Well, let's clear up a little jingly change confusion before we dive into your treasure chest. The famous coin featuring John F. Kennedy is actually a half-dollar, not a silver dollar. It's a super common mix-up, so no need to feel short-changed! The value of your coin really depends on when it was minted, because that determines how much silver, if any, is in it.
The Kennedy half-dollar you really want to find is the one from 1964. That particular year is the series heavyweight, clocking in at 90% silver. Its value dances along with the current market price of silver, so it's always worth much more than its 50-cent face value. Think of it as a small, respectable silver ingot with a presidential seal of approval.
From 1965 to 1970, the U.S. Mint wasn't quite ready to give up on silver, but they definitely cut back. These coins are "silver-clad," containing a reduced 40% silver. They're still worth more than face value due to their silver content, but they're the less valuable cousins of the 1964 edition.
After 1970, the silver party was officially over. With a few exceptions for special collector sets, any Kennedy half-dollar minted from 1971 onward is made of a copper-nickel blend and has no silver content. These are generally worth exactly what they say they are: a cool 50 cents. So, unless it's in ridiculously perfect condition or a special proof version, you can spend it without a second thought.
