A standard 1968 half dollar contains 40% silver and typically values $5-$10 in uncirculated condition. Both “D” (Denver) and “S” (San Francisco) mint marks are common and don’t significantly increase value for circulation coins. However, specific errors can dramatically boost worth to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Valuable varieties include Repunched Mint Mark (RPM), Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), and overmint marks. Proof coins, especially “deep cameo” versions, command premium prices ranging from $15-$40 for standard grades, with higher grades worth considerably more. To determine your coin’s value, identify the mint mark below the date, examine for errors like doubling or repunched marks, and consult professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for authentication and accurate appraisal.
Most people assume their 1968 Kennedy half dollar sitting in a drawer is worth just fifty cents. While standard circulation pieces trade near their silver melt value of around $4 to $6, specific mint errors have commanded prices exceeding $800 at major auction houses. The difference between face value and a significant payday often comes down to knowing what varieties and errors to look for on both Denver and San Francisco mint mark coins.
Understanding the 1968 Kennedy Half Dollar Composition
The 1968 half dollar marked a significant transition in American coinage. Unlike the 1964 Kennedy half dollars containing 90% silver, the 1968 versions contain only 40% silver—a composition change implemented to conserve precious metals during a nationwide coin shortage. Each coin weighs 11.50 grams with a silver content of approximately 0.1479 troy ounces.
Three distinct versions emerged from U.S. Mints in 1968:
1968-D (Denver Mint): Mintage of 246,951,930 coins, making it the most common variety. These pieces display a small “D” mint mark on the obverse (front) below Kennedy’s neck, just above the date.
1968-S Proof (San Francisco): Limited mintage of 3,041,506 proof coins struck exclusively for collectors. These feature mirror-like fields and frosted devices, with an “S” mint mark in the same location as the Denver issues.
1968 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): Production of 246,951,930 circulation strikes without any mint mark designation.
The base silver value provides a floor price, but condition and errors create the real value variations collectors pursue.
Standard 1968 Half Dollar Values by Grade and Mint Mark
Circulation Strike Values
| Grade | 1968-D Denver | 1968 Philadelphia | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | $4.25 | $4.25 | Heavy wear, date readable |
| F-12 (Fine) | $4.50 | $4.50 | Moderate wear on high points |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | $5.00 | $5.00 | Light wear on highest points |
| AU-50 (About Uncirculated) | $6.50 | $6.50 | Slight wear on Kennedy’s cheekbone |
| MS-60 (Mint State) | $8.00 | $8.00 | No wear, but contact marks present |
| MS-63 | $11.00 | $11.00 | Moderate luster, few contact marks |
| MS-65 | $22.00 | $24.00 | Strong luster, minimal marks |
| MS-67 | $165.00 | $185.00 | Exceptional quality, rare in circulation strikes |
According to NGC Coin Explorer data from 2023, only 247 examples of 1968-D half dollars have graded MS-67 or higher, making premium uncirculated specimens genuinely scarce despite the massive mintage.
1968-S Proof Coin Values
Standard 1968-S proof coins command these market prices based on Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and NGC population reports:
- PR-65: $15 to $18
- PR-67: $28 to $35
- PR-68: $65 to $85
- PR-69: $425 to $575
The real value explosion occurs with cameo and deep cameo designations. A standard PR-68 worth $75 transforms into a $285 coin with a Cameo (CAM) designation, where frosted devices contrast sharply against mirror fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens reach even higher—Heritage Auctions sold a 1968-S PR-69 DCAM for $1,680 in January 2023.
Complete 1968 Half Dollar Error List with Values
Repunched Mint Mark Varieties (RPM)
The 1968-D/D repunched mint mark represents the most pursued variety among 1968 half dollars. During die preparation, Denver Mint employees occasionally punched the “D” mint mark twice in slightly different positions, creating a visible doubling effect under magnification.
1968-D/D RPM FS-501 (Minor Doubling): This variety shows slight doubling to the south of the primary mint mark. In MS-63 condition, examples sell for $45 to $65. A PCGS MS-65 specimen brought $127 at a Great Collections auction in March 2023.
1968-D/D RPM FS-502 (Strong Doubling): More dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye under good lighting. MS-64 examples command $185 to $240, while an MS-66 sold through Heritage Auctions for $517 in August 2022.
The repunched mint mark occurs on approximately 1 in 5,000 Denver half dollars based on examination of original mint-sewn bags, making these varieties genuinely scarce but obtainable for determined collectors.
Doubled Die Obverse Errors
Doubled die errors occur when the die production hub impresses the design onto a working die multiple times with slight misalignment. The 1968 Kennedy half dollar series includes several documented doubled die varieties.
1968-D DDO FS-101: Doubling most visible on “LIBERTY” and the designer’s initials “GR” below Kennedy’s neck. Circulated examples in EF-40 grade sell for $75 to $95, while MS-63 specimens reach $220 to $285. Stack’s Bowers sold an MS-65 example for $632 in November 2022.
1968 No Mint Mark DDO FS-103: Less dramatic than the Denver variety but still collectible, showing doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST.” AU-50 coins trade for $55 to $70, MS-63 examples bring $145 to $180.
These errors affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 coins according to variety attribution specialists at CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America).
Die Clash Errors
Die clashes happen when upper and lower dies strike each other without a planchet (blank coin) between them, transferring portions of each die’s design onto the opposite die. Subsequent coins struck from these damaged dies show ghost images of the opposing design.
Authenticated 1968-D die clash errors display remnants of the eagle’s tail feathers on Kennedy’s neck area or traces of Kennedy’s profile on the reverse eagle. Values depend on clash visibility:
- Light clash (barely visible): MS-62 examples sell for $48 to $65
- Moderate clash (clearly visible): MS-62 coins command $115 to $145
- Heavy clash (dramatic ghosting): MS-63 specimens reach $260 to $340
An exceptional 1968-D die clash in MS-64 condition sold for $398 through eBay in February 2023, authenticated by ANACS.
Planchet and Strike Errors
These dramatic errors occur during the striking process and are immediately visible without magnification.
Curved Clip Errors: When the cutting die doesn’t properly punch out planchets from the metal strip, a curved section of the coin’s edge is missing. A 1968-D curved clip error (approximately 15% missing) graded MS-62 by PCGS sold for $249 in Heritage’s January 2023 auction. Larger clips (25% or more) in MS-63 or better can exceed $450.
Off-Center Strikes: Coins struck when the planchet isn’t properly centered in the collar die. Value depends on percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible:
- 5-10% off-center with full date: $85 to $125 (MS-60)
- 15-25% off-center with full date: $175 to $235 (MS-60)
- 50% off-center with full date: $425 to $600 (MS-60)
Wrong Planchet Errors: Extremely rare instances where a 1968 half dollar die struck a planchet intended for another denomination. A 1968-D Kennedy half dollar struck on a quarter planchet sold for $2,760 at Heritage Auctions in April 2022, certified by NGC.
Broadstrikes: Coins struck without the retaining collar, resulting in a wider-than-normal diameter. Authenticated 1968-D broadstrikes in MS-62 trade for $95 to $135.
How to Identify Your 1968 Half Dollar’s Mint Mark and Condition
Locating the mint mark requires examining the obverse side directly below Kennedy’s truncated neck, positioned between the lower portion of the bust and the date. Use a magnifying glass with at least 5x magnification in bright, angled lighting.
Denver Mint (D): A small capital “D” approximately 1mm in height appears in this location on 246.9 million pieces.
San Francisco Mint (S): Only appears on proof coins sold directly to collectors. The “S” matches the Denver mint mark in size and position but appears on coins with mirror-like surfaces.
No Mint Mark: Philadelphia Mint coins lack any letter designation in this area, with smooth fields below the neck truncation.
For condition assessment, examine these key areas for wear:
- Kennedy’s cheekbone: The highest point that shows wear first
- Hair details above the ear: Fine strands disappear quickly with circulation
- Eagle’s breast feathers on reverse: Central feathers flatten with handling
- Mint luster: Uncirculated coins display cartwheel effect when rotated under light
Coins showing any flatness on Kennedy’s cheekbone cannot grade Mint State (MS-60 or above), immediately eliminating them from premium value categories.
Professional Grading: When It’s Worth the Investment
Submitting coins for third-party grading through PCGS, NGC, or ANACS costs $20 to $40 per coin for standard service. This investment makes financial sense only when potential value justifies the expense.
Submit for grading when:
- You’ve identified a confirmed error variety (RPM, DDO, die clash)
- The coin appears completely uncirculated with strong luster
- You suspect MS-65 or higher grade for circulation strikes
- You own a proof coin that appears PR-68 or better with possible cameo designation
Skip professional grading when:
- The coin shows obvious circulation wear
- No errors or varieties are visible under magnification
- The coin grades below MS-63 equivalent
- Surface marks or discoloration are present
A 1968-D half dollar in MS-64 without errors might be worth $14 raw (ungraded) but only $12 after subtracting the $30 grading fee from its $42 certified value. However, that same coin with a confirmed RPM variety worth $185 in MS-64 justifies the grading expense, leaving you with $155 in net value.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, fewer than 2% of submitted 1968 Kennedy half dollars grade MS-66 or higher, making accurate self-assessment crucial before committing to grading fees.
Where to Sell Valuable 1968 Half Dollars for Maximum Return
Different selling venues suit different coin values and seller experience levels.
Local Coin Shops: Best for common circulated pieces worth $4 to $15. Expect offers at 70-80% of retail value, but you receive immediate payment without shipping risks or fees. Call ahead to confirm the dealer purchases Kennedy half dollars—some shops focus exclusively on older or higher-value material.
Online Marketplaces (eBay, Etsy): Suitable for coins valued $50 to $300. Completed eBay listings show 1968-D RPM varieties selling for $65 to $145, while die clash errors fetch $115 to $260. Factor in 12.9% final value fees plus shipping costs. Using accurate variety attributions in titles increases final prices by 25-40% based on listing analysis.
Major Auction Houses (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, Great Collections): Reserve for coins worth $300+, particularly high-grade specimens (MS-66+) or dramatic errors. These platforms reach serious collectors willing to pay premium prices. Heritage charges 10-20% seller fees but delivered the $1,680 result for that PR-69 DCAM proof. Consignment minimums typically start at $500 estimated value.
Direct to Collectors (Reddit r/Coins4Sale, numismatic forums): Mid-range option for $75 to $400 coins. Payment processor fees run 3-5%, substantially less than eBay. Requires more effort building reputation and handling transactions but maximizes net proceeds.
A properly attributed 1968-D/D RPM FS-502 in MS-64 might bring $185 through Heritage Auctions (netting you $148 after fees), $165 on eBay (netting $123 after fees and shipping), or $175 on Reddit (netting $169 after PayPal fees)—a $46 difference in final proceeds from the same coin.
Building Your 1968 Kennedy Half Dollar Collection Strategy
Rather than pursuing complete date-and-mintmark sets that include expensive proof deep cameos, consider these targeted approaches that offer better value and enjoyment for intermediate collectors.
Error Variety Set: Acquire one example each of the major 1968 errors—RPM, DDO, die clash, and curved clip. Total investment for four mid-grade examples: $380 to $520. This focused approach teaches error recognition while building a meaningful collection.
Mint Mark Comparison Set: Obtain one each of 1968-D, 1968 no mint mark, and 1968-S proof in matched grades (all MS-64 or all PR-65). Total cost: $85 to $125. Perfect for understanding mint production differences and developing grading skills.
Condition Rarity Focus: Pursue only MS-66 or better examples of standard 1968-D and no-mint pieces. With populations under 1,000 coins each at this level despite massive mintages, you’re collecting genuinely scarce material. Budget $175 to $250 per coin.
Examine your pocket change, inherited collections, and coin shop bargain bins with newfound knowledge. That overlooked 1968 half dollar might just display the doubled mint mark or die clash that transforms fifty cents into several hundred dollars—but only if you know precisely what makes these Kennedy half dollars valuable beyond their silver content.
What are the errors on the 1968 Kennedy half dollar?
Common 1968 Kennedy half dollar errors include various minting errors like struck-through errors, clipped planchets, and doubled dies, as well as a specific 1968-S proof error with an inverted ‘S’ mint mark. The Denver mint also produced coins with repunched mint marks (RPMs), and there are triple die errors and doubled dies (DDOs/DDRs) found on both proof and business strike coins from 1968.
How much is a 1968 D Kennedy half dollar worth?
A 1968-D Kennedy half dollar is generally worth its silver melt value for circulated coins, ranging from approximately $7.50 to $10.00, while uncirculated (MS-60 and higher) coins are worth more, from around $10.00 to over $30.00, with higher-grade examples fetching even more. The specific value depends on the coin’s grade, and a rare 1968-D doubled die variety could be worth significantly more.
What makes a 1968 half dollar rare?
A 1968 Kennedy half dollar is rare due to specific mint errors like the 1968-S inverted mint mark, triple die obverse (TDO), and other doubling or striking errors. The coin’s 40% silver composition from 1965–1970 also makes it more valuable than subsequent 1971+ clad coins, especially in high-grade conditions, but the true rarity comes from these specific, less-common errors.
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.