1994 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

John Kennedy is still one of the most popular American presidents in history. After the tragic event in 1963, the US Mint minted commemorative half-dollars in his honor. Expectedly, these coins aroused a lot of interest among the citizens.

The Kennedy half-dollars have historical and commemorative significance, affecting the 1994 Half Dollar value, besides their condition, mint mark, and minting errors. Be prepared that these coins can sometimes cost a lot.

1994 half-dollar value Chart
Condition	1994 P half-dollar	1994 D half-dollar	1994 S half-dollar	1994 S silver half-dollar
MS 63	$9	$9	/	/
PR 65	/	/	$5	$18

History of the 1994 Kennedy Half Dollar

The US Mint issued half-dollars with a Kennedy image for the first time in 1964 as commemorative coins in the assassinated President’s honor. As soon as American veteran Lee Harvey Oswald shot him on November 22, 1963, a period of grief and disbelief for all American citizens began.

John F. Kennedy was the 35th American President and the youngest man elected to this responsible position in the country. After graduating from Harvard at age 23, Kennedy joined the Navy and was seriously wounded when a Japanese destroyer damaged his PT boat in 1943.

After the war ended, he quickly ascended the political ladder and became the President in 1961. On the day of his assassination, he completed the first thousand days on that duty and became the youngest person to die while serving his country in this position.

1994 half-dollar Types
Location	Year	Minted
Philadelphia	1994 P half-dollar	23,718,000
Denver	1994 D half-dollar	23,828,110
San Francisco	1994 S proof half-dollar	2,484,594
San Francisco	1994 S proof half-dollar	785,329
Total	/	50,816,033

After the assassination, the US Mint initiated plans for commemorative coins. Although they mentioned different denominations in the conversation, Kennedy’s widow chose half-dollars to save the George Washington image on quarters.

The US Mint hired engravers Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro to speed up the design change process. They adapted previously finished designs, so required coin obverse and reverse appearances were made within a record time.

On the day when the first Kennedy half-dollars appeared in circulation, there were long lines in front of American banks. Citizens waited patiently for their specimens as a memory of their beloved President. 

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars Worth Money

Features of the 1994 Kennedy Half Dollar

Although individual coins often change their appearance, the Kennedy half-dollars have retained their original design from 1964. Only the reverse experienced a short-term change in 1975 and 1976. On the other hand, variations in these coins’ composition were frequent.

The obverse of the 1994 Kennedy half-dollar

This coin obverse shows the John Fitzgerald Kennedy profile facing left, occupying the central part. The inscription LIBERTY stretches along the upper rim. You can see that the President’s hair partially covers this written word.

On the bottom coin part, you can read the famous motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The ending of the President’s bust splits this phrase into two fragments. The mint mark and minting year are visible on the lower rim.

The reverse of the 1994 Kennedy half-dollar

The reverse design is a modification of the presidential seal. In the central coin part, you can see the proud American eagle. Its claws hold an olive branch on one side and an arrow bundle on the other while its wings are spread.

On the eagle’s chest is the Union shield, while its beak holds a banner with a small written E PLURIBUS UNUM. Above the eagle are placed 13 balls and stars that symbolize the initial colonies, while the star ring made of 50 stars represents the current American States.

The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination HALF DOLLAR extend along the upper and lower rim.

1994 half-dollar Details
Features	Cupronickel coins	Silver proof coins
Face value	50 cents ($0.50)
Compound	Copper and nickel (91.67%: 8.33%)	Silver and copper (90%: 10%)
Coin weight	0.400 ounces (11.34 g)	0.402 troy ounces (12.50 g)
Coin silver weight	/	0.329 troy ounces (10.25 g)
Coin diameter	1.205 inches (30.61 mm)	1.205 inches (30.61 mm)
Coin thickness	0.085 inches (2.15 mm)	0.085 inches (2.15 mm)
Shape	Round
Edge	150 reeds

Other features of the 1994 Kennedy half-dollar

The half-dollars minted in 1994 contained 91.67% copper and a small percentage of another metal, nickel. These coins are round in shape with reeded rims showing 150 reeds. Their diameter is 1.205 inches (30.61 mm).

Each piece fits within the standards for this coin type with a thickness of 0.085 inches (2.15 mm) and a weight of 0.400 ounces (11.34 g). The Kennedy silver proofs weigh 0.402 troy ounces (12.5 g), while the weight of silver they contain is 0.329 troy ounces (10.25 g). Other features match ordinary coins.

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money

1994 Kennedy Half Dollar Grading

Professional appraisers use the Sheldon scale to rate American coinage. Numismatist William Sheldon presented it in 1949 to standardize the Large Cents assessment.

This scale soon became an outdated method of evaluation, so numismatists adapted it in 1970. Nowadays, it is a standard of all coins’ grading, and professional appraisers still use it.

1994 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guides

The mintage of 50,816,033 Kennedy half-dollars was reached in four three mints, but you can recognize four varieties.

Two regular coin types were made of copper alloy, while San Francisco issued both cupronickel and silver proofs. With such a high circulation, these coins are common but are still attractive to collectors as a part of the series.

1994 P half-dollar Value

All 23,718,000 Kennedy half-dollars issued this year bear the P mark. The mintage in the Philadelphia mint was slightly lower than the one in Denver.

The 1994 P Half Dollars are modern coins you can still find in circulation. That is why their value mostly depends on each piece’s condition. You can typically buy specimens from circulation for only $0.70.

Even low-graded specimens in the mint state are not significantly more expensive. Those graded MS 60 to MS 65 have a price range between $5 and $12.

Coins ranked MS 66 cost $30, while pieces in MS 67 grade are worth approximately $75. The more expensive half-dollars minted this year are graded MS 68 and have an estimated price of $1,950. The highest price belongs to the 1994 half-dollar with MS 68 ranking. It was sold at $2,115 in 2014.

1994 D half-dollar Value

The Denver mint had the largest mintage of half-dollars in 1994. You can see the letter D on each of the 23,828,110 specimens produced in this mint.

Circulated halves typically cost $0.70, slightly more than their nominal value. Contrary to expectations, even pieces in the mint state don’t have a particularly high value, except those in exceptionally well-preserved condition.

You can buy coins graded between MS 60 and MS 65 for $5 to $12. On the other hand, the expected price for specimens graded MS 66 is about $24. Only an MS 67-graded half-dollar can bring you as much as $150.

You can make the most money by selling half-dollars in MS 68 rating since their estimated price is around $3,850. Still, the record from 2018 for one such piece is lower, $2,300 for now.

1994 S proof half-dollar Value (clad)

This mint produced 2,484,594 proof Kennedy half-dollars with clad composition in 1994. In addition to bearing the S mark, they stand out from other specimens due to their luster and more clearly expressed details.

Proof coins are collector items that were never spent time in circulation. However, you can find most of these modern pieces with DCAM quality at affordable prices, such as:

• $4 for the 1994 S PR 64 half-dollars
• $5 for the 1994 S PR 65 half-dollars
• $6 for the 1994 S PR 66 half-dollars
• $7 for the 1994 S PR 67 half-dollars
• $8 for the 1994 S PR 68 half-dollars
• $14 for the 1994 S PR 69 half-dollars
• $40 for the 1994 S PR 70 half-dollars

The auction record set by the 1994 S half-dollar in PR 70 grade is significantly higher. One collector bought it in 2003 for $633.

1994 S proof half-dollars Value (silver)

In addition to clad proof coins, the mint in San Francisco minted 785,329 silver proofs. Due to the presence of silver in their composition, these pieces’ value is higher. Typically, you need to set aside the following amounts for those with deep cameo contrast:

• PR 64-rated half-dollars cost $18
• PR 65-rated half-dollars cost $18
• PR 66-rated half-dollars cost $18
• PR 67-rated half-dollars cost $18
• PR 68-rated half-dollars cost $18
• PR 69-rated half-dollars cost $23
• PR 70-rated half-dollars cost $60

The most expensive of these coins is the 1994 S PR 70 half-dollar with DCAM quality sold at the 2003 auction. It reached a price of $506.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Half Dollars In Circulation

Rare 1994 Kennedy Half Dollar Errors List

The US Mint always strives for perfection in coin production. However, it has not yet managed to prevent human and mechanical errors during the process.

Interestingly, the value of coins with imperfections can reach incredible amounts. Moreover, some collectors show interest only in such specimens, including Kennedy half-dollars, because they are often rarer and more unique than regular pieces.

Struck through grease error (missing design elements)

The presence of foreign objects can affect the coining process, and dirt, dust, or grease can completely change the half-dollars’ appearance. Sometimes, impurity accumulates inside the die and covers the entire coin surface after hitting it.

The half-dollar design struck with such a die could show more or less imperfections, but pieces minted in 1994 often have a low value on the current market. You can buy most pieces at an affordable price of $15.

Die clash

This error type occurs when obverse and reverse dies collide. Due to the extremely high pressure, such a clash can damage one or both dies, transferring the design from one to another.

A planchet struck between these dies comes with a distorted image. The 1994 half-dollars with this imperfection are relatively affordable, and you can get one for about $4.

Clad layer missing error

Most 1994 half-dollars consist of a copper core with a cupronickel outer layer. This particular error is recognizable for a lack of that coat, and you can see the copper core on one coin side’s surface. Such pieces are available for approximately $25.

Curved clip error

This error occurs when the metal plate advancing speed in the press is less than required. The result is a planchet with a concave edge. You can find these imperfect 1994 half-dollars for $185.

Where to Sell Your 1994 Kennedy Half Dollar ?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

FAQ about the 1994 Kennedy Half Dollars

What makes 1994 half-dollars rare?

Most modern half-dollars are still present in circulation, making those from 1994 common. However, pieces in the mint state and with significant errors can be valuable and rare.

Which 1994 half-dollars are particularly valuable?

• The 1994 D MS 68 half-dollar with Kennedy image cost $2,300 in 2018
• The 1994 P MS 68 half-dollar with Kennedy image cost $2,115 in 2014
• The 1994 S PR 70 DCAM half-dollar with Kennedy image cost $633 in 2003
• The 1994 S PR 70 DCAM silver half-dollar with Kennedy image cost $506 in 2003

How much are the 1994 P half-dollars worth?

Close to 24,000,000 produced Kennedy half-dollars from 1994 bear the Philadelphia mint mark. Most are still in circulation and are worth their face value. However, exceptionally preserved pieces can reach higher sums on eBay and at auctions. For instance, you should set aside about $1,250 for one specimen in MS 68 grade.

What are the most expensive half-dollars with a Kennedy image?

Kennedy half-dollars changed their composition a few times, significantly affecting their value in the coin market. Besides, silver specimens are always pricier than those containing copper and nickel.

The most expensive silver piece in the series is the 1964 PR 69 DCAM half-dollar error with Accented Hair. It was sold at $45,600 in 2022. The next is the 1968 S PR 70 DCAM coin that changed hands in 2023 for a significantly lower amount of $24,000.

The 1964 MS 68 half-dollar minted in Denver reached $22,235 after one collector bought it in 2016. The 1971 clad coin in MS 61 grade minted in San Francisco won a slightly lower value in 2018, $13,700.