The value of a 1971 Kennedy half dollar depends heavily on its condition, presence of errors, and mint mark.
- Condition:
– Circulated: A typical circulated 1971 half dollar is generally worth around its face value, 50 cents.
– Uncirculated: In pristine, uncirculated condition, these coins can be worth significantly more, potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
– For instance, an uncirculated 1971-D (Denver mint) half dollar is currently valued between $0.60 and $0.75 in circulated condition, but can reach as much as $3,100 in pristine, uncirculated condition according to the NGC Price Guide. Another source indicates an uncirculated 1971 Kennedy half dollar could potentially sell for up to $2,050.
- Mint Mark:
– No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint): These coins were minted in Philadelphia and are worth around $0.60 in worn condition, but could be worth $35 or more in excellent condition. Some have sold for as much as $2,250.
– “D” mint mark (Denver Mint): These coins are also typically worth around $0.60 in used condition but can reach higher values ($9+) in mint condition. One 1971-D half dollar sold for $13,000 in 2018.
– “S” mint mark (San Francisco Mint): These are special proof coins minted specifically for collectors and are typically worth more than their face value, ranging from $4 to $18 depending on their shine and quality.
- Errors: Rare minting errors can significantly increase a coin’s value. Some examples of valuable errors include:
– Struck on a 40% silver planchet: These rare errors can be worth $10,000 or more. You can check for a silver planchet by inspecting the coin’s edge – if you see copper, it’s not silver.
– Struck on a nickel planchet: These coins are smaller, lack the usual ridged edge, and are missing part of the design.
– Struck on a quarter clad strip: These are lighter than usual (8.8 grams instead of 11.3).
– Struck on a penny planchet: These coins are reddish-brown, thinner, and smaller than usual.
– Off-center strike error: The more off-center the strike, the more valuable the coin might be.
– Double die error: This error results in the letters and numbers appearing doubled.
– Clipped planchet error: A piece is missing from the edge, resembling a bite mark.
- 1971 half dollars generally do not contain silver, [according to the U.S. Mint] . The silver was removed in 1971 and replaced with a copper-nickel clad composition (layers of copper-nickel bonded to a copper core). However, as mentioned above, some rare error coins were struck using leftover 40% silver planchets.
- High mintage: Over 450 million 1971 half dollars were produced, so many are available in circulated condition. This means finding rare and valuable examples requires careful examination.
To determine the exact value of your 1971 half dollar, it’s recommended to consult a reputable coin dealer or numismatist for a professional appraisal. They can help you identify any errors or special features that may increase its worth.
How do I know if my 1971 half dollar coin is valuable?
To know the 1971 half dollar value, check these things: Look for rare features or mint errors like double strikes or missing pieces. Check the condition —clean, shiny coins are worth more. Find the mint mark —coins from Denver and San Francisco have “D” or “S”.
How much is a half dollar coin from 1971 worth?
Thanks for asking. 1971 D Kennedy Half Dollar Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1971 in circulated condition is worth between $0.60 and $0.75. However, on the open market 1971 D Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3100.