Your John F. Kennedy half-dollar could be worth $2,100 - the 'ultra cameo' detail to look for
A GOLD half-dollar recently sold on eBay for $2,127 thanks to a few special factors.
The 2014-W High Relief Kennedy 50th Anniversary coin is made almost entirely from gold and is known as a proof coin.
These are early samples of a coin issue made for archival purposes and for checking dies, and if you can get your hands on one - they can be extremely valuable.
Many collectors like proofs as they are often mirror-like and typically struck using a high-quality minting process.
While the Kennedy half-dollar carries a denomination of 50 cents, this particular coin sold on eBay for $2,127.
The reason for its high price is largely due to its perfect grade - PR70 Ultra Cameo.
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This grade means that the coin is as close to perfect as possible by being graded by the professional coin graders at Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).
MORE ON THE KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR
In 2014, the U.S. Mint celebrated the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's likeness on the half-dollar with a unique three-quarter-ounce gold coin.
The obverse features Gilroy Roberts’ portrayal of President John F. Kennedy while the reverse includes Frank Gasparro’s version of the Presidential Seal.
It also features a “W” mint mark from the West Point Mint.
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The 50th Anniversary Kennedy Gold Half Dollar is the only gold version in the U.S. Mint’s broader release that included four silver options, according to coin experts from JM Bullion.
DETERMINING COIN VALUES
Coin experts determine a coin's value based on a variety of factors.
This includes mintage, errors, demand, age, design, certification, and condition.
More importantly, coins are graded on a rigid scale - which is what collectors will pay big bucks for.
There are five main components when it comes to a grading scale including strike, surface preservation, luster, coloration, and eye appeal.
Coins are assigned a whole number between 1 and 70, with the highest figure being close to perfect.
HOW TO SPOT RARE COINS
Make sure to check your spare change for any rare pennies, nickels, dimes, and other coins as many of them could sell for thousands.
Typically, the most valuable coins are ones with a low mintage or an error, as collectors find those coins are some of the rarest.
Additionally, coin experts will pay top dollar if they are also well-struck.
A great website to check if your coins are worth anything is eBay.
You just need to search the full coin name, select the "sold" listing and then toggle the search to "highest value.”
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A silver quarter from the 19th century sold for almost $7,000 online.
Plus, here's why a date and a "D" marking made a coin worth thousands.
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