Price Guide for 1970 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: $35.00 – $36.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $6,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.99 – $7,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $25.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.68 – $65.00Uncirculated: $1.75 – $480.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $24.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $336.00
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eBayUncirculated: $66.00 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $325.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $805.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $1,169.30
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eBayUncirculated: $6.00 – $420.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $40.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $60.00 – $940.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.00 – $759.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $517.00
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eBayUncirculated: $125.00 – $851.23
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $129.25 – $212.00
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eBayUncirculated: $50.00 – $1,749.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $225.00
Design and Specifications of the 1970 Half Dollar
The 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar marks a significant year in the series. It was the last year of regular silver content in circulating half dollars, continuing the 40% silver composition introduced in 1965. This coin also represents a transitional period in U.S. coinage, as the nation moved away from silver in circulating coins due to rising silver prices.
The Kennedy Half Dollar, first minted in 1964, honors the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Its design remained largely unchanged since its introduction, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Kennedy in American culture and politics.
| Weight | 11.50 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 40% Silver, 60% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Profile of President John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Modified Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1970 Kennedy Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, especially for the Denver-minted coins. Due to their limited mintage, well-preserved specimens are highly sought after by collectors.
Uncirculated examples with minimal contact marks and strong luster command premium prices. For the Denver issue, coins in MS65 or higher grades are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. Proof coins from San Francisco are generally well-preserved, but those with deep cameo contrast or flawless surfaces (PR69 or PR70) can be worth significantly more.
Mintage: 2,150,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and last year of silver content
Mintage: 2,632,810
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Silver content plays a crucial role in the value of 1970 Kennedy Half Dollars. As the last year of silver composition in regular issue half dollars, these coins have both numismatic and intrinsic value.
The low mintage of the Denver issue makes it a key date in the series, driving up demand and value. Original mint luster and absence of cleaning or other damage are crucial for maximizing value.
For proof coins, cameo or deep cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value. Collectors also prize error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, though these are rare for this year and denomination.
