A standard 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar is worth approximately $7.40 based on its 40% silver content. All 1967 coins lack a mint mark as they were produced in Philadelphia for circulation. Circulated coins are typically valued at their melt value. However, rare error coins can be significantly more valuable: rotated die errors sell for around $200, while wrong planchet errors (such as coins struck on Jefferson nickel planchets) have sold for over $2,100. To identify valuable errors, look for off-center designs, unusual appearances, or irregular edge coloring. Professional grading services are recommended for verification of rare and potentially valuable error coins.
Finding a 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar in your change jar might seem like discovering hidden treasure, but the reality is more nuanced. While most of these coins are worth their silver content of around $7.40, rare error varieties can command prices exceeding $2,000. Understanding which errors to look for and how to identify valuable specimens can turn pocket change into profit.
Understanding the 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar’s Composition
The 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar represents a transitional period in American coinage history. Following the Coinage Act of 1965, the United States Mint changed the composition of half dollars to address the national silver shortage. Unlike the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars that contained 90% silver, the 1967 issues were struck with only 40% silver content.
This composition translates to approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of actual silver per coin. At current silver prices hovering around $50 per troy ounce, the melt value sits at approximately $7.40. The Philadelphia Mint produced 295,046,978 examples during 1967, making this a common date with no inherent rarity in standard strikes.
One distinctive feature of 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars is the complete absence of mint marks. From 1965 through 1967, the United States Mint temporarily discontinued mint marks on all circulating coinage. This decision aimed to discourage hoarding and speculation during the transition to reduced silver content. Every 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, regardless of the lack of a “P” designation.
Standard 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar Values by Grade
For collectors seeking uncirculated examples, condition makes a substantial difference in value. Here’s what you can expect to pay based on professional grading standards:
| Grade | Condition Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn, major details visible | $7.40 – $8.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | Moderate wear, clear lettering | $7.50 – $8.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on highest points | $8.00 – $9.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Slight wear on high points | $9.00 – $12.00 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | No wear, some contact marks | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | Few contact marks, good luster | $15.00 – $20.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Minimal marks, excellent eye appeal | $25.00 – $35.00 |
| Mint State (MS-67) | Nearly perfect, exceptional strike | $75.00 – $150.00 |
According to NGC population reports, most 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars grade between MS-63 and MS-65. Specimens grading MS-67 or higher become significantly scarcer, with fewer than 500 coins certified at the MS-67 level across both major grading services.
Circulated examples trade at or slightly above melt value. Coin dealers typically pay $6.50 to $7.00 for common circulated pieces, accounting for their processing and profit margins. Unless you’re dealing with an error variety or a high-grade uncirculated specimen, expect values to track closely with silver spot prices.
High-Value Error Varieties to Search For
Error coins represent the most exciting opportunity for finding valuable 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars. These minting mistakes occur infrequently and can transform an ordinary coin into a significant discovery.
Rotated Die Errors
A rotated die error occurs when the reverse die is installed at an incorrect angle relative to the obverse die. When you flip a normal coin vertically from top to bottom, both sides should be oriented the same direction. With a rotated die error, the reverse appears turned at an angle, anywhere from slight rotation to a complete 180-degree flip.
A 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar with a 95-degree rotated die sold at Heritage Auctions for $192 in 2019. The degree of rotation impacts value, with 180-degree rotations generally commanding the highest premiums. These errors are rare enough that discovering one in circulation would be exceptional, though not impossible.
Wrong Planchet Errors
Wrong planchet errors represent some of the most valuable mistakes in modern coinage. These occur when a blank planchet intended for one denomination accidentally enters the press for a different coin. A 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar struck on a Jefferson nickel planchet sold for $2,160 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in 2021.
These errors are immediately recognizable because the coin will be the wrong size and weight. A Kennedy Half Dollar on a nickel planchet measures only 21.2mm in diameter instead of the normal 30.6mm. The design appears cramped and incomplete, with portions of Kennedy’s portrait and the reverse eagle missing entirely.
Other documented wrong planchet errors for 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars include strikes on dime planchets, which sold for approximately $1,800 to $2,400 depending on condition and eye appeal.
Struck Through Errors
Struck through errors happen when foreign material gets between the die and planchet during striking. This could be grease, cloth fibers, or another coin. The obstruction prevents the design from fully transferring to the coin’s surface, creating blank spots or unusual textures.
Minor struck through errors might add $20 to $50 to a coin’s value. Dramatic examples with significant portions of the design obscured can reach $150 to $300, though these are far less common than rotated die or wrong planchet varieties.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet isn’t properly centered in the collar during striking. The resulting coin shows a portion of the design missing, with a corresponding blank crescent on the opposite side. The value depends heavily on the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible.
A 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar struck 10% off-center with a full date might sell for $50 to $75. Examples 25% to 40% off-center with complete dates command $150 to $250. Spectacular specimens struck 50% or more off-center can reach $400 to $600, though these are extremely rare for Kennedy Half Dollars.
Clipped Planchets
Clipped planchet errors result from improperly punched blanks during the planchet production process. When blanks are punched too close together or overlap previously punched areas, the resulting planchet has a curved or straight-edged clip missing.
Small clips affecting less than 5% of the planchet typically add $15 to $30 in value. Larger clips removing 10% to 20% of the coin sell for $40 to $80. Major clips exceeding 25% can reach $100 to $200 depending on the specific configuration and remaining design elements.
Authentication and Grading Considerations
Before celebrating a potential error discovery, authentication is critical. Many apparent errors are actually post-mint damage that adds no numismatic value. Professional coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) provide authentication and certification for genuine errors.
The cost of professional grading typically ranges from $20 to $50 depending on service level and turnaround time. This investment makes sense for coins potentially worth several hundred dollars or more. For a $7.40 silver coin with questionable errors, the grading fee exceeds the coin’s value.
Learn to distinguish genuine errors from damage by examining the coin under magnification. Mint errors will show the distinctive characteristics of having occurred during the striking process, with metal flow patterns consistent with die contact. Post-mint damage like scratches, dents, or deliberate alteration shows different metal displacement patterns.
Edge examination provides another authentication method. Genuine 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars should have reeded edges with 150 reeds. The edge should show the layered composition with an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of approximately 21% silver and 79% copper. Coins lacking this distinctive sandwich appearance or showing inconsistent reeding likely have issues.
Market Demand and Selling Strategies
The market for 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars splits into distinct categories. Bullion buyers purchase common circulated examples for their silver content, paying close to melt value. Collectors seek high-grade uncirculated specimens and verified error varieties, willing to pay premiums for quality and rarity.
Local coin shops offer immediate liquidity but typically pay wholesale prices. Expect offers of 85% to 95% of retail value for uncirculated coins and 90% to 95% of melt value for circulated pieces. This convenience comes at the cost of lower returns compared to selling directly to collectors.
Online marketplaces like eBay provide access to a broader collector base but involve fees, shipping costs, and the time investment of creating listings and managing transactions. Completed auction data shows that raw uncirculated 1967 Kennedy Half Dollars consistently sell for $12 to $18, while certified MS-65 examples typically achieve $28 to $38.
For significant error varieties, specialized coin auctions through Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections offer the best opportunity to maximize value. These platforms attract serious collectors willing to pay strong premiums for authenticated rarities. The trade-off involves consignment agreements, auction fees typically ranging from 10% to 20%, and longer timeframes from consignment to payment.
Building Your Kennedy Half Dollar Collection
While hunting for valuable 1967 errors can be exciting, building a complete Kennedy Half Dollar collection offers broader appeal and educational value. The series begins in 1964 and continues to the present, with various compositions, mint marks, and special issues providing collecting challenges.
A date and mint mark set includes examples from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints across the series. Special varieties like the 1964 Accented Hair, 1970-D issues, and various proof types add complexity and value to advanced collections.
The 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar serves as an affordable entry point for this collecting specialty. With sufficient quantity available in the marketplace, collectors can acquire multiple examples to study striking characteristics, lustre variations, and die states without significant financial commitment. Starting with circulated examples costing $8 to $10 allows hands-on learning before investing in expensive key dates or high-grade specimens.
Maximizing Returns on Your Discovery
If you’ve identified what appears to be a valuable 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar error, follow these steps to maximize your return. First, photograph the coin from multiple angles under good lighting, including close-ups of the suspected error. These images assist with preliminary authentication from online communities or coin dealers before investing in professional grading.
Second, research recent auction results for comparable errors. Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections maintain searchable archives of past sales with realized prices. This research establishes realistic value expectations and helps determine whether professional grading makes financial sense.
Third, consider joining the American Numismatic Association or local coin clubs. These organizations provide access to experienced collectors who can offer guidance, authentication assistance, and potential purchasing interest. The knowledge gained through these communities often proves more valuable than any single coin discovery.
Store your coins properly while deciding on authentication and sale strategies. Use non-PVC coin holders or flips to prevent chemical damage. Avoid cleaning or handling the coin excessively, as even minor abrasions or cleaning damage can significantly reduce value or result in grading service rejection.
What are the errors on the 1967 half dollar?
The most significant errors that can raise the 1967 half dollar value are as follows. Doubled Die Obverse/Reverse (DDO or DDR) : This type of error occurs when the obverse/reverse die is mispositioned during production, which duplicates important details as a result.
What makes a 1967 Kennedy half dollar valuable?
Silver Content The 1967 Kennedy Half-Dollar has silver in it, but not as much as the ones made before 1964. Specifically, it contains 40% silver, which means its value is partly tied to the current price of silver. When silver prices go up, so does the value of the coin.
What errors to look for on Kennedy half dollars?
Look for common Kennedy half dollar errors such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, die breaks, and filled or missing mint marks. Specific rare errors include the 1964 “Accented Hair” variety, the 1971-D and 1977-D struck on 40% silver planchets, and 1968-S proof coins with an inverted mint mark. For recent coins, look for 2024 errors like the dropped star or die clashes.
Are Kennedy half dollars minted in 1964 especially the SP68 type rare and valuable?
With only a few certified examples by NGC and PCGS, the 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar stands out for its rarity and has fetched auction prices as high as $156,000 for specimens in SP68 grade. Accented Hair Proof: This variety was struck early in the production using the original design dies.