A Hidden Treasure in Your Wallet
Imagine finding a coin in your pocket worth millions. The Kennedy Half Dollar, first made in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, is a common coin you might still find in change. Most are worth just 50 cents, but some rare ones could make you rich. These coins are still out there in cash registers, piggy banks, or old jars. Knowing what to look for can turn a simple coin into a life-changing discovery.
The 1964 Accented Hair Variety
One special Kennedy Half Dollar is the 1964 Accented Hair version. This coin has extra detail in Kennedy’s hair above his ear, making it stand out. Only a small number were made before the design was changed, possibly because Jacqueline Kennedy wanted a simpler look. These coins can sell for thousands in good condition, and a perfect one might fetch over $10,000 at auction. Check your 1964 coins closely for this unique feature.
The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Coin
Another rare find is the 1964 Special Mint Set Kennedy Half Dollar. These coins were not meant for everyday use and have a shiny, mirror-like finish with sharp details. Only a few dozen are known to exist, and one sold for over $47,000, worth more than a gold bar. Some believe a few slipped into circulation by mistake. If you find a 1964 coin with a super shiny surface, it could be worth millions.
Error Coins That Shine
Minting errors can make Kennedy Half Dollars very valuable. The 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse coin is one example, where the design was stamped twice, creating a doubled effect on Kennedy’s face and the lettering. Fewer than 10 of these exist in top condition, and one sold for $1.9 million recently. Another error is the off-center strike, where the design is shifted to one side. These errors make coins rare and highly sought after by collectors.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 Accented Hair | Extra hair detail above ear | $10,000+ |
| 1964-D Doubled Die | Doubled image on front | Up to $1.9M |
Later Years with Big Value
Not all valuable Kennedy Half Dollars are from 1964. The 1970-D coin, made only for collector sets, was never meant for circulation, but a few got out. These can sell for thousands if found in change. The 1995-S Silver Proof, with only 679,985 made, can be worth over $6,000 if in perfect condition. These later coins show that treasures can come from any year, so always check the date and condition.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1970-D | From collector sets | Thousands |
| 1995-S Silver Proof | Shiny, perfect condition | $6,000+ |
How to Spot a Million-Dollar Coin
Finding a valuable Kennedy Half Dollar takes a sharp eye. Look at the date first, especially 1964, 1970, or 1995. Check for mint marks below Kennedy’s neck: “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like doubled images or off-center designs. If you think you have a rare coin, take it to a coin shop or get it graded by experts like PCGS or NGC. A small coin could be your ticket to millions.
Keep Checking Your Change
Kennedy Half Dollars are still legal money and can pop up in bank rolls, vending machines, or family collections. Stories of people finding coins worth thousands in couch cushions or gas station change keep collectors excited. With millions minted, most are common, but the rare ones could change your life. Next time you get a half dollar, take a second look. It might be worth way more than 50 cents.