Price Guide for 1972 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 – $198.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $5,287.50
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $20.50Uncirculated: $1.00 – $304.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $39.00 – $138.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.02 – $24.95Uncirculated: $1.00 – $2,899.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $399.50 – $1,292.50Uncirculated: $900.00 – $2,485.13
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eBayCirculated: $27.00 – $356.24Uncirculated: $900.00 – $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $435.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $66.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $440.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $35.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $19.95Uncirculated: $0.99 – $109.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $14.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $253.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.80 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $65.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $54.00Uncirculated: $156.00 – $220.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00Uncirculated: $355.00 – $461.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $90.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $89.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.50 – $83.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $24.00
Design and Specifications of the 1972 Half Dollar
The 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. This year marked a significant change in the coin’s production and distribution. For the first time since 1965, half dollars were not included in mint sets, signaling a decline in their popularity for circulation. Despite this, the coin remained an important part of American coinage and a tribute to Kennedy’s legacy.
| 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 John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Modified presidential seal, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1972 Kennedy Half Dollars. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly valuable in higher mint state conditions. For circulation strikes, coins graded MS65 and above can command significant premiums, with MS67 examples being quite rare and valuable.
Proof coins are generally more valuable, with perfect PR70 specimens being highly sought after by collectors. The quality of the strike, presence of full bell lines on the reverse, and overall eye appeal can greatly influence the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 153,180,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in lower grades, but scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, higher for top grades
Mintage: 3,260,996
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in PR65, scarce in PR69 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for perfect PR70 examples
Toning can significantly impact the value of 1972 Kennedy Half Dollars, especially for proof issues. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable to collectors and can command higher premiums.
Full strike examples, particularly those with sharp details on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, are more valuable. Additionally, coins with strong luster are preferred by collectors and can fetch higher prices in the market.
While not particularly rare, 1972 Kennedy Half Dollars in top grades have seen increased collector interest in recent years, partly due to the growing popularity of registry set collecting. This trend has led to higher premiums for exceptional examples of this otherwise common date.
