Imagine dumping out your old coin jar… and spotting a single 1964 Kennedy half dollar worth almost six million dollars. Sounds crazy, right? But it actually happened in 2024 when one ultra-rare version sold for a jaw-dropping $5,904,000! Keep reading – you might literally be sitting on a fortune.
What Makes This Kennedy Half Dollar So Special?
The star of the show is the 1964 “Special Mint Set” Kennedy half dollar with the famous “Accentuated Hair” proof die variety – specifically the FS-401. Only a handful were ever struck before the die broke, making surviving examples insanely rare.
The Crazy History Behind the 1964 Kennedy Half
After President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, the U.S. Mint rushed to put his portrait on the half dollar. The first coins were struck in January 1964 with 90% silver. Millions loved the design, but a few early proof coins got an accidental extra detail on Kennedy’s hair – and that’s the jackpot.
Why One Just Sold for $5.9 Million
In August 2024, GreatCollections auctioned the finest known example (PCGS PR68+ Deep Cameo, FS-401) for an astonishing $5,904,000 – instantly becoming the most valuable modern U.S. coin ever sold. Only about 10–20 high-grade examples are thought to exist.
How to Tell If YOUR Kennedy Half Is the Rare One
Look for these clues on any 1964 proof Kennedy half dollar:
- Extra sharp, almost broken lines in the hair above the ear
- “Accentuated Hair” look (officially FS-401)
- Proof finish (mirror-like fields)
- Usually came in 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) packaging
Quick Value Guide: 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
| Type | Common Value | Top Rarity Value |
|---|---|---|
| Regular 1964 (90% silver) | $10–$15 | — |
| 1964 Proof (normal hair) | $20–$50 | — |
| 1964 SMS Normal | $50–$500 | — |
| 1964 SMS Accentuated Hair | $10,000+ | Up to $5.9 Million! |
Mind-Blowing Facts & Records
- Fewer than 100 total SMS Kennedy halves are believed to exist
- The $5.9M coin beat the previous record ($4.56M for a 1913 Liberty Nickel)
- Some lower-grade SMS examples still sell for $50,000–$150,000
Expert Tips to Start Hunting Today
- Grab a 10x loupe (under $10 on Amazon)
- Check every 1964 proof or SMS Kennedy you see
- Look at local coin shops – many still have old proof sets
- Join Facebook groups like “Kennedy Half Dollar Collectors”
- Get suspicious coins certified by PCGS or NGC fast
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are regular 1964 Kennedy halves still worth silver?
A: Yes! About $10–$12 in melt value alone.
Q: Can these rare ones still be in circulation?
A: Extremely unlikely now, but people spent SMS coins in the 1960s–70s, so a few could still surface.
Q: Where’s the best place to sell one if I find it?
A: Major auction houses like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections.
Final Thought: Your Next Coffee Jar Could Change Everything
The $5.9 million Kennedy half dollar proves that life-changing treasure can still be hiding in plain sight. One quick look through your change, your parents’ old coins, or that forgotten drawer could make you the next big headline. So grab that loupe, start flipping through those 1964 Kennedys, and who knows – you might just be holding the next multi-million-dollar mistake!