Kennedy Half Dollar Grading Guide
How to grade your Kennedy half dollar — Kennedy's cheek, the silver vs clad eras, and which issues are worth grading.
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Kennedy Half Dollar grading, in brief
Kennedy half dollars (1964–present) are graded 1–70 on the Sheldon scale. Most circulated examples — especially post-1971 clad — carry little premium; value concentrates in high Mint State coins, the 1964 90% silver issue, special SMS strikes, and proofs. Grade hinges on contact marks on Kennedy's cheek and jaw plus overall luster.
The cheek is prime real estate
Kennedy's large, open cheek and jaw are where contact marks show most and where graders look first. A single distracting mark on the cheek can drop a coin from MS66 to MS64. For an otherwise lustrous coin, the cheek usually decides the grade.
What graders look at
Cheek & jaw
The open cheek shows contact marks most prominently — the primary grade limiter.
Hair detail
Hair above the ear shows high-point wear on circulated coins.
Eagle (reverse)
The heraldic eagle's details and the field around it show marks and wear.
Luster
Strong, unbroken luster separates Mint State from About Uncirculated.
Kennedy Half Dollar grading chart
Grade-by-grade, what to look for on your coin.
| Grade | Label | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated | Trace wear on cheek and hair high points |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated | Full luster; noticeable marks on cheek |
| MS-64 | Choice+ | Above average; fewer/less severe cheek marks |
| MS-65 | Gem | Minimal marks, strong luster, clean cheek |
| MS-66 | Gem+ | Very clean surfaces; eye-appealing |
| MS-67 | Superb Gem | Virtually mark-free; scarce for most dates |
Key dates worth grading
Kennedy Half Dollar grading FAQ
How do I grade a Kennedy half dollar?
Focus on Kennedy's cheek and jaw for contact marks — the prime grade limiter — then assess luster and hair detail. Strong luster with a clean cheek signals a high Mint State grade.
Are 1964 Kennedy half dollars worth grading?
High-grade examples (MS66+) and the rare 1964 SMS are worth grading. Common circulated 1964s are worth their silver melt and rarely justify the fee.
Is a Kennedy half dollar valuable?
Most circulated Kennedys (especially post-1971 clad) are worth face or melt. Value concentrates in high MS grades, 1964 silver, the 1964 SMS, the 1970-D, and proofs.
What's the difference between MS65 and MS66 on a Kennedy half?
Mostly the cheek: an MS66 has a cleaner, mark-free cheek and stronger eye appeal than an MS65. That one-grade jump can mean a large value difference on key dates.
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