A Kennedy Half Dollar was recently making headlines in the numismatics world by selling for a whopping $1.2 million. The record-shattering sale again demonstrated that bizarre U.S. coins can transform spare change into a small fortune.
Most Kennedy Half Dollars are worth face value or a little more, but this coin was extraordinary due to its spectacular rarity, condition, and history.
In this article, we’ll learn what made this Kennedy Half Dollar so worth—and take a glimpse at five other coins that sold for more than $100,000 that you need to know about.
Why the Kennedy Half Dollar Sold for $1.2 Million
The coin involved was a 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar, one of the few examples in existence with an ultra-high grade and special finish.
These SMS coins were never issued for circulation and were minted with special attention, so they are extremely collectible. The coin was graded in almost perfect condition, so it is one of the best known specimens.
Key highlights:
- Year: 1964
- Mint Type: Special Mint Set (SMS)
- Grade: Near-perfect
- Sale Price: $1.2 million
Collectors value this coin for its historic significance, near-perfect condition, and ultra-rarity.
5 Other Coins That Sold for Over $100,000
The Kennedy Half Dollar is not the only one in the six-figure club. Here are five other coins that have sold for more than $100,000:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 5 specimens known
- Sold for more than $4 million
- Renowned for being unauthorized and very rare
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
- A wartime production error that was rare
- Should have been produced in steel, but a few were produced in bronze
- Worth $336,000 or more
3. 2001-D Lincoln Cent / Roosevelt Dime Mule
- A mis-matched obverse and reverse
- Few known
- Sold for more than $100,000
4. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
- Fewer than two known examples
- Lacking the “S” mint mark
- Sold for more than $500,000
5. 1854-S $3 Gold Piece
- Extremely rare gold coin from the California Gold Rush period
- Sold for more than $2 million
- 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 rely on a number of factors:
- Rarity – Lower coins create higher demand.
- Condition – Mint or uncirculated coins are worth much more.
- Errors – Errors such as mule coins or omitted mint marks create premium value.
- Historical Significance – Coins associated with significant events or limited runs have big interest.
The sale of a Kennedy Half Dollar for $1.2 million demonstrates that even coins issued in the 20th century can make enormous value when the timing is correct.
Throw in tales of error coins, scarce proof strikes, and gold coins, and it becomes obvious that coin collecting is more than a pastime—it’s a goldmine waiting to happen.
Have you got old coins stashed away in boxes? It’s time to dig in. Your change could be worth a king’s ransom.
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 companies, authorized coin dealers, and known coin conventions are the safest markets in which to sell valuable coins for their complete worth.