Price Guide for 1963 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: $12.00 – $1,610.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $20,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.30 – $133.50Uncirculated: $4.51 – $1,520.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $1,495.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $7,343.75
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $107.50Uncirculated: $4.25 – $3,989.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $2,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4.00 – $4,700.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.50 – $60.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $975.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $16,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.50 – $1,395.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $375.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $85,187.50
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $3,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $85,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $3,232.65Uncirculated: $27.00 – $9,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $22.00 – $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $43.00 – $456.00
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eBayUncirculated: $16.00 – $471.18
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $675.00 – $780.00
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eBayUncirculated: $228.30 – $532.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $60.00 – $105.75
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eBayUncirculated: $17.00 – $1,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $375.00 – $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55.00 – $376.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.29 – $1,080.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $21.00 – $185.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $130.43 – $400.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $1,233.75
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,299.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17.00 – $850.00
Design and Specifications of the 1963 Half Dollar
The 1963 Half Dollar holds significant historical importance as it was the last year of the Franklin Half Dollar design before being replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. This transition was prompted by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963, leading to a swift change in coinage to honor the late president.
The Franklin Half Dollar, featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, had been in circulation since 1948. Its final year of production in 1963 marks the end of an era in American coinage.
Weight | 12.50 grams |
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Diameter | 30.61 mm |
Mint Marks | D, P (no mint mark) |
Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
Obverse Design | Portrait of President John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
Reverse Design | Modified presidential seal with eagle, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1963 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Circulated coins are generally worth their silver content, but uncirculated specimens command higher premiums. For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 and above are considered scarce and valuable. Proof coins are valued higher, with cameo and deep cameo contrasts being particularly desirable.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or wear is crucial.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 22,164,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 67,069,292
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,075,645
Rarity Scale: Common for a proof issue
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Silver content is a significant factor in the coin’s base value. As the last year of the Franklin Half Dollar series, the 1963 issue holds special interest for collectors completing sets. High-grade examples are particularly sought after for this reason.
For proof issues, the presence and quality of cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can substantially increase value. Full Bell Line (FBL) examples in high grades are prized by specialists and can command significant premiums.
As with many silver coins, market silver prices can influence the base value of circulated specimens. Lastly, the coin’s historical significance as the final Franklin Half Dollar before the introduction of the Kennedy design adds to its numismatic interest and potential long-term value.