Finding one of these valuable pieces is all about knowing the key dates, compositions, and rare minting mistakes.
👑 Kennedy Half Dollar Treasures (1964–Present)
The half dollar series, launched in 1964, includes some stunning rarities where small details command massive premiums.
1. The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin is the “King” of the Kennedy series.
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The Rarity: These were Special Mint Set (SMS) coins produced in 1964 to test new production methods, meant to be destroyed. Only about 12 examples are known to exist.
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Value: Because of its extreme rarity, a top-grade specimen can command an extraordinary auction price, with the finest known example (SP68) selling for $156,000.
2. The 1964 “Accented Hair” Proof
A short-lived variety found only in proof sets.
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The Feature: The original proof design featured distinct, extra lines of hair detail above Kennedy’s ear and a missing serif on the letter “I” in “LIBERTY”. This design was quickly changed at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy.
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Value: This historic error is highly desirable, with prices ranging from $150 to $500, and ultra-high-quality examples reaching $2,000 or more.
3. 1972-D No FG Error
This error coin involves the missing initials of the coin’s designer, Frank Gasparro.
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The Error:Â Due to excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint (“D” mint mark), the initials “FG” (found near the eagle’s tail) were inadvertently removed.
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Value: This is one of the most desirable modern half dollar errors. Even moderately circulated examples are highly valuable, starting around $275 and increasing substantially with higher grades, up to $4,500 or more.
đź‘‘ Washington Quarter High-Value Rarities
The Washington Quarter series has equally rare and valuable key dates and errors.
4. The 1932-D and 1932-S Quarters
These are the key dates for the entire Washington Quarter series.
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The Rarity: Struck during the Great Depression, the Denver (“D”) mint produced only 436,800 quarters, and the San Francisco (“S”) mint produced only 408,000. These are the lowest-mintage quarters in the series.
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Value: Due to their extreme scarcity, well-preserved examples can reach values near $30,000.
5. 1964 Silver Quarter Struck on Wrong Planchet (Transitional Error)
Similar to the legendary dime and penny errors, the 1965 to 1968 years were prone to transitional errors.
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The Error: While quarters struck after 1964 were supposed to be copper-nickel clad (0% silver), a few rare examples were accidentally struck on the leftover 90% silver planchets intended for 1964.
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How to Spot: Check the date (1965–1968) and the edge. If the coin has a solid silver-colored edge (instead of a visible copper stripe) and is heavier, it could be a highly valuable transitional error.
🔍 Search Tips:
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1964 Half Dollars: The key is silver. The 1964 half dollar is the only year struck for circulation with 90% silver. All 1964 Half Dollars are worth at least their silver melt value of approximately $14.
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Condition: The auction values that reach into the thousands are almost always for coins in Mint State (MS) condition.
If you find a half dollar or quarter matching these rare descriptions, secure it immediately and seek professional grading!
Would you like me to find information on the 1974-D Doubled Die Obverse Kennedy Half Dollar?
