The 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar, minted in Denver, holds a special place in numismatic circles. While many of these coins are valued primarily for their silver content, certain specimens have fetched prices as high as $7,000 at auctions.
Understanding the factors that contribute to such valuations can help you determine if your coin is among these rare and valuable pieces.
1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Introduced in 1964 to honor the late President John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Half Dollar quickly became a symbol of national pride. By 1968, the U.S. Mint had transitioned from 90% silver coins to a 40% silver composition for half dollars.
The Denver Mint produced approximately 246,951,930 of these coins in 1968, making them relatively common in circulation.
Factors Influencing the Value of the 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Several key factors can elevate the value of a 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar:
- Condition (Grade): Coins are graded on a scale from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). Higher-grade coins, especially those in MS-67 or above, are rare and command premium prices.
- Mint Errors: Coins with minting errors, such as doubled dies or misstrikes, are highly sought after by collectors.
- Historical Significance: As part of the first series of Kennedy Half Dollars with the “D” mint mark post-mintmark ban (1965-1967), these coins hold historical value.
Notable Sales of High-Grade 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollars
High-grade specimens have achieved remarkable prices at auctions:
- In August 2019, a 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar graded MS-67+ sold for $7,500.
- In January 2022, another MS-67+ example fetched $4,920.
- As of July 2023, the estimated value for an MS-67+ coin is around $5,000, while an MS-68 is valued at approximately $15,000.
Identifying Mint Errors in the 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Mint errors can significantly increase a coin’s value. Some known errors for the 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar include:
- Tripled Die Obverse (TDO) FS-014: This error features tripling on the obverse side, particularly noticeable on the lettering. An MS-64 graded example sold for $299 in 2012.
- Triple Clip and Partial Collar Errors: These involve planchet errors resulting in coins with multiple clipped sections and partial collar strikes. An MS-61 graded coin with such errors sold for $140.
Assessing the Condition of Your 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollar
To determine if your coin is of high value:
- Examine the Coin’s Condition: Look for minimal wear, strong luster, and sharp details.
- Check for Mint Marks and Errors: The “D” mint mark should be present. Use magnification to identify any doubling or other anomalies.
- Consider Professional Grading: Submitting your coin to a reputable grading service can provide an official grade, enhancing its marketability.
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| P-1 | Poor | $0.50 |
| G-4 | Good | $1.00 |
| F-12 | Fine | $2.00 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine | $3.00 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine | $5.00 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated | $10.00 |
| MS-60 | Mint State Baseline | $20.00 |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | $100.00 |
| MS-67 | Superb Gem Uncirculated | $750.00 |
| MS-67+ | Near Perfect | $5,000.00 |
| MS-68 | Perfect | $15,000.00 |
While many 1968-D Kennedy Half Dollars are valued for their silver content, certain high-grade or error coins can be worth thousands of dollars. By carefully examining your coin’s condition and features, and considering professional grading, you may discover that your half dollar is a valuable collector’s item.
