Kennedy Half Dollars (1967, 1972, 1973): Values & Guide
Hey coin enthusiasts! Ever stumbled upon some Kennedy half dollars from 1967, 1972, or 1973 and wondered, "How much are these things actually worth?" Well, you've come to the right place! These coins have a cool history and, depending on a few factors, could be worth more than just their face value. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Kennedy half dollars and uncover their true worth.
1967 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
Let's kick things off with the 1967 Kennedy half dollar. This particular year is quite interesting because it marks a significant change in the coin's composition. Prior to 1965, Kennedy half dollars were made of 90% silver, making them quite valuable due to their silver content. However, in 1965, the Coinage Act changed the composition to 40% silver, and this continued until 1970. So, the 1967 Kennedy half dollar is part of this 40% silver era, which already gives it a base value higher than 50 cents. The silver content means that even a circulated 1967 half dollar will be worth its weight in silver, which fluctuates with the market. To get a sense of its melt value, you'll want to check the current silver prices. Many websites offer up-to-date information on the value of silver, and you can use this to calculate the intrinsic worth of the coin.
However, the silver content isn't the only factor determining its value. The condition of the coin plays a crucial role. A coin in circulated condition, meaning it has been used and shows wear, will typically be worth its silver melt value plus a small premium. But if you have a 1967 Kennedy half dollar in uncirculated condition – meaning it looks brand new, with sharp details and original luster – it could be worth significantly more. Coin collectors are always on the lookout for coins in pristine condition, as these are much rarer and command higher prices. Grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) assess a coin's condition and assign it a grade, which can greatly impact its market value. So, if you think you have a particularly well-preserved 1967 Kennedy half dollar, it might be worth getting it graded to determine its true worth. In addition to the silver content and condition, any mint errors can also increase the value of the coin. Mint errors are mistakes that occur during the coin production process, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets. These errors can make a coin highly sought after by collectors, and their value can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands, depending on the rarity and severity of the error. So, it's always a good idea to carefully examine your coins for any unusual features or imperfections.
1972 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
Now, let's shift our focus to the 1972 Kennedy half dollar. Unlike the 1967 coin, the 1972 half dollar is not made of silver. In 1971, the composition of the Kennedy half dollar changed again, this time to a clad composition, which consists of an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper. This means that the 1972 Kennedy half dollar's value is not tied to silver prices. Instead, its worth is primarily determined by its condition and any potential errors. While the 1972 Kennedy half dollar doesn't have any precious metal content, it still holds numismatic value, especially in higher grades. A circulated 1972 half dollar will generally be worth only its face value, 50 cents. However, uncirculated examples can fetch a premium, especially if they are in pristine condition. Coin collectors are always seeking out high-grade examples of various coins, and the 1972 Kennedy half dollar is no exception. If you have a 1972 Kennedy half dollar that appears to be in excellent condition, with sharp details and a bright, original luster, it may be worth having it graded by a professional grading service. A high grade can significantly increase the coin's value, making it a worthwhile investment to have it assessed.
Similar to the 1967 half dollar, mint errors can also play a significant role in the value of a 1972 Kennedy half dollar. Error coins are often highly sought after by collectors, and the more dramatic or unique the error, the higher the potential value. Common errors to look for include double dies, where the design appears to be doubled or blurred; off-center strikes, where the design is not centered on the coin; and clipped planchets, where a portion of the coin is missing due to a malfunction in the cutting process. If you notice any of these errors on your 1972 Kennedy half dollar, it could be worth significantly more than its face value. It's a good idea to research specific errors and their potential values to get a better understanding of what your coin might be worth. You can find information on coin errors in numismatic books, websites, and forums. Consulting with a coin dealer or appraiser can also provide valuable insights into the value of your error coin. Remember, the value of an error coin depends on its rarity, the severity of the error, and the demand from collectors. So, the more unusual and well-preserved the error, the higher the potential value.
1973 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
Finally, let's examine the 1973 Kennedy half dollar. Like the 1972 coin, the 1973 Kennedy half dollar is made of the same clad composition (75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper). This means its value is also primarily determined by its condition and the presence of any mint errors, rather than its metal content. For the 1973 Kennedy half dollar, circulated examples are generally worth only their face value of 50 cents. These coins were minted in large quantities, so they are not particularly rare in circulated condition. However, uncirculated examples, especially those in exceptional condition, can be worth a premium to collectors. If you have a 1973 Kennedy half dollar that looks like it just came from the mint, with sharp details and a lustrous surface, it might be worth more than its face value. Coin collectors are always looking for high-grade examples of coins, and the 1973 Kennedy half dollar is no exception. To determine the true value of your uncirculated 1973 Kennedy half dollar, it's a good idea to have it graded by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC. These services will assess the coin's condition and assign it a grade, which can significantly impact its value.
Just like the other years we've discussed, mint errors can also add significant value to a 1973 Kennedy half dollar. Keep an eye out for any unusual features or imperfections on your coin, such as double dies, off-center strikes, or clipped planchets. These errors can make your coin highly desirable to collectors, and their value can range from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands, depending on the rarity and severity of the error. If you suspect that your 1973 Kennedy half dollar has a mint error, it's a good idea to research the error and its potential value. There are many resources available online and in numismatic books that can help you identify and evaluate coin errors. You can also consult with a coin dealer or appraiser to get a professional opinion on your coin's value. Remember, the value of an error coin depends on several factors, including its rarity, the severity of the error, and the demand from collectors. So, the more unique and well-preserved the error, the higher the potential value of your coin.
In summary, the 1967, 1972, and 1973 Kennedy half dollars each have their own unique characteristics that influence their value. The 1967 coin's 40% silver content gives it a base value tied to silver prices, while the 1972 and 1973 coins' values depend primarily on their condition and the presence of any mint errors. So, whether you're a seasoned coin collector or just curious about the value of some old coins you've found, understanding these factors can help you determine the true worth of your Kennedy half dollars. Keep an eye out for those high-grade examples and error coins – they could be worth a lot more than you think! Happy collecting, guys!