The 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $10 in typical circulated condition to over $100 or more for top-grade proof examples, making it a surprisingly valuable piece hiding in many old coin collections.
If you recently dug out an old box of coins and spotted a 1998 Kennedy Half Dollar with an “S” mintmark, you might be sitting on something worth more than face value. The “S” mintmark tells you it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and the silver version of this coin was produced exclusively as a special matte finish piece in a historic tribute set. A good coin identification app can help you quickly confirm whether your half dollar is the silver variety or a clad version — the difference in value is significant. CoinKnow is one tool many collectors rely on to sort out exactly what they have before heading to a coin shop.
What Makes the 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Special
The 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar was not released for general circulation. It was issued as part of a special Robert F. Kennedy commemorative set, struck in 90% silver and finished with a unique matte proof surface — a style the U.S. Mint had not used in decades. That combination of low mintage, historical significance, and silver content makes this coin a standout in any Kennedy Half Dollar collection.
The total mintage was approximately 62,000 coins, which is quite low compared to standard proof issues that often reach millions. Low supply combined with steady collector demand keeps the value of this coin firm. Whether you inherited one from a relative or found it tucked away in an old album, it’s worth taking a closer look at the condition and any original packaging, because both can affect what a buyer is willing to pay.
Understanding the 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Grade
Coin grade plays the biggest role in determining what your 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar is worth. Because this coin was sold directly to collectors, most examples are still in excellent condition. However, even within the proof and matte proof category, certified grades can make a meaningful difference in price.
Here is a general value guide based on typical market prices:
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Raw (ungraded, no original packaging) | $10 – $18 |
| Raw (with original RFK set packaging) | $20 – $35 |
| PCGS / NGC Graded PR69 | $40 – $70 |
| PCGS / NGC Graded PR70 | $80 – $150+ |
For the most current auction results and dealer pricing, you can check up-to-date 1998 Kennedy Half Dollar price data to see what these coins are actually selling for right now.
How to Tell If You Have the Silver Version
Not every 1998 Kennedy Half Dollar is silver. The U.S. Mint also produced standard clad proof versions that year at San Francisco. Both carry the “S” mintmark, so the mintmark alone won’t tell you which one you have.
The easiest way to check is weight. A silver 1998-S Kennedy Half Dollar weighs 12.50 grams, while the clad version weighs 11.34 grams. A precise digital scale is all you need. You can also look for original mint packaging — the silver version came in a special RFK tribute set with a Kennedy half dollar coin from the Philadelphia Mint as well. If your coin is still sealed in that packaging, you almost certainly have the real deal.
CoinKnow is particularly helpful here because it lets you cross-reference coin details by year, mintmark, and composition so you can verify what you have in seconds without needing to visit a dealer.
Where to Sell and What to Expect
If you’ve confirmed you have the 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar, your best options for selling include eBay, coin shows, and reputable online coin dealers. Certified coins in original slabs from PCGS or NGC always command higher prices because buyers trust the grade. If yours is raw and ungraded, consider whether the potential price increase justifies the cost of third-party grading.
For a detailed breakdown of the full 1998 Half Dollar value across all varieties and conditions, there are dedicated resources that track both retail and auction prices regularly. Knowing the current market before you sell puts you in a much stronger position.
CoinKnow also offers a handy valuation feature that lets you scan your coin and get a ballpark estimate instantly — great for deciding whether a professional grading submission makes financial sense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1998-S Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
A: The special matte proof version issued in the Robert F. Kennedy tribute set is made of 90% silver. However, a standard clad proof version was also made in 1998 with the “S” mintmark. Always check the weight to confirm which one you have.
Q: How many 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollars were made?
A: Approximately 62,000 silver matte proof examples were produced, making it one of the lower-mintage Kennedy Half Dollar issues of the modern era.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1998-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollar graded?
A: If your coin is in excellent condition and appears free of contact marks or flaws, professional grading by PCGS or NGC could push the value from around $20–$35 (raw) to $70 or more for a PR69 grade. It’s worth considering if the coin looks pristine.
