A rare Kennedy Half Dollar has just rocked the numismatic world by selling for a jaw-dropping $1.2 million. This record-breaking sale has once again proven that rare U.S. coins can turn spare change into a small fortune.
While most Kennedy Half Dollars are valued at face value or slightly more, this particular coin stood out due to its incredible rarity, condition, and history.
In this article, we’ll explore what made this Kennedy Half Dollar so valuable—and dive into five other coins worth over $100,000 that you should know about.
Why the Kennedy Half Dollar Fetched $1.2 Million
The coin in question was a 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar, one of only a few known examples with an ultra-high grade and unique finish.
These SMS coins were never released for general circulation and were struck with special care, making them highly collectible. The coin was graded in nearly perfect condition, making it one of the finest known specimens.
Key highlights:
- Year: 1964
- Mint Type: Special Mint Set (SMS)
- Grade: Near-perfect
- Sale Price: $1.2 million
Collectors prize this coin for its combination of historic value, pristine condition, and extreme rarity.
5 Other Coins That Sold for Over $100,000
The Kennedy Half Dollar isn’t alone in the six-figure club. Here are five more coins that have sold for over $100,000:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Only 5 specimens known
- Sold for over $4 million
- Famous for being unauthorized and extremely rare
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
- A rare mistake during wartime production
- Should have been made of steel, but a few were struck in bronze
- Valued at $336,000 or more
3. 2001-D Lincoln Cent / Roosevelt Dime Mule
- A mismatched obverse and reverse
- Only a few known
- Sold for over $100,000
4. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Only two known examples
- Missing the “S” mint mark
- Sold for over $500,000
5. 1854-S $3 Gold Piece
- Ultra-rare gold coin from the California Gold Rush era
- Sold for over $2 million
- Only a few known survivors
Coins Worth Over $100K
| Coin | Year | Sale Price | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Half Dollar (SMS) | 1964 | $1.2 million | Rare Special Mint Set example |
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4+ million | Only 5 known |
| Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | $336,000+ | Minting error during WWII |
| Lincoln/Dime Mule Error | 2001 | $100,000+ | Cent with a dime reverse |
| No S Proof Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | $500,000+ | Missing mint mark; only 2 known |
| $3 Gold Piece (San Francisco) | 1854 | $2+ million | Extremely rare and historic |
What Makes Coins So Valuable?
The value of a coin can depend on several factors:
- Rarity – Fewer coins mean higher demand.
- Condition – Coins in mint or uncirculated condition are worth far more.
- Errors – Mistakes like mule coins or missing mint marks add premium value.
- Historical Significance – Coins tied to important events or limited releases attract major interest.
The sale of a $1.2 million Kennedy Half Dollar proves that even coins from the 20th century can command massive value when the conditions are right.
Add in the stories of error coins, rare proof strikes, and gold pieces, and it’s clear that coin collecting is far more than a hobby—it’s a potential goldmine.
If you’ve got old coins tucked away in boxes, now’s the time to check them. Your spare change might be worth a fortune.
FAQs
How do I know if my coin is valuable?
Look for unusual features like minting errors, odd dates, or missing mint marks. Getting your coin professionally graded can reveal its true value.
Can modern coins really be worth over $100,000?
Yes! Even coins minted after 2000, especially with unique errors or limited production, can reach six-figure values.
What’s the best way to sell a valuable coin?
Auction houses, certified coin dealers, and reputable coin shows offer the safest ways to sell rare coins for their full value.