Although a modern coin, the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar continues to attract collectors and numismatists due to its unique varieties showing monetary potential. While most specimens are worth their face value of 50 cents, rare coins can fetch big sums. In fact, a 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar graded MS67 once sold for an astounding $8,000 at auction!
So, if you have this vintage half dollar coin, there is a high chance you can earn a big fortune. But how do you know which 1974 half dollar is worth the money? This guide will tell you! It explores all the features, such as mint marks and mint errors, that impact the value and authenticity of the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar!
Brief History of the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar series was first introduced in 1964, less than a year after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, as a tribute to the beloved president. Initially composed of 90% silver, the coin’s composition changed to a copper-nickel-clad format in 1971 due to the rising silver price.
By 1974, the Kennedy Half Dollar had been minted for a decade, cementing its place in American coinage. The year 1974 was significant for the Kennedy Half Dollar coin as it marked a transition period.
While the coin remained popular among collectors, its use in everyday transactions declined. This shift in usage patterns would eventually lead to reduced mintage in later years, making coins from this era increasingly attractive to collectors.
| 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar | Key Features |
| Material Composition | 75% copper & 25% nickel clad on 79% copper core |
| Minting Location | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco |
| Minting Year | 1974 |
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
| Diameter | 30.6mm |
| Thickness | 2.15mm |
| Designer | Gilroy Roberts (Obverse)Frank Gasparro (Reverse) |
| Face Value | $0.5 or 50 cents |
| Mint Marks | No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint) D Mint Mark (Denver Mint) S Mint Mark (San Francisco Mint) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Total Mintage | 268,833,568 (including proofs) |
How to Identify a 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar (Design & Composition)
The 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar coin features distinct design elements that make it easily recognizable. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features:
1974 Kennedy Half Dollar Obverse Design
- Left-facing profile of President John F Kennedy
- The inscription “LIBERTY” along the top edge
- The mint date “1974” at the bottom
- Motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left of Kennedy’s neck
- The designer’s initials “GR” (for Gilroy Roberts) under Kennedy’s neck
1974 Kennedy Half Dollar Reverse Design
- Modified Presidential Seal featuring an American eagle with outstretched wings
- Thirteen stars above the eagle’s head
- An embossed version of the President’s coat of arms on its chest
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top edge
- “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom
- A ring of 15 stars (depicting the 50 US states) around the eagle
- “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on a banner held in the eagle’s beak
- The designer’s initials “FG” (for Frank Gasparro) under the eagle’s left talon
Coin Composition, Size & Dimensions
As a deviation from the previous silver half dollars, the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar was minted using a copper-nickel-clad composition. This consisted of an inner core of pure copper (79%) sandwiched between outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel).
The coin measures 30.61 mm in diameter and weighs 11.34 grams. It has a reeded edge containing 150 reeds. This composition and these specifications were consistent for all 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars, regardless of mint location or whether they were intended for circulation or as proof coins.
Finding the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Value (4 Factors)
On average, a circulated 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar coin is worth its face value of 50 cents. However, uncirculated specimens and those with certain characteristics can be worth significantly more. The following factors play crucial roles in determining a coin’s value:
1. Mint Marks & Mintage
The total mintage for 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars across all mints was 280,675,014. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the obverse of the coin, below Kennedy’s neck and above the date.
- 1974 Half-dollar No Mint Mark: The Philadelphia mint produced 201,596,000 coins, which is the highest number of Kennedy Half Dollars in 1974. These coins bear no mint mark. In circulated conditions, they’re worth face value, but uncirculated specimens can range from $1 to $20, with MS65 examples fetching around $35-$40.
- 1974-D Half-dollar: Denver-minted 79,066,300 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars are less common than their Philadelphia counterparts. Circulated coins are generally worth face value, while uncirculated pieces range from $1.50 to $25. An MS65-grade coin can be valued at approximately $40-$45.
2. 1974 Kennedy Half-dollar Proof Coins
The U.S. Mint produced 2,612,568 proof Kennedy Half Dollars in 1974, all at the San Francisco Mint. These coins bore the “S” mint mark and were struck using specially polished dies on polished planchets, resulting in a mirror-like finish, sharp strikes, high luster, and pristine surfaces.
Depending on the contrast between the fields and design, there are three proof varieties for a 1974 half-dollar coin.
- Deep Cameo: Deep Cameo, or DCam, 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar proofs represent the pinnacle of contrast in proof coinage, with their extremely reflective, mirror-like fields combined with intensely frosted devices that appear almost stark white. These proof coins are the most valuable, with the PR70 examples fetching up to $300+.
- Cameo Proof: Cameo Proof 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars exhibits a noticeable contrast between the mirror-like fields and frosted devices (such as Kennedy’s portrait, lettering, and the eagle). Like regular proof coins, PR65 Cameo examples might sell for $15-$30, while PR70 Cameo specimens can command $70 or more.
- Regular Proof: The 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar regular proof coin is characterized by its highly polished, mirror-like surface across the fields (flat areas) and devices (raised elements). These proof coins are valued between $5 to $20 for the average specimen, with PR70 examples fetching $50 or more.
3. Coin Grading and Condition
The condition of a coin significantly impacts its value. The Sheldon Scale, ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70), is used to professionally grade coins.
For 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars, coins graded MS65 or higher are considered gem quality and command premium prices. The highest graded 1974 half dollar, an MS68 example, sold for an auction record price of $8,000 on eBay, according to PCGS.
Key grade points for 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars include:
- MS60-62: Minimal wear, some luster
- MS63-64: Strong luster, minor contact marks
- MS65-66: Exceptional luster, very few imperfections
- MS67 and above Nearly perfect condition, extremely rare and valuable
You can refer to the following 1974 Kennedy half dollar value chart to assess the average value of your coin.
| Coin Grading | 1974 Half Dollar Value | 1974-D Half Dollar Value |
| Poor (0) to Extremely Fine (XF45) | $1 to $5 | $1 to $5 |
| Almost Uncirculated (AU50) to Mint State (MS60) | Below $10 | Below $10 |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS66+) | $10 – $70 | $15 – $100 |
| Mint State (MS67 onwards) | $100 – $2,000 | $100 – $2,500 |
4. Valuable Mint Errors & Anomalies on 1974 Half Dollar
Rare mint errors can significantly increase an old coin’s value and demand. Here are the most notable errors found on 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars:
Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or Reverse (DDR)
These errors occur during the die hubbing process, resulting in a doubled image on parts of the design. On the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar, look for a doubling in the lettering, particularly in “LIBERTY” or the date on the obverse or in “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse.
Depending on the severity and location of the doubling, these errors can add $50 to $200+ to the coin’s value. Extreme cases of doubling are rarer and more valuable.
Off-Center Strike
This error happens when the planchet is not properly centered between the dies during striking. The result is a coin with part of the design missing and a blank crescent-shaped area. The value increases with the degree of off-center striking and, of course, coin grades:
- 5-10% off-center: $20-$50
- 20-30% off-center: $100-$200
- 50% or more off-center (with full date visible): $300+
Broadstruck Error
These coins are struck without the collar die, which normally constrains the coin’s expansion and forms the edge. Broadstruck 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars appear larger and thinner than normal, with a plain edge instead of reeds.
These error coins are typically worth $50 for minor broad strikes or $100 or more for more pronounced examples. I found an MS60 graded 1974 50C broadstruck error coin that was sold for over $125 on Heritage Auctions.
Clipped Planchet Error
This error occurs when the blanking die overlaps a previously punched area or the edge of the metal strip, resulting in a coin with a crescent-shaped cut-out. The value of a 1974 Kennedy Half-dollar clipped planchet coin depends on its condition and clip’s size.
A rare example of this error coin graded AU58 with 34% clipped planchet sold for $80 on Stack’s Bowers Auctions.
Wrong Planchet Error
Extremely rare, this error occurs when a 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar coin is struck on a planchet intended for another denomination. For example, an AU-graded 1974 50C Kennedy Half Dollar struck on a foreign planchet sold for $800 on Heritage Auctions. Another example is a 1974 half-dollar struck on a Taiwan 5 Yuan planchet sold for $430!
How to Spot a Fake 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar
Despite knowing all the vital features, there’s a high chance that a counterfeit might easily slip through the cracks of coin collectors. So, follow these steps to identify a fake 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar:
- Check the weight and dimensions against official specifications
- Examine the design details, especially the fine hair lines on Kennedy’s portrait
- Verify the correct font and positioning of lettering
- Look for signs of casting seams or filing marks
- Check the reeding on the edge for uniformity. Genuine 1974 half dollars have 150 reeds.
- Use a magnet – genuine Kennedy Half Dollars should not be magnetic
- Scrutinize the mint mark (or lack thereof) for authenticity
- Consider professional authentication for high-value specimens or suspected rare errors
The 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar, while often overlooked, holds significant potential for collectors. From valuable mint errors to pristine proof specimens, this coin offers a range of collecting opportunities, making it one of the most valuable coins. So, if you have this coin, make sure to assess it using this guide for the best price!
For those interested in exploring other valuable dollar coins, I have shared detailed guides on 1971 Half Dollar, 1964 Half Dollar, 1879 Morgan Dollar, and 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar coins’ valuation and identification!
