Price Guide for 1971 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: $99.00 – $6,038.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.99 – $125.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $13,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $161.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $26.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $66.00 – $176.25
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eBayCirculated: $42.65Uncirculated: $19.99 – $175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $38.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,821.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $30.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $485.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $18.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $12,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.99 – $2,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.97 – $470.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.15 – $425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $38.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $907.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $80.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $60.00 – $168.00
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eBayUncirculated: $43.00 – $180.03
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $86.00 – $705.00
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eBayUncirculated: $67.00 – $249.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99.00 – $104.00
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eBayUncirculated: $32.00 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $575.75 – $581.63
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eBayUncirculated: $41.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $525.00 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,585.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $285.00 – $900.00
Design and Specifications of the 1971 Half Dollar
The 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar marks a significant transition in U.S. coinage. It was the first year that the half dollar was minted with a copper-nickel clad composition, moving away from the silver content used in previous years. This change was part of the broader shift in U.S. coinage to reduce or eliminate silver content due to rising silver prices.
Despite no longer containing silver, the Kennedy Half Dollar remained a popular commemorative coin, honoring the legacy of President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (proof only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over a pure copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait 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 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command a premium, with those grading MS65 or higher being particularly desirable.
For circulation strikes, luster and strike quality are crucial factors. Full, unblemished luster and sharp details, especially on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, can greatly enhance value.
Proof coins are valued based on their cameo contrast and absence of imperfections. Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) examples, while rare, can command significant premiums.
Mintage: 155,530,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 155,164,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 3,220,733
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for perfect PR70 examples
Toning can play a role in the value of 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars, particularly for proof issues. Attractive, natural toning can increase desirability among collectors.
While not containing silver, some collectors seek out high-grade examples of this first year of copper-nickel clad composition for type sets.
The large mintage numbers for both Philadelphia and Denver issues mean that condition is the primary driver of value for circulation strikes. For proof issues, perfect PR70 examples are highly sought after and command significant premiums.
