1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value : What if the loose change sitting in your pocket or coin jar was worth millions? Believe it or not, this one rare coin-the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar-has been and continues to be the cause of much debate with some experts estimating its worth at as high as $5.9 million. The scary part? It may still be out there, circulating.
Why This Coin Is So Rare
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was not just your common coin-the inception of its production was really history being made. The coin was struck as a national tribute mere months following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
And the reasons that give it value today are few:
- It was struck with 90% silver, unlike later versions.
- Some of these coins have minting errors, such as doubled letters or atypical detail in the profile of Kennedy.
- Certain ones were struck on special planchets, rendering them peculiar and very limited in number.
Collectors consider these rare varieties to be the “holy grail” of half-dollars.
The $5.9 Million Coin
While many millions of Kennedy Half Dollars were made, few are of the rare error variety. In mint state, or pristine condition that looks brand new, one is estimated to be worth as much as $5.9 million.
In other words, the coin you just paid with could theoretically be a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.
How To Check If You Have One
Before emptying your coin jar, here are the identifiers to look out for:
- Date: Must be 1964.
- Weight: Heavier than present-day coins due to its silver content.
- Errors: Inspection around “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and Kennedy’s profile might hint at doubling or distortions.
- Condition: Uncirculated coins, sharp and shining, have the greatest value.
In case you think you have spotted one, collectors recommend the coin be submitted to a professional grading service to discern its authenticity and worth.
Still In Circulation?
While the Kennedy Half Dollar is still considered legal U.S. tender, it is far from populous in today’s transactions. These coins, however, do show up once in a while in bank rolls, change machines, and coin jars. So, who knows, a rare 1964 could just go unnoticed.
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