Price Guide for 1961 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $42.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $4,830.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $123.45Uncirculated: $5.50 – $2,220.70
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7.00 – $16.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $975.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $5,290.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $99.00Uncirculated: $7.56 – $2,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.05Uncirculated: $8.75 – $1,725.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.00 – $102.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,799.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $11.00 – $12.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayUncirculated: $19.51 – $6,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,800.00Uncirculated: $57.20 – $15,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $21.50 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $18,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $600.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $156.00 – $660.00
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eBayUncirculated: $30.00 – $995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $275.00 – $456.00
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eBayUncirculated: $220.00 – $1,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.25 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $6,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $16.50 – $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17.00 – $2,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $600.00 – $1,057.50Uncirculated: $43.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $11.50 – $5,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $27,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,287.50Uncirculated: $70.76 – $22,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $23,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,860.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,900.00 – $3,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $120.00 – $2,040.00
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eBayUncirculated: $17.50 – $401.66
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $265.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $312.00 – $1,680.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $32.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $80.00 – $258.50
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eBayUncirculated: $17.50 – $557.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1961 Half Dollar
The 1961 Half Dollar, also known as the Franklin Half Dollar, was the last year of the Franklin design before it was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. This coin represents a significant transitional period in American coinage, bridging the gap between the Franklin era and the upcoming Kennedy era.
The Franklin Half Dollar was first introduced in 1948 and was designed by John R. Sinnock, featuring Founding Father Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The 1961 issue holds particular historical interest as it was minted during the first year of John F. Kennedy’s presidency, just two years before his assassination would lead to his portrait replacing Franklin’s on the half dollar.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of President John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1961 Franklin Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. While circulated examples are common and often valued close to their silver content, uncirculated specimens can command substantial premiums.
Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are considerably scarcer and more valuable. For proof issues, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Full Bell Lines (FBL) on the reverse is a key factor in determining the coin’s strike quality and can significantly increase its value, especially in higher grades.
Mintage: 8,290,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 12,391,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,028,244
Rarity Scale: Common for a proof issue
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Relatively common in PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Toning can play a crucial role in a coin’s appeal and value. Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s desirability among collectors, potentially increasing its value.
Die varieties, while not common for this year, can add interest and value. Collectors should look for any unusual doubling or die cracks.
The historical significance of being the last year of the Franklin Half Dollar series adds some additional collector interest to the 1961 issue, potentially boosting demand and value for high-grade examples.
