Before you toss a half-dollar into your coin jar without taking notice of it, you may reconsider this decision. 2 coins (Kennedy half-dollar coins) that are generally termed pocket change could be worth a fortune and up to $250,000 in some rare cases. Credit should be given to a combination of minting errors and limited production runs which has led coin collectors to pay up to six figures for just one of these special two coins.
The Finance Key’s most recent report states that two Kennedy half-dollars have attracted collectors and auctioneers’ attention at auction houses due to their soaring values. Perhaps it is important to consider what these half-dollar coins mean and what makes them so special.
1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy half-dollar SP68 which is worth up to $156,000
One of the most mysterious and sought after coins in the series is the 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollar SP68. Although 1964 marked the first year that Kennedy half-dollars were issued, the Special Mint Set (SMS) version wasn’t released to the public in the same way as other standard circulation coins. A small batch of about 20 were produced especially for internal U.S. Mint purposes or to keep as VIP presentation sets.
How can citizens tell this coin apart from others?
- High-quality strike: As opposed to the usual 1964 half-dollars, SMS versions were struck with extraordinary precision, resulting in more detailed finishes.
- Lack of standard proof marks: These coins don’t resemble typical proofs or business strikes.
- Scarcity: Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, and most are said to be found in private collections.
Back in January 2019, the 1964 SMS Kennedy Half-Dollar graded SP68 (Specimen 68) collected an estimated $156,000 at an auction. The grading of the coin is near perfect making it a collector’s dream.
1966 SMS No ‘FG’ Kennedy half-dollar which is worth $250,000
A rarer coin is the 1966 Special Mint Set Kennedy half-dollar missing the initials “FG”—which stand for Frank Gasparro, the coin’s designer. On majority of the Kennedy half-dollars, Gasparro’s initials can be found on the reverse side near the eagle’s tail feathers. But in very rare cases, the 1966 SMS coins are completely missing the initials “FG” due to a die polishing error.
What makes the coin so sought after?
- Minting anomaly: The missing “FG” makes this coin an error piece, which is highly valued by collectors.
- Special Mint Set designation: Like the 1964 SMS half-coin, these were not released for public circulation but were part of special sets sold to collectors.
- Condition is key: High-grade examples are rarer, and in less-than-perfect condition.
Top-quality coins of this kind are valued at approximately $250,000, making these coins the most valuable known Kennedy half-dollar in existence. Since both these coins are not the rarest coins in America’s history, it is vital to find out which dollar’s existence is denied by the government.
Why should citizens consider these coins so valuable?
Before citizens begin scrutinizing all Kennedy half-dollars, they need to realize that not all Kennedy half-dollars are worth a small fortune. Majority of the Kennedy half-dollars that you find in circulation or even those in old coin rolls are worth their face value. These coins may be worth slightly more if they were made of silver. The 1964 SMS Kennedy half-dollar and the 1966 Special Mint Set Kennedy half-dollar are so special due to:
- Scarcity: Both these coins are rather rare, with less than 100 pieces of each coin in existence.
- Minting history: Special Mint Sets and production anomalies make them unique.
- Collector demand: As word spreads and collectors seek out these rare gems, competition and prices begin to surge.
Citizens unsure of whether they are in possession of one of these rare Kennedy half-dollar coins could have their coins evaluated by a professional coin grader or dealer. Citizens can also look for high-quality strikes, unusual finishes, missing details like the “FG” initials, or study Kennedy’s face to see if you have found one of the rare coins.
