How to tell if your 1968 Half Dollar value is more than face
The 1968 Kennedy half dollar is common, but some examples are worth more than 50 cents. Knowing what to look for helps you separate melt value from collector value.
1968 Half Dollar Value: quick overview
From 1965 through 1970 the U.S. struck Kennedy half dollars in a 40% silver composition. That means every 1968 half contains a measurable amount of silver and a base melt value tied to the silver price.
Beyond melt, factors like mint mark, strike quality, grade, and errors determine collector premiums. Many circulated 1968 halves trade close to their silver melt value, while uncirculated or error pieces can sell for significantly more.
Silver Content and Melt Value
Key facts about silver content: the Kennedy half weighs about 11.34 grams and is 40% silver. That equals roughly 4.54 grams of pure silver, or about 0.146 troy ounces.
To estimate melt value: multiply the current silver spot price by 0.146. For example, if silver is $25 per ounce, melt value ≈ $3.65. This is the baseline floor for most circulated 1968 halves.
Collector Value: grade, mint mark, and condition
Collectors pay premiums for coins in high grade, original surfaces, or attractive eye appeal. Look for these value drivers:
- Mint mark: 1968 coins were struck at Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Philadelphia and Denver produced business strikes; San Francisco produced proofs.
- Grade: higher MS grades (Mint State) increase value. An MS60 might be modestly above melt; MS65 and higher can be worth several times melt value.
- Surface condition: avoid cleaned, scratched, or corroded coins. Original luster and toning are desirable.
Errors and rare varieties
Error coins and unusual varieties can command premiums. Examples include doubled dies, die breaks, and off-center strikes. While 1968 isn’t known for blockbuster rarities, careful inspection can reveal marketable errors.
If you suspect an error, photograph the coin clearly and compare to reference sites or error-coin catalogs. Professional grading and authentication will maximize sale price.
Mint marks returned to U.S. coins in 1968 after being absent from 1965–1967. Also, Kennedy halves from 1965–1970 are 40% silver, making them the last circulating half dollars with any silver content before the clad switch.
How to check your 1968 Kennedy half dollar value step by step
Follow a simple process to assess worth before selling or grading. Start with a basic inspection, then research comparable sales.
- Identify the mint mark. Look on the obverse near Kennedy’s neck or reverse near the eagle (position can vary by year).
- Check for wear. Look at hairlines, cheek, and eagle feathers to judge grade.
- Calculate melt value using current silver spot × 0.146 troy oz.
- Search recent sales for the exact date, mint mark, and grade on eBay sold listings, Heritage Auctions, or PCGS price guides.
- Consider professional grading from PCGS or NGC if the coin appears to be MS63+ or has a potential error.
Common value ranges (general guidance)
- Circulated 1968 Kennedy half: near silver melt value (often a few dollars, depending on spot price).
- Uncirculated MS60–MS63: moderate premium, commonly $6–$30 depending on eye appeal and market.
- Higher grades (MS64+), deep cameo proofs, or verifiable errors: $30 up to several hundred dollars in rare cases.
Real-world example
Case study: A casual collector found a 1968-D Kennedy half in a mixed coin roll. The coin had full luster and minimal contact marks, so they submitted it to a third-party grading service. It graded MS64 and sold on an auction site for several times the melt value.
This example shows that coins pulled from circulation can still hold collector value if they retain original mint luster and high grade. Grading turned an otherwise ordinary coin into a saleable collectible.
Selling or preserving your 1968 half
If you plan to sell, document the coin with clear photos and note any eye appeal or flaws. Compare offers from local dealers, online marketplaces, and auction houses.
If the coin has potential for higher value—high grade, proof-like, or error—get a professional opinion before selling. Grading fees are often justified when a coin could sell for multiples of melt value.
Quick tips for owners
- Do not clean coins; cleaning reduces value.
- Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
- Use sold listings to estimate a realistic asking price.
- When in doubt, get a second opinion from a reputable dealer or grading service.
In short, many 1968 Kennedy half dollars are worth more than face value because of silver content, while a smaller subset is worth collector premiums. Identify the mint mark, assess condition, calculate melt value, and research comparable sales to determine what your coin is truly worth.