The 1968 Kennedy half dollar marked an important transition in American coinage. It was the last year the half dollar contained any silver before switching to a base metal composition. As a result, 1968 halves remain popular with collectors both as an end of an era and for their intrinsic silver value.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about 1968 half dollar values, key varieties to look for, and helpful tips for collectors. Whether you‘re just starting to collect Kennedy halves or are a seasoned collector, this article aims to be your go-to resource.
A Brief History of the 1968 Half Dollar
Following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the U.S. Mint moved quickly to honor the fallen leader on the half dollar. Designed by Mint sculptors Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, the new Kennedy half dollar was released in early 1964, replacing the Franklin half dollar series.
1968 represented a significant change for the denomination. While Kennedy halves from 1964-1970 contain silver, the amount was reduced from 90% to just 40% beginning in 1965 due to rising silver prices. 1968 would be the last year any silver at all was used.
Measuring 30.61mm in diameter and weighing 11.5 grams, the 1968 half dollar‘s silver content works out to approximately 0.1479 troy ounces. Its composition is 60% copper and 40% silver.
Mintage Figures and Values
A total of 246,951,930 half dollars were struck in 1968, all at the Denver Mint. Mintmarks can be found on the obverse below Kennedy‘s bust. In addition, 3,041,506 special proof coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint for collectors.
Here‘s a look at 1968 half dollar values based on condition:
Circulated Coins
– Poor (P-1) to Good (G-4): $1.50-$2
– Very Good (VG-8) to Fine (F-12): $2-$3
– Very Fine (VF-20) to Extra Fine (EF-40): $3-$4
– About Uncirculated (AU-50) to Uncirculated (MS-60): $3.50-$12
As you can see, circulated 1968 half dollars are not especially valuable, even in excellent condition. Most of their value is tied to their silver content rather than numismatic or collector value.
Uncirculated Coins
– MS-60 to MS-62: $12-$20
– MS-63: $20-$22
– MS-64: $28-$35
– MS-65 to MS-66: $45-$108
– MS-67: $450-$550
– MS-67+: $2,900-$4,920 (highest grade, very rare)
Uncirculated coins are where 1968 half dollars can become quite valuable to collectors, especially in grades of MS-65 and above. A top population very rare MS-67+ specimen sold for nearly $5,000 at auction in 2022.
Special Proof Coins
The 1968-S proof half dollars minted at the San Francisco Mint are worth significantly more than regular issues due to their limited mintage and special finish. Values range from $5-$10 for impaired proofs up to $21,600 for a perfect deep cameo PR-70 example.
Most 1968-S proofs will grade between PR-63 and PR-67 and sell in the $10 to $50 range. Deep cameo designated coins with stark contrast between the fields and devices are worth premiums.
Understanding Coin Grading
As you can tell from the prices above, a coin‘s grade has a huge impact on its value. Grades are determined by independent third party grading services like PCGS and NGC. They evaluate a coin‘s condition on the Sheldon Scale from 1-70 based on factors like wear, luster, contact marks, and eye appeal.
Here‘s a quick overview of the different grades:
- Poor (P-1): Barely identifiable
- Fair (F-2): Heavily worn, some detail remains
- About Good (AG-3): Heavily worn, most detail worn away
- Good (G-4 to G-6): Heavily worn, peripheral lettering nearly worn smooth
- Very Good (VG-8 to VG-10): Design is clear but lacking fine detail
- Fine (F-12 to F-15): Moderate to considerable even wear, all lettering sharp
- Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-35): Light to moderate even wear, design clear
- Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45): Only slight wear on the highest points, all detail sharp
- About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Traces of wear visible only on the highest points
- Mint State/Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-70): No signs of wear from circulation. Ranges from dull luster to pristine condition.
- Proof (PR/PF-60 to PR/PF-70): Coins struck with extra care and polished dies for collectors and sets.
In general, the higher the grade, the more valuable the coin. However, this is not always a linear relationship, as the difference between some grades can be more significant than others. This is especially true for uncirculated grades over MS-66 where prices increase exponentially.
Varieties and Errors
While less common for the 1968 Kennedy half dollar than some other issues, there are a few varieties and error coins to be on the lookout for:
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DDO/DDR: Minor doubled die varieties are known showing doubling in Kennedy‘s hair or the lettering. Values range from $50 for late die state examples up to $500+ for dramatic, early die state doubling visible to the naked eye.
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RPM: Repunched mintmarks appear as a secondary Denver "D" mintmark overlapping or next to the primary mark. Minor repunched mintmarks can bring $20-$50 over normal coins while dramatic RPMs command a solid premium.
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Off-Center: Off-center errors occur when the dies are misaligned with the coin planchet. The coin will appear to be missing a crescent shaped portion along the edge. Values depend on how far off-center the strike is and if the date is affected. 5-10% off-center examples trade for $100-$200 while dramatic 50%+ off-center errors can bring well over $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a 1968 half dollar rare?
A: In general, no. Over 240 million were minted, so most are quite common. High grade uncirculated examples and errors/varieties are scarce to rare.
Q: How much silver is in a 1968 half dollar?
A: 1968 half dollars are 40% silver, equaling approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver per coin.
Q: Where is the mintmark on a 1968 half dollar?
A: The "D" for the Denver Mint is located on the obverse (front) just below Kennedy‘s bust.
Q: What is a 1968 proof half dollar worth?
A: 1968-S proofs range in value from $5 for low grade examples up to $21,600 for a perfect deep cameo PR-70 coin.
Tips For Collectors
Whether you‘re buying 1968 half dollars to add to your collection or looking to sell, here are some helpful tips:
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Stick to certified coins in PCGS or NGC holders for high grade examples over MS-64 or PR-64. This helps ensure authenticity and protects you financially. Raw, ungraded coins are suitable for budget conscious collectors.
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You can often cherrypick lightly circulated AU coins for a low premium over melt value. These still display excellent detail and eye appeal.
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When buying online, always check a seller‘s feedback and return policy. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Consider working with reputable local coin dealers or auction houses when selling high value pieces. They can guide you on pricing and help get top dollar for your coins.
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Store half dollars in proper coin holders or albums to prevent damage or toning. Avoid cleaning or polishing coins as this will reduce their value.
In summary, 1968 half dollars are an accessible series for most collectors, with plenty of affordable options along with key dates and condition rarities to aspire to. Whether for their silver content or numismatic interest, these coins remain perennially popular with collectors over 50 years after they first entered circulation. Hopefully this guide has given you useful information for growing your collection!
