Price Guide for 1965 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1965 Half Dollar variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
1965 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.00 - $550.00Uncirculated: $7.00 - $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 - $456.99Uncirculated: $0.99 - $3,425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 - $25.00Uncirculated: $7.00 - $10,000.00
1965 Half Dollar SMS (Special Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 - $1,006.00Uncirculated: $7.00 - $1,208.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.99 - $35.00Uncirculated: $0.99 - $456.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $5.00 - $1,750.00
1965 Half Dollar SMS, CAM (Special Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 - $3,565.00
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eBayUncirculated: $13.50 - $2,150.01
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 - $2,500.00
1965 Half Dollar SMS, DCAM (Special Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $254.11 - $12,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $417.50 - $2,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 - $5,500.00
1965 Half Dollar DDR FS-802 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $84.00 - $1,140.00
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eBayCirculated: $85.00Uncirculated: $9.99 - $56.08
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 - $80.00Uncirculated: $90.00 - $3,500.00
1965 Half Dollar SMS DDR FS-801 (Special Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $100.00 - $149.00
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eBayUncirculated: $28.51 - $281.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 - $450.00
Design and Specifications of the 1965 Half Dollar
The 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar marked a significant change in U.S. coinage. It was the first year of reduced silver content in half dollars, transitioning from 90% to 40% silver due to rising silver prices. This coin was part of the Kennedy Half Dollar series, introduced in 1964 to honor the assassinated President John F. Kennedy.
The removal of mint marks was a temporary measure implemented from 1965 to 1967 to discourage hoarding and speculation during the coin shortage of the mid-1960s.
| Weight | 11.50 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks used in 1965 |
| Composition | 40% silver, 60% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Modified presidential seal, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1965 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples are common, uncirculated specimens in high grades (MS65 and above) can command significant premiums. The quality of the strike, especially on the hair details and eagle's feathers, is important.
Luster is a key factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being more desirable. Toning can add value if it's attractive and natural, but unappealing toning can detract from the coin's worth.
Mintage: 65,879,366
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS65, scarcer in higher grades
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for silver content and historical significance
The silver content (40%) provides a base value for these coins, which fluctuates with silver prices. Historical significance as the first year of reduced silver content adds collector interest.
Special Mint Sets (SMS) were produced in 1965, featuring coins with a distinctive finish between proof and uncirculated. These are more valuable than regular strikes.
While not rare, well-preserved examples are becoming scarcer as many have been melted for their silver content over the years.
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