The Kennedy Half Dollar, introduced in 1964, remains one of the most iconic coins in American currency. Created to honor President John F. Kennedy, it has a rich history and continues to capture the attention of collectors. But did you know that one particular Kennedy Half Dollar is valued at a staggering $5.9 million? And, astonishingly, this coin is still in circulation today. Here’s everything you need to know about this rare coin.
A Look Back at the Kennedy Half Dollar
In the wake of President Kennedy’s assassination, the U.S. Mint sought to honor his memory with a new coin – the Kennedy Half Dollar. The coin was first minted in 1964, and its design featured a profile of the late president on the front and the Presidential Seal on the back. While the coin initially contained 90% silver, it shifted to a copper-nickel blend in later years. The Kennedy Half Dollar became an enduring symbol of American pride, although it has remained largely in the realm of collectors and investors rather than daily transactions.
What Makes This Kennedy Half Dollar Worth $5.9 Million?
In 2014, a unique 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar made headlines when it sold for $5.9 million at a public auction. This particular coin was never meant to be circulated; it was part of a special test batch produced by the U.S. Mint. These test coins were struck as part of a trial run and never released into the general population. Over the years, most of these test coins were destroyed, making the few remaining ones incredibly rare.
What makes this coin worth such an enormous sum is its rarity and historical importance. Not only is it a rare variant of the Kennedy Half Dollar, but its status as a non-circulating coin has made it a sought-after item for serious collectors and numismatists.
Is the Kennedy Half Dollar Still in Circulation Today?
Yes, Kennedy Half Dollars are still in circulation, although they aren’t as commonly used in day-to-day transactions. The U.S. Mint continues to produce them, but they are mainly collected by coin enthusiasts and used in special commemorative sets. While most Kennedy Half Dollars are worth only their face value, coins from certain years or with particular errors can be worth much more.
Where to Find Rare Kennedy Half Dollars
If you’re hoping to find a rare or valuable Kennedy Half Dollar, your best bet is to check through rolls of half dollars, attend coin auctions, or visit coin shops. Many collectors search for coins from specific years or those with minting errors, so it’s worth looking closely at your coins to spot anything that might increase their value.