A Clash of Numismatic Titans
The Kennedy Half Dollar (1964–present) and Franklin Half Dollar (1948–1963) are iconic U.S. coins, each with rich history and collector appeal. The Kennedy, launched to honor President John F. Kennedy post-1963 assassination, and the Franklin, celebrating Benjamin Franklin, hold both intrinsic and numismatic value due to silver content, rarity, and errors. Often circulating at their 50-cent face value, certain dates, conditions, or varieties can yield significant premiums, akin to the elusive 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny. Here, we evaluate which coin offers greater hidden value for collectors and investors.
Silver Content: Intrinsic Worth
- Kennedy Half Dollar:
- 1964: 90% silver (12.5 grams, 0.3617 oz), with a melt value of ~$11.59 at $32.03/oz silver (April 18, 2025).
- 1965–1970: 40% silver (0.1479 oz), ~$4.73 melt.
- 1971–present: Copper-nickel clad, negligible intrinsic value unless silver proofs (e.g., 1992–present, ~$11.59 melt).
- Circulated 1964 coins fetch $12–$15, with uncirculated at $20–$50.
- Franklin Half Dollar:
- 1948–1963: 90% silver (0.3617 oz), ~$11.59 melt.
- Even worn coins hold melt value, while high-grade Full Bell Line (FBL) coins, with sharp Liberty Bell lines, range from $20–$500+.
Edge: Franklin, as all years are 90% silver, ensuring consistent intrinsic value versus Kennedy’s limited silver era.
Rarity and Key Dates
- Kennedy Half Dollar:
- Notable dates include 1964 (high mintage but hoarded), 1970-D (1.1 million, mint sets only, $15–$50 in MS-65), and 1987-P/D (low mintage, $5–$25).
- Rare variants like the 1964 SMS (~12 known, $20,000–$100,000+) and 1964 Accented Hair Proof ($50–$500) are prized.
- High mintages (e.g., 1964: 429 million) limit broad scarcity.
- Franklin Half Dollar:
- Key dates: 1949-S (4.1 million, $15–$100 in MS-65), 1953-S ($20–$150), 1955 “Bugs Bunny” variety ($25–$200).
- FBL coins (e.g., 1953-S, $500–$2,000 in MS-65+) and proofs like 1961 Doubled Die Reverse ($1,000–$5,000) drive value.
- Lower mintages (4–44 million) enhance rarity.
Edge: Franklin, with scarcer dates and varieties, though Kennedy’s rare SMS coins can fetch higher peaks.
Condition and Errors
- Kennedy Half Dollar:
- Circulated 1964 coins trade near melt, with MS-65 at $20–$50 and PR-68 proofs at $30–$100. Clad coins need MS-67+ ($10–$50) for value.
- Errors like 1974-D Doubled Die ($50–$200) or 1982-P No FG ($20–$100) add premiums but are rare.
- Franklin Half Dollar:
- Circulated coins fetch melt, but MS-65 FBL coins range from $50–$500, with 1949-S FBL at $1,000+. Proofs (PR-67 FBL) yield $100–$1,000.
- Errors like 1955 “Bugs Bunny” ($25–$200) and 1949-D RPM ($30–$150) are widely collected.
Edge: Franklin, with more accessible errors and FBL premiums, outperforms Kennedy’s sporadic high-value errors.
Collector Demand and Outlook
Franklin’s 16-year run, lower mintages, and FBL demand ensure steady collector interest, with coins like 1949-S FBL ($100–$500) showing strong growth. Kennedy’s 1964 silver coins and rarities like the SMS ($20,000+) are coveted, but high mintages and clad issues limit broad appeal. Franklin’s consistent silver and rarity make it the better bet for hidden value.
Verdict: Seek Franklin FBL coins (MS-65+, $50–$2,000) for reliable returns or Kennedy 1964 SMS/Accented Hair ($50–$100,000) for rare finds. Weigh coins (silver: 11.5–12.5 grams), check errors with a magnifying glass, and authenticate via PCGS/NGC (pcgs.com, ngccoin.com). Like the Yamaha RX125’s nostalgic draw, Franklin’s timeless value shines brighter. (Word count: 597)