I’ve always been fascinated by how something valuable can be right under your nose without you realizing it. Sometimes, ordinary coins passed around daily can hold surprising worth. Half dollars, especially, have some rare versions that many people don’t know about.
If you pay close attention, you might find six rare half dollars hiding in plain sight that could be worth much more than their face value. These coins aren’t just pieces of history—they could be small treasures waiting to be discovered in your own collection or loose change.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Proofs
I find the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Proofs really interesting. They were the first proof coins issued for this series, with about 4 million minted in Philadelphia. These proofs stand out because they contain 90% silver, adding to their appeal.
One variety I keep an eye on is the “Accented Hair” version, which shows subtle differences in the design. It’s fairly rare, making up roughly 3% of the proof coins. For collectors like me, these details make the coin special beyond just the silver content.
1970-S Kennedy Half Dollar Errors
I find the 1970-S Kennedy half dollar errors pretty fascinating. These coins are rare because they have unusual minting mistakes that collectors look for. One example is a version that has an off-center strike, which makes the design look shifted or incomplete.
Another interesting point about the 1970-S is its limited mintage combined with these errors, which can raise its value. I’ve seen some of these error coins sell for quite a bit at auctions, sometimes over $25,000. For anyone exploring Kennedy halves, this one is worth checking out closely.
1972-D Small Date Kennedy Half Dollar
I find the 1972-D Small Date Kennedy Half Dollar quite interesting. It’s a variety often overlooked because it looks very similar to the regular issue.
This coin features a slightly smaller date than the more common Large Date version. Spotting it requires a careful eye, especially for the shape and spacing of the numbers.
Because fewer Small Date coins were made, they tend to be more valuable to collectors like me. It’s a neat example of how small differences can make a big impact in coin collecting.
1973-D Doubled Die Kennedy Half Dollar
I’ve always been fascinated by the 1973-D Doubled Die Kennedy Half Dollar. This coin stands out because of its unique doubled die error on the reverse. It shows clear doubling on the design, making it very different from a regular 1973-D half.
For me, the coolest part is how this error happened during minting, when the die was misaligned. While these coins aren’t super rare, well-preserved examples can be worth more than their face value. Collectors on a budget often look for this variety, as it offers something special without breaking the bank.
1990-D Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
I find the 1990-D Proof Kennedy Half Dollar interesting because it’s less common in gem condition despite having a high overall mintage. Most of these coins were made for collectors, not everyday use, which makes proof versions special to me.
While they aren’t extremely rare, finding one in top condition can be a good surprise. Their value is higher when the coin is well-preserved and shines with a sharp strike. For anyone curious about Kennedy half dollars, this coin is definitely worth checking out.
1991-P Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
I find the 1991-P Proof Kennedy Half Dollar particularly interesting because its mintage dropped below 3 million. This was the first time since 1974 that the Proof version had such a low number, making it less common than other Proof years.
The coin’s detail and finish are generally sharp, as expected from Proofs. While not extremely rare, its lower mintage adds some appeal for collectors like me who appreciate Proof coins with a bit more scarcity.
