The 1968 half dollar is an interesting coin of American numismatics that would often capture the interest of collectors and inquiring minds as well. Should you have found a Kennedy half dollar of this seminal year, you might be curious about the actual coin value of your discovery.
Although the majority of the half dollars in circulation are worth only face value, the 1968 half dollar is exceptional because of its special composition that is made of silver.
In contrast to its predecessor, the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, which was composed of robust 90% silver, the 1968 half dollar is unique in that it is a 40% silver-clad coin. That enhanced silver content makes it distinct from subsequent clad half dollars (minted after 1971) that are not made of any precious metal material at all.
In this blog we will explore the 1968 half dollar value and why it is a desired goal for serious collectors and investors who wish to purchase coins for their metallic value. Let’s dive deeper.
When assessing the value of your 1968 half dollar, several critical factors come into play:
Of all determinants of the worth of a 1968 half dollar, its silver content of 40% is the most important. Every 1968 half dollar, weighing about 11.5 grams, is a weight equivalent to about 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver.
As tremendous as with the 90% coins, this merely means that the intrinsic value of silver puts a floor melt value on such coins. This inherent silver content is separate from clad half dollars in general and guarantees that they always fetch more than 50 cents above the roller-coaster price of the metal itself. The majority of numismatists save them specifically because of this 40% silver content.
Your coin's condition is most imperative in establishing its coin value. Coin grading is a precise process that gives a consistent grade to a coin that indicates the coin's state of preservation. Below is a list of normal terms of condition:
Coins in these grades have some degree of circulation wear that is due to ordinary use. Despite these conditions, the 40% silver content gives a floor worth, but excessive wear will consume any premium. A "nice" coin in circulated grade still has some value greater than melt.
These have never been in circulation and keep their original mint sheen. A high mint state 1968 D Kennedy Half can fetch a premium, provided it is professionally graded by highly reputed firms like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). Higher-graded specimens (like MS-65 or MS-67) with sharp obverse as well as reverse details will be worth much more.
The mint mark on your 1968 half dollar indicates which U.S. Mint facility produced it. For 1968, the two primary mint locations were:
Most 1968 D Kennedy Half dollars in circulation will have the "D" mint mark above the date on the back of the coin.
San Francisco 1968 coins were primarily proof coins, i.e., specially struck for collectors with a finer strike, generally having a mirror-like field and frosted devices.
Although less frequent, some business strike coins (circulation coins) were also produced at San Francisco without an "S" mint mark for a short period of time, though these are exceptions.
In general, "S" mint mark proof specimens in selection grade (e.g., PR-68 and better, with "cameo" or "deep cameo" contrast) are more valuable due to improved strike and lower mintage.
Apart from common issues, denominational or striking miserrors on some variety can turn an average coin into a rare jewel for collectors. Though no overall coin shortage errors significantly enhance values on ordinary 1968 half dollars, veteran numismatists usually seek:
DDO (Doubled Die Obverse):
In which the obverse (front side) design, and most importantly the date or lettering, exhibits evident doubling as the result of a die-making flaw.
Duplicating, but on the reverse (tail) side.
When the blank of the coin is off-center when struck, it causes part of the design to be lacking.
Similar to lamination errors (where the layers of the metal of the coin peel off) or faulty planchets.
These are valuable coins and are highly sought. Locating genuine variety or error coins tends to require attention and the utilization of magnification.
The value of your 1968 half dollar will be determined mostly by grade, mint mark, and demand at the time. These are some approximate values:
Basically only worth its content in silver. At current silver prices (say $25-$30 an ounce), this is roughly equivalent to $3.50 to $6.00 USD per coin in melt value in silver. This fluctuates up and down day by day with the price of silver.
Would sell slightly above melt value, maybe $6.00 to $10.00+ USD.
These would sell for $10.00 to $30.00+ USD, depending upon the true grade and eye appeal.
The prices may get very high, possibly up to $50.00 to $150.00+ USD for really excellent specimens, particularly if PCGS or NGC graded.
Generally worth more because of better quality strikes and lower production.
Valued at $15.00 to $40.00+ USD.
May cost from $50.00 to $100.00+ USD, with flawless "cameo" or "deep cameo" quality specimens selling for even more.
Price varies significantly depending on the type and observability of the error, from tens to hundreds or even thousands for substantial and uncommon errors.
If you believe you own a rare 1968 half dollar, consider the following options:
A local, trusted dealer might provide an initial estimate and perhaps buy your coin. They know how to grade and have up-to-date knowledge about market values.
If the coin is likely to be valuable or contains errors, professional grading at institutions such as PCGS or NGC is advisable. Their encapsulation and grading provide authenticity and assurance for the buyer, making the coin much more valuable. The service is normally at a cost.
If you feel okay about selling online, opportunities such as eBay (and tapping into the eBay Partner Network) can find a huge collector community. Just make sure to use nice, high-quality stock photo-type pictures and good condition descriptions. There are many happy collectors that visit these websites.
Meeting at a local or national coin show allows you to interact directly with a number of dealers and collectors, getting varying opinions and offers on your holdings.
The majority of 1968 D Kennedy Half dollars found in circulated state are not scarce based on mintage statistics. Still, uncirculated types in high grades or showing major variety or error are highly rare.
All American half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 are made of 40% silver. If your coin was made in 1968, it will have this silver content. You should be able to see a faint copper layer along the reeded edge if you look closely.
A 1968 Kennedy half dollar has a diameter of 30.61 mm and a weight of 11.5 standard grams.
The mint mark (D for Denver Mint or S for San Francisco Proofs) occurs on the back of the coin, over the date "1968" and under Kennedy's bust.
A master hub is a metal punch that carries the entire original design of a coin. Working hubs are made from the master hub, which then generate the working dies that strike coins. Errors on the master hub level can produce spread varieties such as DDO.
Professional coin grading by companies such as PCGS or NGC is not free; there is a fee attached. But most online coin websites and coin shops have free initial grading or coin estimate value. There are informative video tutorial online lessons to grade.
When you've purchased a coin online (e.g., on eBay), make sure you get the exact item shown and described. Inspect its condition, mint mark, and date. Leave feedback for the seller to assist others. Trust your gut; if something doesn't look right, reach out to the seller or the platform's customer support.
Although the majority of 1968 Kennedy half dollars won't instantaneously make you wealthy, their intrinsic value of 40% silver content ensures that they're always worth more than their face value.
For collectors, nicer uncirculated specimens, "S" mint mark proofs, and particularly oddball error coins are real treasures. So next time you see a 1968 half dollar, take another glance—that dull-looking coin could be a secret treasure that brings something extra special into your life.
This year's coin is special in history! We have put all this here to provide you with a great beginning in learning about your 1968 half dollar's potential.
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