Price Guide for 1987 Half Dollar Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1987 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.

1987-P Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $10.00 - $4,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $4.00
    Uncirculated: $3.06 - $2,495.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 - $10.00
    Uncirculated: $5.00 - $4,150.00

1987-D Half Dollar (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7.00 - $3,055.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.74 - $2,900.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 - $10.00
    Uncirculated: $5.00 - $2,650.00

1987-S Half Dollar, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7.00 - $575.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.25 - $192.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $2.00 - $42.00

Design and Specifications of the 1987 Half Dollar

The 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. By 1987, the half dollar had largely disappeared from circulation due to hoarding and low demand for the denomination in everyday transactions. Despite this, the U.S. Mint continued to produce these coins primarily for collectors.

Weight 11.34 grams
Diameter 30.61 mm
Mint Marks P, D, S
Composition 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel clad over pure copper core
Obverse Design Portrait of John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts
Reverse Design Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1987 Kennedy Half Dollars. For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 and above can command premium prices, especially if they exhibit strong luster and minimal contact marks. Proof coins are expected to be in near-perfect condition, with grades of PR69 and PR70 being highly sought after by collectors.

Philadelphia, P

Mintage: 2,890,758

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to limited circulation

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for collectors

Denver, D

Mintage: 2,890,758

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Limited Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to limited circulation

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for collectors

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 4,227,728

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades as most were well-preserved by collectors

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for collectors

Factors affecting the value of 1987 Kennedy Half Dollars include:

1. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Kennedy's hair and the eagle's feathers, are more desirable.

2. Luster: Coins with strong, original mint luster are preferred by collectors.

3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin's value, particularly for proof issues.

4. Cameo Contrast: For proof coins, strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields (known as cameo or deep cameo) can significantly increase value.

5. Preservation: Due to limited circulation, many 1987 half dollars remain in excellent condition, making pristine examples less rare than in some earlier years.

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