For coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar holds a special place. Introduced shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, this coin emerged as a symbol of national mourning and pride. While millions were minted, some 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are far more valuable than others. But which one tops the list? Let’s explore what makes certain pieces stand out, and which is the most valuable of them all.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964, less than a year after the tragic event that shocked the nation. These coins were made of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving them intrinsic precious metal value in addition to their numismatic importance. That year, over 430 million were struck, split between the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Despite the high mintage, collectors are always on the lookout for certain rare variations that bring impressive value at auction.
Factors That Influence Value
Before diving into the priciest examples, it’s important to understand the factors that influence the value of the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar.
- Mint Mark & Type: Coins were struck at the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark) mints. Certain mint varieties can be rarer than others.
- Condition: Coins graded as MS67 or higher (mint state) are significantly more valuable.
- Errors & Varieties: Double die strikes, accented hair varieties, and proof issues can all increase value dramatically.
- Proof Coins: Special coin sets (proofs) were created for collectors, some of which have unique characteristics.
The Accented Hair Proof – A Hidden Gem
Among the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars, the “Accented Hair” proof variety is particularly noteworthy. Distinguished by extra lines in Kennedy’s hair above his ear, this version is highly prized. It’s believed that fewer than 5% of the proof coins from 1964 have this feature. These were part of the early proof sets and were quietly phased out after Jacqueline Kennedy reportedly disliked the more heavily detailed hair.
The Accented Hair variety can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the coin’s grade. A PR68DCAM (Proof 68, Deep Cameo) example could command over $4,000 in today’s market.
And the Most Valuable One Is…
While many collectors cherish the proof varieties and high-grade mint state coins, the most valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar to date is a very specific specimen: the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Kennedy Half Dollar.
This incredibly rare coin stands apart because no official Special Mint Sets were released in 1964. Only a few examples—likely fewer than a dozen—are known to exist. These coins feature an unusual satin-like finish, with extremely sharp details and square-edged rims unlike any other 1964 coin.
The origins of these SMS coins remain mysterious. Some speculate they were trial strikes or presentation pieces, potentially created for high-ranking officials or internal mint use. What’s certain is their scarcity and the premium they command: one 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar sold at auction for an astonishing $108,000 in 2019.
How to Identify Valuable 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
If you come across a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, here’s how to check if you might be holding something special:
- Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side near the eagle’s tail feathers for Denver coins.
- Inspect the hair above Kennedy’s ear for the Accented Hair variety.
- Check the coin’s finish: an Satin-like surface and sharp details could suggest an SMS coin.
- Have it professionally graded by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC.
Final Thoughts
While the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar remains a common sight in some coin collections and silver hoards, not all are created equal. Most are worth around their silver content, but certain varieties and unique strikings can make them truly priceless to the right collector. The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar stands as the ultimate prize—capturing not just the memory of an American president, but also an era of history and craftsmanship that continues to inspire collectors around the world.
