Many people are interested in the value of their old coins. The question is, how much is a 1968 Kennedy half dollar worth? This article will show you the answer to this question and more.
The 1968 Kennedy half dollar just like other Kennedy half dollars struggled with circulation. Despite all efforts to put this coin into circulation, people preferred to hoard it because of its precious metal content and because of the depiction of JFK who had just been murdered shortly before its release.
The 1968 Kennedy half dollar is one of the most common coins in collectors’ homes. The coin is also valuable for its historical significance as well as its design. However, there are some questions that remain regarding the 1968 Kennedy half dollar value and possible misconceptions surrounding it. This article will answer those questions and provide a little history of the coin.
The 1968 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar is worth an estimated $4.84 in average condition, or about $7.60 to $21 or more if it is uncirculated (MS+). The other variation is the 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar which was struck only as proof coins and is worth $10.08 on average.
It was in 1968 that the half dollar was first produced in more than one mint state.
246,951,930 coins were struck at the Denver mint while 3,041,506 proofs were struck at San Francisco, another mint state. In 1964 the Proof prints were produced in Philadelphia but had no mint marks.
The 1968 silver half dollar like others produced after 1964 contains 60% copper and 40% silver.
If you can remember, this coin had a large mintage and was seriously hoarded at its early stage, these hoarders have made these coins very common today even up to the higher grades, and as a result of the availability, the value is significantly low.
| Mintage (D) (S) | (246,951,930) (3,041,506) |
| Metal Composition | 40% Silver – 60% Copper |
| Mass/Weight | 11.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Thickness | 2.15 mm |
| Minted At | Denver, San Francisco |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designer (Obverse) | Gilroy Roberts |
| Designer (Reverse) | Frank Gasparro |
JFK Silver Dollar: History
The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964 as a fifty cent coin. The production of this coin was authorised by Congress about a month after JFK’s death. It was the use of Frank Gasparro and Gilroy Roberts’s pre-existing work that allowed dies to be prepared quickly and new coins production started in January 1964.
This silver half dollar served as a memorial to John F Kennedy (JFK) who was assassinated in November 1963. After it was released in 1964 many people rushed to get it and hoarded it, this quickly took it out of circulation.
For many, it served as a memento of the late president. Even an increase in production could not adequately restore it back to circulation because as silver prices continued to soar, so did the hoarding increase.
More people were interested in hoarding and melting it for its silver content, as a result, its silver content was reduced from 90% to 40%.
The coin was made available on March 24, 1964. There was a big demand for it, the demand was so overwhelming that rationing was imposed at some point. In 1965 President Johnson announced plans to remove silver from the dime and quarter; the Coinage Act of 1965 was passed in July. Half dollar silver content was also reduced from 90% to 40%.
In 1969 the Treasury wanted authorization to entirely remove the silver content of the half dollars changing it to the same composition of the dime and the quarter.
By 1971 the silver content was completely removed and production increased but this was not very successful as it did not significantly improve its circulation.
In 2001, the demand for JFK half dollars plummeted drastically, so Kennedy half dollars production for the general public had to be halted and was only produced specifically for collectors from 2002.
According to Wikipedia in 2021 production of the Kennedy half dollars started again for general circulation.
1968 Kennedy Half Dollar Design (Obverse & Reverse)
Obverse
This side of the coin features a left-profile portrait of Kennedy with “LIBERTY” largely inscribed above his head and 1968 inscribed right beneath. It is a pretty simple design that was done by Gilroy Roberts, “IN GOD WE TRUST” is divided by his neck into two.
Reverse
This face was designed by Frank Gasparro. You will find an eagle with its wings well spread out. Its right foot holding onto an olive branch and its left foot clutching a pack of arrows. Just above the head of the eagle is inscribed “E. PLURIBUS UNUM,” right above this, you will find an arc of 9 stars.
The eagle is well surrounded by 50 stars. “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscription spreads in a semi-circle from above the eagle to the sides while “HALF DOLLAR” is beneath the eagle.
The 1968 Silver Half Dollar Value & Mint Marks
The mint mark of 1968 half dollars is found on the obverse, directly beneath the bust of John.F. Kennedy, It comes in two different mints.
- The Kennedy D half dollar (Denver issue)
- The Kennedy S half dollar (San Francisco issue)
Despite the small mintage of 1968 Kennedy half dollars, they are still very common today. This means that their value is generally low for all but the rarest or highest quality coins. However, coins with a significant amount of precious metal—such as the 1968 Kennedy half dollar—are often worth more to collectors than their face value or their melt value.
1968 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Chart & Value By USA Coin Book
| Year | 1968 D |
| Mintage | 246,951,930 |
| G | $4.84 |
| VG | $4.84 |
| AU 50 | $4.84 |
| MS 60 | $7.60 |
| MS 65 | $21 |
1968 D Half Dollar Value & Coin Chart
| Group | Half Dollars |
| Mintage | 246,951,930 |
| Metal Composition | 40% Silver – 60% Copper |
| Mass/Weight | 11.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Minted At | Denver |
| Mint Mark | “D” |
Values for the 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar are shown to be $4.83 in average condition and can be worth $7.59 to $21 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
| 1968 D Half Dollar Value by PCGS | |
| G | $5 |
| VG | $5 |
| F | $5 |
| VF | $5 |
| AU 50 | $5 |
| AU 58+ | $6 |
| MS 60 | $7 |
| MS 63 | $10 |
| MS 63+ | $14 |
| MS 65 | $20 |
| MS 65+ | $30 |
| MS 66 | $60 |
| MS 66+ | $150 |
| MS 67 | $775 |
| MS 67+ | $2,900 |
| 1968 Kennedy Half Dollar Value By NGC Coin | |
| G | $4.75 |
| VG | $4.75 |
| F | $4.75 |
| VF | $4.75 |
| XF | $4.75 |
| AU 50 | $4.75 |
| AU 53 | $4.75 |
| AU 58 | $4.75 |
| MS 60 | $4.10 |
| MS 61 | $6 |
| MS 63 | $8.50 |
| MS 64 | $12 |
| MS 65 | $25 |
| MS 66 | $75 |
| MS 66+ | $205 |
| MS 67 | $1500 |
| MS 67+ | $4800 |
Regardless of the prices on the charts, some collectors have been able to realise a huge sum via auction sales. Below are a few examples of coins that have been sold in auctions.
- 1968-D 50C MS67+ PCGS Sold on Jan 31, 2022, for $4,920.00
- 1968-D 50C MS67 Sold on Aug 9, 2020, for $2,880.00
2. 1968 S Kennedy Half Dollar Value & Coin Chart
| Group | Half Dollars |
| Mintage | 3,041,506 |
| Metal Composition | 40% Silver – 60% Copper |
| Mass/Weight | 11.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Minted At | San Francisco |
| Mint Mark | “S” |
Thanks to the hoarders from the early days of this coin, you and I can still get this as there is still a good amount of this silver dollar available today, this has also made the value significantly low.
Take into consideration that the prices are also directly affected by the price of silver. The price of this silver dollar from its good condition to its uncirculated grade is $4.91.
The MS60 condition is about $7.61 on average while the MS65 condition is $21 dollars. For this year only Proof coins were struck in the San Francisco mint and its average value is about $10.13.
| 1968 S Half Dollar Value by PCGS | |
| MS 60 | $5 |
| MS 61 | $5 |
| MS 62 | $5 |
| MS 62+ | $6 |
| MS 63 | $7 |
| MS 63+ | $7 |
| MS 64 | $8 |
| MS 64+ | $8 |
| MS 65 | $10 |
| MS 66 | $12 |
| MS 67 | $14 |
| MS 68 | $16 |
| MS 68+ | $21 |
| MS 69 | $40 |
| 1968 S Kennedy Half Dollar By NGC Coin | |
| MS 60 | $4 |
| MS 61 | $4.75 |
| MS 62 | $6.25 |
| MS 63 | $7.50 |
| MS 64 | $9 |
| MS 65 | $10 |
| MS 66 | $15 |
| MS 67 | $22 |
| MS 68 | $38 |
| MS 69 | $65 |
Over time the 1968 S Kennedy Half Dollar has seen higher sales in auctions than the 1968 D variant. Below are some examples of coins sold at auction;
- 1968-S 50C PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS Sold on Nov 2, 2017, for $21,600.00
- 1968-S 50C PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS: Sold on Nov 8, 2018, for $12,000.00
Some Factors That Affect Coin Price
Here are some factors that can affect the value of your coin including some 1968 Kennedy half dollar errors. You should be on the lookout for them if you want to know the most valuable to buy and sell
- Clip errors
- Die Adjustment Strike
- Inverted S mint mark (smaller loop at the bottom instead of at the top
- Double Die Reverse (DDR)
- Double Die Obverse (DDO)
- Repunched mint mark (a mint mark that was punched over another mint mark, this usually forms knobs at the end of the S and can add to the value of the coin)
- Triple Die Obverse
Another factor that can greatly affect the value of your coin is if it has a natural toning, this makes it more valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1968 half dollar worth?
The 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar is worth an estimated $4.84 in average condition, or about $7.60 to $21 or more if it is uncirculated (MS+). The other variation is the 1968-S Kennedy Half Dollar which was struck only as proof coins and is worth $10.08 on average.
Is a 1968 JFK half dollar rare
No it is not, thanks to early hoarders, because of them there is a good amount of this coin even in higher grades available in the hands of collectors? Dealers have them in abundance and can also be found online.
Is 1968 Kennedy half dollars are 90% silver
Only the 1964 mints have 90% silver and 10% copper. By 1965 these half dollars still had silver content but it was reduced from 90% to 40% silver this includes the 1968 JFK half dollar.
What are the 1968 Kennedy half dollar errors
The most common error in this year is the inverted S error, the smaller loop of the S is beneath the bigger loop, and the S was placed upside down. This error and others such as die errors increase the value of the coin. Some die errors include the Triple Die error, Double Die Reverse errors, and Double Die Obverse errors.
Are there any Proof 1968 half dollars
Yes, in fact, all 1968 S half dollars are Proofs as the San Francisco mint released only Proof coins in 1968! Over 3 million Proof prints were produced this year.
Where are the Mint Marks on 1968 Kennedy half dollars
The mint marks of 1968 can be found on the Obverse just beneath JFK’s neck. It was in 1968 that engraving mint marks on half dollars resumed after a 3-year halt from 1965- 1967
Summary
Overall, the 1968 Kennedy Half Dollar is a special coin that could be worth a fortune. However, there are many factors that will most likely determine the value of your coin. But it’s always worth looking into how much your coins are worth and seeing how much money you could potentially make from selling them.
Ultimately, the value of a coin is determined by the price a willing buyer pays for the specific coin. If you have a valuable coin, it is likely worth quite a bit. However, if you do not know the exact value of your coin, then you may need to do some research and shopping around to find the best offer for your coin.
Terry Edwards
Thursday 20th of October 2022
I came across a 1985 D Kennedy have dollar none of my collecting book have that mint,