Price Guide for 1968 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: $6.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $4,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.30 – $250.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $7,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $25.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $67.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $257.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $36.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $24,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $399.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $52.88 – $235.00
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eBayUncirculated: $57.50 – $299.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,815.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.60 – $29.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $55.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $86.00 – $170.50
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eBayUncirculated: $28.01 – $325.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $16.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $24.00 – $475.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $109.00 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $37.00 – $443.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $32.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00 – $493.50
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eBayUncirculated: $159.99 – $399.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $40.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $375.00 – $2,820.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $2,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,833.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $399.50 – $705.00
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eBayUncirculated: $275.76 – $635.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $2,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1968 Half Dollar
The 1968 Kennedy Half Dollar marks a significant transition in U.S. coinage. It was the first year that the half dollar’s silver content was reduced from 90% to 40%, a response to rising silver prices and coin hoarding. This change aimed to keep the denomination in circulation, though it largely failed to achieve this goal.
The coin continues to honor President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, maintaining his legacy in American numismatics.
| Weight | 11.50 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Proof) |
| 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
The condition of 1968 Kennedy Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Uncirculated examples with full luster and minimal contact marks command substantial premiums. For Denver-minted coins, MS65 and above grades are particularly desirable.
Proof coins from San Francisco are valued based on the quality of strike, mirror-like fields, and absence of handling marks. Cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the frosty devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value.
Mintage: 246,951,930
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,041,506
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR69 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Silver content plays a role in the base value of these coins, as they contain 40% silver. However, numismatic value often exceeds silver value for well-preserved specimens.
Toning can impact desirability, with attractive, natural toning sometimes enhancing value. Strike quality is also important, with sharply struck coins commanding premiums.
While not particularly rare, high-grade examples of both circulation strikes and proofs are sought after by collectors, especially those assembling high-grade Kennedy Half Dollar sets.
