A 50-Cent Coin That Sold for $108,000 — Could You Own One?
The coin collecting world was stunned when a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar sold for an incredible $108,000 at auction on August 26, 2025.
This was not just another silver half dollar.
It was a rare Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar — a coin that technically should not exist according to U.S. Mint records.
Now collectors everywhere are checking their old half dollars, wondering if they might be holding a six-figure rarity.
Why Is This 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth $108,000?
Most 1964 Kennedy half dollars are already desirable because they contain 90% silver, giving them a melt value of roughly $10–$15.
However, the record-breaking example was something entirely different.
What Makes This Coin Extraordinary
Struck as a Special Mint Set (SMS) coin
SMS coins were officially issued only from 1965–1967
A small number of 1964 halves were mysteriously produced in SMS format
Satin-like finish with exceptionally sharp details
Famous “drip mark” near the number 4 in the date
Fewer than 20 known examples believed to exist
This combination of mystery, rarity, and condition pushed the value into six-figure territory.
Why Collectors Paid Six Figures
The $108,000 price tag reflects several powerful factors:
Mint History Mystery – These coins defy official mint documentation
Extreme Rarity – One of the rarest modern U.S. half dollars
Exceptional Condition – Near-flawless surfaces
High Demand – Kennedy halves are among the most collected U.S. coins
When rarity meets demand, prices explode.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
If you own any 1964 Kennedy halves, inspect them carefully using these steps.
Step 1: Confirm the Date
The coin must be dated 1964
Step 2: Look for the “Drip Mark”
A small raised “drip-shaped” mark near the number 4 in the date
This is one of the most important identifiers of genuine SMS examples.
Step 3: Examine the Surface Finish
SMS coins show:
Satin-like, smooth surfaces
Sharper details than circulation coins
Not mirror-like proofs
Not dull or worn circulation strikes
Step 4: Check the Weight
Correct weight: 12.5 grams
Composition: 90% silver
Do not clean the coin. Cleaning permanently destroys collector value. Always handle by the edges or with cotton gloves.
Record-Breaking Auction Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin | 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar |
| Sale Date | August 26, 2025 |
| Price | $108,000 |
| Certification | Verified SMS |
| Metal Content | 90% Silver |
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
A Brief History of the Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar debuted in 1964, just months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Americans hoarded the coin as a tribute, which already makes high-grade examples scarce.
The discovery of 1964 SMS halves adds another layer of fascination — and controversy — to the series.
Collector Tips
Inspect every 1964 Kennedy half you own
Compare suspicious coins to known SMS examples
Look for unusual sharpness or satin texture
If in doubt, submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Even standard 1964 halves are worth keeping due to silver content.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Spend Before You Inspect
The $108,000 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar proves that even well-known coins can hide extraordinary secrets.
Before selling silver coins for melt value, take a closer look.
That ordinary half dollar in your drawer could be one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins ever discovered.
