Kennedy Half Dollar Values
Silver content by year, key dates, error varieties, and what your Kennedy halves are actually worth.
The Kennedy Half Dollar has been minted every year since 1964. It was introduced as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy just weeks after his assassination. The first-year coins were hoarded by the millions, which is why 1964 Kennedy halves are still common despite containing 90% silver.
Most Kennedy half dollars from 1971 onward are worth face value. The silver issues from 1964 to 1970 are worth their metal content at minimum, and certain dates and errors carry premiums above that.
Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Content by Year
Melt values based on current silver spot prices and fluctuate daily.
Is a 1971 Half Dollar Worth Anything?
The 1971 half dollar is the first year of copper-nickel clad Kennedy halves. It contains no silver. In circulated condition, it is worth 50 cents. Uncirculated examples bring $1 to $3. This is one of the most frequently searched coin values online, and the answer is straightforward: a 1971 half dollar is worth face value unless it's in gem uncirculated condition or has a minting error.
The same is true for 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, and every other common-date clad Kennedy half. These coins were produced in large numbers and never circulated widely, so uncirculated examples are abundant.
Kennedy Half Dollars Worth More Than Face Value
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy Half is the single most common silver half dollar in existence. The Mint struck over 430 million, partly because Congress authorized continued 1964-dated production into 1965 to try to satisfy demand. Americans hoarded these coins both as Kennedy memorials and for their silver content.
Today, a circulated 1964 Kennedy half is worth roughly $12 to $14 based on its silver content (0.3617 oz of pure silver). Uncirculated examples with full luster bring $15 to $25. The 1964 Accented Hair proof variety, with more prominent hair detail above Kennedy's ear, is worth $50 to $200+.
The 1970-D: The Key Date
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar was only produced for inclusion in Mint Sets. It was not released for general circulation. Because of this limited distribution, it's the scarcest regular-issue Kennedy half. It also happens to be the last 40% silver Kennedy half produced for collectors.
Circulated examples (from broken Mint Sets) sell for $15 to $30. Uncirculated examples bring $30 to $100+. In gem condition (MS66+), prices climb to $200+.
Half Dollars Worth Money: Error Coins
1974-D Doubled Die Obverse: Visible doubling on "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date. Worth $25 to $100+.
1982 No FG: Missing the designer's initials (FG for Frank Gasparro) on the reverse. Worth $25 to $75.
Various off-center strikes: Kennedy halves struck 10%+ off center bring $50 to $500+ depending on the degree.
Wrong planchet errors: A Kennedy half struck on a quarter planchet or cent planchet. These are rare and worth $500 to $5,000+.
Are Half Dollars Still Being Made?
Yes. The US Mint continues to produce Kennedy Half Dollars, but primarily for collector sales. They rarely appear in everyday change. Banks can order them, and some do, but most half dollars in bank rolls are recycled from previous decades. This is why coin roll hunters target half dollar rolls: you can still find silver (1964 and 1965–1970) mixed in with modern clad coins.
Who Is on the Half Dollar?
President John F. Kennedy has appeared on the half dollar since 1964. The obverse was designed by Gilroy Roberts based on his existing Kennedy presidential medal. The reverse, featuring the Presidential Seal, was designed by Frank Gasparro. A special reverse design was used for the 1976 Bicentennial, featuring Independence Hall. In 2026, a new Semiquincentennial design was released for one year.
Get a Free Quote on Your Kennedy Half Dollars
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Related Guides
Half Dollar Values — Full guide to all US half dollar series.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Values — 1916–1947 Walking Liberty values.
Franklin Half Dollar Values — 1948–1963 Franklin values.
Silver Dollar Values — Morgan and Peace dollar values.