑strike SP68 | SP68 | $156,000 | Auction pre‑2025 |
| Accented Hair proof (PF68 cameo) | PF68 deep cameo | ~$46,800 | TikTok feature; PCGS |
Numismatic Significance
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar marks a poignant intersection of American history and numismatics. It memorializes JFK while being the last regular US coin minted in 90% silver.
Errors like double‑die or accented‑hair proofs elevate rarity. SMS and special‑strike variants further illustrate the mint’s experimentation in collector‑only production
How to Identify Rare 1964 Half Dollars
- Inspect for doubling on the obverse.
- Spot accented hair lines in proof versions.
- Recognize satin‑finish and sharp details—attributes of SMS.
- Get professional grading (PCGS, NGC) for authentication and value.
This remarkable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar rediscovery underscores that historic coins can still surface—sometimes valued in the six‑ or seven‑figure range.
With rare errors, proof varieties, and special mint types, this coin remains both a compelling piece of American history and a unique opportunity for collectors worldwide.
FAQs
Are all 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars worth a lot?
No. Ordinary circulated coins are worth around $10–$20 due to silver content. Only rare variants or high‑grade pieces fetch five or six figures.
What is a double‑die obverse?
It’s a mint error where the obverse die strikes twice, causing subtle doubling in features—most prized on the 1964 Kennedy.
How many SMS 1964 Kennedy half dollars exist?
Approximately “a dozen or so” are documented, making them the rarest non‑error type