The $15,000+ 1968 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar: Collector’s Ultimate Guide

How to Identify This Rare 40% Silver Transitional Coin

While most 1968 half dollars are clad coins worth face value, the extremely rare silver versions can be worth 5,000to5,000to15,000+ to collectors. Here’s everything you need to know about this valuable transitional error.

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Key Identification Features

1. Metal Composition Test

Feature	1968 Silver	Regular 1968 Clad
Weight	11.50g	11.34g
Edge	Solid silver-colored	Visible copper sandwich
Magnetism	Slightly magnetic (40% silver)	Non-magnetic
Sound	High-pitched “ring”	Dull “clink”

2. Mintmark Varieties

All authentic 1968 silver halves are:

• Denver Mint (D) – Only confirmed specimens
• No Philadelphia (P) silver issues known
• No San Francisco (S) silver proofs this year

3. Surface Characteristics

• Distinctive luster different from clad coins
• No copper bleeding at edges
• Sharper strike details than clad versions

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Grading & Value Spectrum

Grade	Description	Value Range
MS66	Premium gem quality	5,000−5,000−7,000
MS67	Superb gem	8,000−8,000−12,000
MS68	Near-perfect	12,000−12,000−15,000+

Record Sale: $15,275 (PCGS MS68, 2021)

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How This Error Occurred

The 1965-1970 Transition Period

• 1964: Last 90% silver halves
• 1965-1970: Official 40% silver-clad composition
• 1968 Error: A few coins struck on leftover 40% silver planchets
• Estimated Survivors: Less than 50 confirmed

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Where to Search for This Rarity

Best Hunting Methods

1. Original Bank Rolls (especially early 1968-D rolls)
2. Estate Collections (look for old half dollar holdings)
3. Coin Dealer Inventories (ask for “transitional errors”)

Recent Discovery:

A Florida collector found one in a 500bagofhalves∗∗−latercertifiedandsoldfor∗∗500bagofhalves∗∗−latercertifiedandsoldfor∗∗13,500

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Professional Authentication

Step-by-Step Verification

1. Weigh Precisely (must be 11.50g ±0.05g)
2. XRF Metal Test (confirm 40% silver content)
3. Edge Examination (no copper layer visible)
4. PCGS/NGC Submission (mandatory for top value)

Red Flags:

❌ Wrong weight (under 11.45g)
❌ Copper bleeding at edges
❌ Artificial toning

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Investment Potential

Value Appreciation

• 2010: $3,000 (for MS65)
• 2021: $15,275 (record sale)
• Projected 2030 Value: $20,000+

Market Drivers:

• Extreme Rarity (fewer than 50 known)
• Kennedy Series Popularity
• Transitional Error Demand

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Where to Sell for Top Dollar

Best Auction Houses

1. Heritage Auctions (record-setting sales)
2. Stack’s Bowers (specializes in modern errors)
3. Legend Rare Coin Auctions (private treaty)

Selling Tip:

PCGS TrueView imaging adds 10-15% to value

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Free Expert Evaluation

Think you have a 1968 silver half dollar? Email clear photos to:
📧 kennedy@pennyverse.info
Subject: “1968 SILVER HALF”

We’ll provide:
✔ Free preliminary assessment
✔ Current market valuation
✔ Next-step recommendations

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