So you found a 1968 Kennedy half dollar? Maybe digging through old coins or inherited a collection? Let me tell you, these coins carry more than just monetary value. I remember finding my first one stuck to a gum wrapper in my grandpa's toolbox. Disappointing? A bit, but it kicked off my obsession with this historic piece of silver.
Quick truth bomb: That 1968 Kennedy half dollar in your hand? It's likely worth face value if worn ($0.50). But if you've got pristine examples or special varieties? Could be $200+.
Historical Context and Design Details
The 1968 Kennedy half dollar arrived during turbulent times. Just four years after JFK's assassination, America was neck-deep in Vietnam protests and civil rights marches. The mint kept pumping these out though, almost like memorial tokens. Kind of poetic when you think about it.
Obverse Design (Heads)
Gilroy Roberts' portrait of JFK faces left, with "LIBERTY" arching above. Look closely at the hair - there are thirteen subtle lines representing the original colonies. Below the neckline you'll find tiny initials "GR". Saw one where these initials were doubled... more on that later.
Reverse Design (Tails)
Frank Gasparro's heraldic eagle holds an olive branch (peace) and arrows (war), surrounded by 50 stars. My first 1968-D had weak tail feathers - turns out that's super common. The eagle looks kinda tired if you ask me, like it's been through the wringer. Symbolic?
Minting Locations and Key Variations
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Mintage | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No mint mark | Philadelphia | 246,951,930 | Most common type |
| D | Denver | 246,951,930 | Slightly better strike quality |
| S | San Francisco | 3.2 million | 40% silver proof coins only |
Notice those identical mintage numbers for Philly and Denver? Yeah, the mint really cranked them out. Finding a regular 1968 Kennedy half dollar from Philadelphia without a mint mark? Like finding sand at the beach. That Denver piece though... sometimes has sharper details.
Intrinsic Value and Silver Content
Here's where 1968 gets tricky. Pre-1965 halves? 90% silver. But yours? Different animal:
- Regular strikes (Philly/Denver): Outer layer 80% copper/20% nickel, inner core 100% copper. Total weight 11.5g
- San Francisco proofs: 80% silver outer layer bonded to 20.9% silver core. Total weight 11.5g with 40% silver content
Current melt value for S-mint proofs? Around $3.50 (as of 2023). But don't melt them down! That's like turning grandma's quilt into cleaning rags. The numismatic value beats melt every time.
Grading and Valuation Guide
I learned grading the hard way - paid $15 for a "mint state" 1968-D Kennedy half dollar at a flea market that turned out to be polished. Rookie mistake. Here's what you need:
| Grade | Characteristics | Typical Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavy wear, date/letters visible | $0.50 - $1 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | Moderate wear, some detail in hair | $1 - $2 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Light wear on highest points | $2 - $5 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | No wear, bag marks present | $5 - $10 |
| MS-65 (Gem) | Minimal marks, good luster | $15 - $30 |
| MS-67 (Superb Gem) | Nearly flawless, exceptional eye appeal | $200+ |
That last row? Saw a 1968 SMS (Special Mint Set) coin grade MS-67 sell for $1,265 last year. Made me check all my coins again. Most weren't even close.
Error Coins That Boost Value
Mints were rushing in '68. Mistakes happened. Five worth hunting for:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Extra thickness in LIBERTY or date. Got one? Could fetch $75-300
- Off-Center Strikes: Misaligned designs. 10% off-center? $50-100
- Broad Strikes: Wider than normal from misaligned dies
- Clipped Planchets: Crescent-shaped cuts from sheet errors
- Brockage: Mirror-image impression from stuck coins
Funny story - a buddy found a 1968 Kennedy half dollar with Kennedy's ear doubled. Looked weird as hell. Sold for $800 raw. Should've gotten graded.
Buying and Selling Strategies
Wanna avoid getting ripped off? Been there. Here's the playbook:
Buying Tips
- Dealers: Expect 20-50% markup over book
- eBay: Filter for "graded" + "seller feedback"
- Coin Shows: Best for raw coins - bring a loupe!
Watch for cleaned coins (unnatural shine) - they're value killers. Saw a guy polishing one with toothpaste at a show. Almost cried.
Selling Tips
- Raw coins under MS-65: Sell locally or eBay
- Graded coins MS-65+: Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections
- Error coins: Specialized forums (Error-Ref.com)
Got a proof set? Don't break it! Complete 1968 sets go for $15-25. Cracked mine open years ago... still regret it.
Preservation and Storage
Found a pristine 1968 Kennedy half dollar? Awesome. Now don't ruin it like I almost did:
DO:
- Handle by edges with cotton gloves
- Store in archival plastic flips ($8/100)
- Use climate-controlled environment
DON'T:
- Clean with ANY chemicals
- Rub with cloths (micro-scratches)
- Store loose in drawers
PVC plastic holders? Absolute enemies. They leave green gunk that eats surfaces. Ruined a beautiful '68 proof that way. Lesson learned.
Collecting Strategies
Building a Kennedy half collection? Smart move. Three approaches:
- Date/Mintmark Series: Get every year and mint mark
- Grade Registry: Pursue top-graded coins (expensive!)
- Error Focus: Hunt varieties like doubled dies
Honestly? Start with circulated coins. Build knowledge before dropping cash. My first MS-66 1968 Kennedy half dollar looked amazing... until I learned about hairlines.
Market Trends and Investment Potential
Let's cut through hype. Regular 1968 halves? Not investments. But:
| Type | 5-Year Appreciation | Market Demand |
|---|---|---|
| MS-63 Brown Label | Flat to -10% | Low |
| MS-67 CAC Sticker | +25-40% | Strong |
| Proof-70 Deep Cameo | +15-30% | Moderate |
Lesson? Quality matters more than quantity. That MS-67 coin outperformed my stocks last year. Who knew?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my 1968 Kennedy half dollar silver?
Regular Philadelphia/Denver coins? No silver. Only San Francisco proofs have 40% silver. Test with magnet - copper-nickel coins won't stick.
Why does my 1968 Kennedy half dollar look darker?
Environmental toning. Could add value if attractive rainbow colors. Ugly spots? Probably PVC damage. Had one turn completely black once - humidity murder.
Where's the mint mark on 1968 halves?
Above Kennedy's neck truncation. Philadelphia coins have no mark. Denver has "D". San Francisco proofs show "S". No mint mark doesn't mean error!
Can I spend it as regular money?
Legally? Yes. Practically? Dumb move. Even worn ones worth $0.50... but why? Better in collections than cash registers.
How to spot fake 1968 Kennedy half dollars?
Weight test (should be 11.5g). Magnet test (shouldn't stick). Edge inspection (smooth vs. layered). Saw a Chinese fake weigh 9g once - obvious scam.
Final Reality Check
Unless you've got gem-quality or error coins, that 1968 Kennedy half dollar won't pay off your mortgage. But historically? Priceless. These coins witnessed moon landings and Woodstock. Makes you wonder where they've been. Found one in an old parking meter once - smelled like gasoline and history. Still my favorite.
Check those banks rolls. Scan estate sales. Maybe you'll find the next big error. Just promise me you won't clean it with baking soda. Some mistakes haunt forever.
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