1969 Half Dollar Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
The 1969 Half Dollar is part of a coin series exclusively minted in Denver and San Francisco, denoted by the “D” or “S” mint mark. The value of these coins has piqued the interest of many, perhaps, including you, prompting us to create this coin review.
In this article, we present a chart detailing the value of the 1969 half dollar and information about the two varieties and notable errors that could increase its worth. With this guide, you’ll be able to identify the condition of your 1969 Kennedy half dollar and determine its value with greater accuracy.
1969 Half Dollar Value Chart
1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Chart |
|||||
| Mint Mark | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 | MS66 | MS67 |
| 1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar Value |
$7.57 |
$10.27 |
$27 |
$156 |
$2,810 |
| 1969 Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Value | |||||
| PR65 | PR66 | PR67 | PR68 | PR69 | |
| 1969 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Value |
$8.10 |
$10.80 |
$16.20 |
$20.25 |
$27 |
1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar Value
The 1969 D Kennedy Half Dollar is a 50-cent coin that was minted in Denver with a mintage of 129,881,800, as part of the Kennedy Half Dollar series produced between 1965 and 1970. The coin is made up of 40% silver and 60% copper, weighs 11.5 grams—equivalent to 0.36169 ounces – and has a diameter of 30.6 mm.
On one side of the coin, on the obverse, you’ll find a portrait of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. This portrait was designed by Gilroy Roberts and features Kennedy facing left, with the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed around the edge. On the other side, the obverse, there’s the presidential seal with an eagle and shield and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” around the edge. This side was designed by Frank Gasparro.
There are only two varieties of the 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar, the business strike from the Denver Mint and the proof strike from the San Francisco Mint. Since the 1969 D Half Dollar was made for circulation, it’s not a fancy version with any special finishes or markings—just your average business strike quality.
People really liked it when it was first minted and thought it was worth more than another half dollar because of its 40% silver composition, but that was a mistake. Because of this, they stopped using it in the early 1980s. Even though no specific Kennedy Half Dollar is considered rare, people who collect coins really want the ones that are in better condition or have special features. Some of them were only given out in special sets from the mint, which has been true since 2002.
And talking about its value is determined by its grade, which is assigned based on its overall condition and any imperfections it may have. The highest grade 1969 half dollar value can receive is MS67, indicating that it is almost perfect with very few imperfections visible to the naked eye. An MS67 graded 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar has an estimated retail value of $2,810 and a wholesale price of $2,250.
The lowest grade 1969 half dollar value can receive is MS60, indicating significant wear and many surface marks. The estimated retail value for an MS60 graded 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar is $6.22, while its wholesale or Greysheet price is $4.61. For Kennedy halves that have been in circulation and show varying degrees of wear and surface marks, the AU58, AU55, AU53, and AU50 grades are used. These coins have an estimated retail value of $5.55 and a wholesale or Greysheet price of $4.11.
Speaking of grade and price value, in 2019 at Heritage Auctions, they sold a 1969 half dollar, the highest-selling of its kind. It went for a whopping $15,600 and had an MS67 Grade. Another 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar was sold in the same auction house that year with an even higher grade of MS67+. However, it went for a lower price of $6,600. It just goes to show that sometimes the rarity and condition of a coin don’t necessarily dictate its price. Factors like demand and the number of interested buyers can also significantly determine its value.
1969 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Value
Now as mentioned, the second variety of the 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar is the proof strike variation from the San Francisco Mint, with a mintage of 2,934,631. It is easily distinguishable from the first variety because of the “S” mint mark on these coins, whereas you will see the “D” mint mark for those produced in Denver.
The value of the 1969 Half Dollar from San Francisco depends on its condition and strike type. If the coin is a regular business strike, it may be worth between $6.75 and $27.00, depending on its condition. If the coin is a proof strike, meaning it was especially struck for collectors, its value could be higher.
A 1969 S proof half dollar with a cameo finish (CAM) could be worth between $8.10 and $455, while a proof coin with a deep cameo finish (DCAM) could be worth between $9.45 and $15,000.
Now let’s list the highest-selling 1969 S half dollars in the Heritage Auction, and Stack’s Bowers were sold at different times with varying grades and strike variations. While the highest-selling coin with a standard proof strike and a PR69 grade sold for $94 in 2020, the second highest-selling coin with a PR70 (CAM) grade sold for $90 in 2003. In 2022, a DCAM variation of the second highest-selling coin with a PR69 grade sold for $432 at Stack’s Bowers. These auctions demonstrate the value and rarity of these particular coins among collectors and enthusiasts.
1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Grading
If you want to learn how the 1969 Half Dollar value is graded, grading ranges from VF20 to MS65, indicating the coin’s wear and overall condition. For example, a VF20 coin will have wear spots on the hair and weak hairlines, while an MS65 coin is chosen uncirculated with few noticeable marks.
Keep in mind that mint luster and abrasion signs vary in each grade, and checking high points is important. So if you want to learn more about how to grade the 1969 Half Dollar, we encourage you to watch this video covering the topic in greater detail.
Rare 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Error Lists
1. 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Curved Rim Clip Error
During the minting process of the 1969 half dollar, this error occurred where a section of the coin’s circumference was clipped off, resulting in a curved edge. The coin has been graded as MS 64, indicating that it is in uncirculated condition and has only minor imperfections that are visible without the use of magnification. Additionally, the coin’s weight with this recorded error is slightly higher than the standard weight, measuring 11.25 grams instead of the usual 11.5 grams.
2. 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Planchet Indentation Error
Planchets are round pieces of metal that are used to make coins. They get turned into coins when they’re stamped with a special tool called a “coin die”. Sometimes, mistakes happen and the wrong planchet gets used to make a coin. When this happens, it can create a special kind of coin that can be worth a lot of money.
One famous example of a coin in this error happened in 1969 with a Kennedy half dollar. Instead of a half dollar planchet, a dime planchet was used by mistake. This caused part of the design on the front of the coin to get covered up. It’s unclear how many 1969 half dollars like this were produced, but in 2020, one sold for $3,840 because it was so rare.
3. 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Underweight Planchet Error
A 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck on an underweight planchet, meaning it weighs less than an average Kennedy half dollar from that year. The roller dies used to make the half dollar stock was set to an incorrect thickness, resulting in a too-thin planchet. Normal 1969 D half dollars weigh 11.5 grams and have a 40% silver alloy, but this particular half dollar weighs only 9.3 grams.
The edge of the 1969 half dollar lacks a copper core, which suggests that the planchet was not made from quarter dollar stock. The incomplete strike on the tail feathers and the obverse border between 3 and 6 o’clock is a characteristic of an underweight planchet. Despite the error, the 1969 Half Dollar has been graded MS62 by NGC and has a lightly toned and lustrous appearance.
4. 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar Double Strikes Error
Double strikes in half dollar coins happen when struck twice during production, which can be more or less noticeable. Some mistakes could be more obvious, while others cover up parts of the design from the first stamp. In 1969, some Kennedy half dollars had clear double-struck errors.
One of these coins was sold for $3,220 in 2007, and almost a quarter of the surface had an error that covered the president’s face partly. You can still see the 1969 date and the mint mark on both stamps.
To discover additional information about rare 1969 Half Dollar coins and get more advice on collecting coins, be sure to watch this video.
1969 Kennedy Half Dollar FAQs
Q1: Is a 1969 half dollar real silver?
Kennedy Half Dollars were made with 40% silver from 1965 to 1969, which means they were partly made of real silver. But in 1970, they stopped making half dollars with silver altogether. Instead, they started making them with a mixture of nickel and copper. From 1971 onwards, Kennedy Half Dollars were the only coins that had silver in them that you could find in your pocket.
Q2: What is a 1969 S Kennedy Half Dollar worth?
The 1969 S Kennedy Half Dollars are all in proof strike types, meaning their price value is higher than standard 1969 half dollars from Denver. Among these proof strike variations, the highest value is for DCAM, which could sell at an auction for $15,000. You could get $6.75 to $9.45 each for circulated coins depending on their state.
Q3: How much silver is in a 1969 D half dollar?
The 1969 Kennedy Half Dollars are special coins that contain some silver. Both minted in Denver and San Francisco are made up of 40% silver and contain 0.1479 troy ounces (about 4.6 grams) of really pure silver (the kind of silver that is 99.9% pure).
Q4: Where is the mint mark on a 1969 50 cent piece?
If you have coins from 1964 or 1964-2014 with gold, the mint mark is below the olive branch on the back. For other coins, the mint mark is above the date on the front, except for some made between 1965 and 1967 and ones from the Philadelphia Mint before 1980, which don’t have a mint mark at all.
Q5: What makes a 1969 half-dollar rare?
The 1969 Half Dollar is a rare coin because it was part of the Kennedy Half Dollar series that was introduced just before a coin shortage, making them scarce and not commonly used in circulation. Additionally, the silver content in Half Dollars was reduced by 50% starting in 1965, so the 1969 Half Dollar is rare because it is part of a limited series and contains less than half of the original silver content of Half Dollars.
Final Words
As we have discussed, knowing what to look for when searching for a valuable 1969 Half Dollar is essential. Understanding the factors that affect a coin’s value, such as mint marks, condition, and rarity, can help collectors make wise decisions and avoid overpaying for a coin.
So if you’re considering adding a 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar to your collection, be sure to do your research and consult with reputable experts to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your investment.
