One of the best parts about coin collecting? You never know when a hidden treasure might land right in your pocket. Some half dollar coins still floating around in everyday change could be worth way more than fifty cents—and we’re not just talking a few bucks.
Let’s dive into the most valuable half dollars you might actually find in circulation. Here’s how to spot them, what makes them special, and what kind of cash they could bring in.
1. 1964 (P) Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar was born out of national tragedy. After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the U.S. Mint quickly moved to honor him with a coin bearing his likeness.
The first coins rolled out in early 1964, minted in Philadelphia and Denver. Those original 1964 halves are 90% silver, giving them a melt value that far exceeds face value—regardless of condition. Even a well-worn example is worth at least $12.
Mint state coins, on the other hand, can fetch more. But oddly enough, there’s little difference in value among circulated coins—even ones in nearly uncirculated (AU58) condition might only get you $14. Still, it’s a coin with powerful historical appeal.
2. 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The Denver mint produced fewer halves in 1964—156 million, compared to over 273 million in Philly. You can spot these coins by the small “D” mintmark near the eagle’s claw on the reverse.
Surprisingly, the most worn examples are sometimes the most valuable. A grade 1 coin (barely identifiable) could be worth about $22. Coins in better—but still circulated—condition usually range between $13 and $14.
But uncirculated ones? That’s a different story. In 2016, an MS68 1964-D half dollar sold for an eye-popping $22,325.
3. 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Double Die Obverse
Double die errors happen when the die used to strike the coin gets misaligned between hub impressions, creating a doubled image.
A few 1964-D half dollars have this kind of doubling on the obverse. You can often spot it—no magnifying glass needed—in the date or the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
While it’s not the rarest variety, it’s still a nice find. One graded AU50 is valued around $20, while an AU58+ might bring in about $32.
4. 1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, Re-punched Mintmark, FS-501
Another error you’ll want to look for is the re-punched mintmark, where a second “D” appears slightly above the original.
This FS-501 variety is easier to spot with a magnifier, though sharp-eyed collectors might catch it without one. A grade 40 coin could be worth $19, while higher grades like AU58+ can fetch up to $38.
5. 1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, Re-punched Mintmark, FS-503
This repunched mintmark variety shows the second “D” to the left of the first, giving it the FS-503 designation.
Though not as scarce as FS-504, it still commands more than a standard 1964-D half. A circulated example graded 40 could bring $18, and prices climb to about $30 in higher AU grades.
6. 1964 D/D Kennedy Half Dollar, Re-punched Mintmark, FS-504
With this variant, the second “D” is to the right of the first—earning it the FS-504 code. It’s rarer than the others and slightly more valuable.
A grade 50 FS-504 coin might be worth $30, while a near-mint AU58 can command up to $45. If you find one of these in the wild, you’ve got a great addition to your collection.
7. 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar, No FG
In 1972, a batch of half dollars minted in Denver left out the designer’s initials—“FG” for Frank Gasparro—from the reverse.
This likely happened due to excessive die polishing. The same issue occurred with Philadelphia-minted coins in 1966 and 1982, but the 1972-D version is much rarer.
Even in circulated condition, it’s valuable. A grade 40 coin without the FG initials is worth around $275—now that’s a nice surprise from pocket change.
8. 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Double Die Obverse
A decade after the Kennedy half’s debut, the Denver Mint had another double die mishap. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” shows the clearest doubling.
The error is neat but not wildly valuable. Whether it’s graded EF40 or AU58+, expect it to be worth around $28 to $34.
Given that professional grading costs around $40, certification may not be worth it unless the coin is in extraordinary shape.
9. 1976-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
For America’s bicentennial, the San Francisco Mint released a special silver version of the Kennedy half. It’s a one-year-only design, making it a collector’s item.
These were mostly saved as souvenirs, so even now, they’re not hard to find. Circulated examples—regardless of grade—typically go for $6 to $7.
Still, not bad for a coin you might find mixed in with regular change.
10. 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar Struck on Silver-Clad Planchet
This is where things get really interesting. In 1971, half dollars were no longer supposed to be made with silver—but a leftover silver-clad planchet from 1970 was mistakenly used.
One such error coin was discovered, graded AU55, and sold at auction in 2003 for an astounding $6,038. If you’ve got a 1971-D half dollar, it might be worth weighing—it should be 11.3 grams, but the silver planchet weighs 11.5.
11. 1977-D Kennedy Half Dollar Struck on Silver-Clad Planchet
Here’s another rare transition error—this one struck on a leftover 1976 silver planchet but using a 1977 Denver die.
The coin was found in a bank roll and had never been used. It was graded MS64 and sold for $6,900 in 2007.
But here’s the twist: circulated examples might still be out there. Grab a precise scale—if your 1977-D half dollar weighs 11.5 grams, you could be sitting on a four-figure gem.
Valuable Half Dollars in Your Pocket Change
The bottom line? Most half dollars you find in circulation aren’t worth much more than fifty cents. But a lucky find—like a double die, a missing mintmark, or a transition error—could net you hundreds or even thousands.
So next time you’re handed change, take a peek. That forgotten half dollar could turn out to be a tiny treasure.