The 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars are not as popular as other half dollar coins because they are pretty abundant. However, some of the variants are worth more than a thousand dollars! In uncirculated condition, 1971 half dollars are worth $3. The more valuable variants are in grades MS65 and MS66. They cost around $110 because of their high level of shine and quality.
3.2 million Kennedy-S coins were produced only as proof coins, making them rarer than no mint mark and D variants.
For instance, a proof variant has been sold for $12,000. Additionally, error coins have a high value as well. There has been an auction record of $13,000 for an error coin.
Coin collecting is a hobby that can provide you with many benefits. Not only is it a way to get introduced to the history of money and how different cultures used different currencies, it’s also a lucrative hobby that might bring you some fortune.
Did you know that the US half dollar is the US Mint’s biggest circulating currency? The half dollar is also known as a 50-cent piece and is sometimes referred to as “four bits” in an old rhyming chant.
In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about the 1971 half dollar, its value , history, and other interesting facts.
The History of Half Dollars
As you know, Benjamin Franklin-featured half dollars were created by former United States engraver John R. Sinnock. It has been in circulation since 1948. In 16 years, it was replaced by the John F. Kennedy half dollar in 1964 as a tribute to the recently deceased president.
Gilroy Roberts, who held the position of US mint engraver from 1948 until 1965, is primarily known for creating the Kennedy half dollar’s obverse design.Whereas the Frank Gasparro-designed reverse of the Kennedy half dollar.
The Kennedy half dollars were an instant success. Millions of Americans in grief jumped at the chance to buy a dedicatory coin to Kennedy for just 50 cents. This caused many people to believe that the Kennedy half dollar was fundamentally more valuable or worthwhile of saving than other half coins, which quickly contributed to the half dollar’s actual withdrawal from circulation. Even while the half dollar was still included in the lineup of business-strike circulation currency until 2002, by the early 1980s, the denomination had all but disappeared from day-to-day transactions.
Also Read:
- 12 Most Valuable Half Dollars Round-Up List (1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar Was Sold in 2015 for $1,527,500)
- 1973 Half Dollar Value Chart (Worth As Much As $4,888)
- 1968 Half Dollar Value Chart (A Deep Cameo Coin Sold For $21,600 At Heritage Auctions In 2017)
- The 1963 Half Dollar Value Chart (1963-D MS67+ Full Bell Lines Sold For $16,800 in 2019)
- 1964 Half Dollar Value Chart (1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Auction Record Was $156,000 In 2019)
Description and Characteristics of 1971 Half Dollar
The first half dollar using copper-nickel plating, a 25% nickel and 75% copper metallic combination, was struck in 1971. That makes this coin interesting to collect.
The 1971 half dollar weighs 11.34 g and is 30.6 mm in diameter.
The reverse side features a bust of Kennedy that is facing left. The word “LIBERTY,” which continues around the rim, is inscribed directly above the bust in the middle. Near the base of Kennedy’s neck, the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” are spaced out on either side. The date and mint mark are centred beneath Kennedy’s bust at the bottom of the obverse.
The American eagle with extended wings and the president’s coat of arms are depicted on the back of the Kennedy Half Dollar. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears in the middle of the design above, while “HALF DOLLAR” appears below.
Value of 1971 Half Dollar
As mentioned, a large amount of people saved up Kennedy half dollars, so they are rather abundant in quantity. That makes it more obvious why the 1971 Kennedy half dollar is not as popular as coins of other denominations.
In a nutshell, in grades below uncirculated, the 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars have little to no value. However, you can still find valuable ones in certain varieties.
The Influence of Grade on Value
One of the most important factors affecting the value is a coin grade. A coin grading system is a way of describing and categorising the condition of a coin. For example, a common grading system is the Professional Grading System (PGS). PGS is used by experts in the coin collecting world to describe the condition of coins. A grading system can be used to determine if a coin is worth buying or selling. Knowing what a coin’s grade is will tell you whether it’s worth buying or selling.
Also Read: Coin Grading Chart: Determine the Condition and Value of Your Coins
Value Chart
There were 155,164,000 no mint mark 1971 half dollars produced, whereas 1971-D produced over 302,097,00.
| circulated | uncirculated | MS65 | MS66 | |
| 1971 | $0.50-0,75 | $1-3 | $12-45 | $110 |
| 1971-D | $0.50-0,75 | $1-3 | $7 | $30 |
As you can see from the table, the MS65 and MS66 variants are the more valuable ones. A coin with an MS-65 grade exhibits a striking high level of shine and date for the mint. For reference, look at this coin. Whereas,MS-65 features a mint shine and a surface with above average quality. There are no more than three or four slight contact blemishes. Look at the MS66 coin up close here.
This high grade coin has been sold for $13,000. It has a high grade of MS61.
Proof coins
Proof variants are special coins in that they are struck in a high-quality copper alloy that is then selectively marked and polished to create a highly detailed coin design.
Proof U.S. dollars can go for thousands of dollars or more, depending on their condition and whether they were released with special minting or packaging. 1971 half dollars are no exception!
In fact,Kennedy- S coins were only made as proof coins. 3.2 million coins have been produced, making them rarer than their other variations. On average, Kennedy-S coins cost around $5 in PR65 grade, but there are some other more expensive variants.
For example, this proof coin has been sold at an auction record of $12,000!
Another proof coin example is this one with a grade of PR69 for $1,821
Error coins of 1971 Half Dollar
Error coins are coins that have been minted with some sort of error. Errors can happen for many reasons, including the use of substandard materials or tools in the minting process. Usually, error coins are more valuable than their regular counterparts.
There are a number of different types of error coins, including off-centre strikes, doubled dies, misplaced planchets (the metal disks used to strike the coin’s design), and double struck coins. An off-centre strike occurs when a coin is struck on one side but not the other. Double struck coins are coins that were struck on both sides of the same die. Off-centred strikes are by far the most commonly encountered type of error coin.
The doubling is caused by errors in the die hubbing process. As a result, a coin die may have many images on it. For a 1971 half dollar with no mint mark, it should have doubled “liberty” and “in God we trust.”
This error coin, for instance, is selling for $13,000
If you are looking for a more reasonable price, take a look at this error coin on eBay
Commonly Asked Questions
What is a half dollar?
The word “half dollar” applies to a half-unit of numerous “dollar” currencies. Both silver and gold are used to make half dollars. Half dollars have been issued since 1849, when they were created to replace the smaller silver coins that were being used at the time.
Half dollars are also available for collectors who want one-of-a-kind coins with special markings or markings specific to a certain date or series of coins.
Where to get a 1971 Kennedy half dollar?
Buying coins on eBay is a great way to get affordable collectible coins or silver bullion.
You can also buy some of these items at numismatic shows and coin shops, but these can be more expensive than buying them on eBay.
In addition to being able to buy coins online without leaving home, another advantage of buying on the site is that you’ll be able to check auction history before making a bid. This will give you an idea of what other people have been willing to pay for the item up for sale. If the previous high bids have been close to what you’re willing to pay, then it might be a good time to make a bid.
Let’s take a look at some half dollar coins that are available on eBay at the moment.
If you are just starting out as a coin collector and are looking for a 1971 Kennedy half dollar to commemorate the president, this coin should be the perfect choice for you for just $0.99. Or this coin is also a great option for you as it is in PR66 grade, graded by PCGS and costs only $1.25!
If you are looking for more advanced varieties, take a look at this coin, which is MS64 graded and available for only $9.99.
Is it worth it to invest in 1971 half dollars?
It’s hard to say whether it’s worth investing in the 1971 half dollar or not. Due to the fact that many people consider Kennedy to be their favourite US president, this coin has sentimental and historical value. On the other hand, because of its abundance, it doesn’t hold much value and therefore may not be lucrative to invest in. In a nutshell, this coin is great for beginner coin collectors as well as history lovers. The good news is that you can buy this coin for a very affordable price if you don’t need it for reinvesting.
1971 Half Dollar Overview
Collecting Kennedy half dollars can benefit you by providing you with insight into money and cultural history. The US half dollar is the US Mint’s biggest circulating currency. It was replaced by the John F. Kennedy half dollar in 1964 as a tribute to the recently deceased president. The 1971 half dollar measures 30.6 mm in diameter and weighs 11.34 g. Some unique coins, such as those with proofs or errors or coins in excellent condition, can bring you significant financial gains.
