Price Guide for 1973 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 PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $312.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,399.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $1,704.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $341.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $4,888.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,370.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $12.00Uncirculated: $3.24 – $103.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $16.00
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eBayCirculated: $34.99 – $167.18
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $47.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $138.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $165.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $18.00
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eBayUncirculated: $43.05
Design and Specifications of the 1973 Half Dollar
The 1973 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 the series’ inception, the U.S. Mint did not produce any half dollars for general circulation, instead minting them solely for collectors.
This decision was largely due to the diminishing demand for half dollars in everyday transactions and the tendency of people to hoard Kennedy half dollars, either out of sentiment or in the mistaken belief that they contained silver (which had been removed from the composition in 1971).
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (for proof coins only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over a pure copper core |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1973 Kennedy Half Dollars, especially for the uncirculated Denver coins. While these coins were not intended for circulation, their handling and storage over the years can impact their grade.
For Denver-minted coins, look for specimens with full luster and no contact marks. The highest grades (MS66 and above) can command significant premiums. For San Francisco proofs, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the frosted design and mirrored fields can add substantial value.
Mintage: 64,964,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to being uncirculated sets
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of modern U.S. coins
Mintage: 2,760,339
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in high grades due to careful handling
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, sought after by proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for the 1973 Kennedy Half Dollar. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, are more desirable. Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums among collectors.
For proof coins, look for deep, watery fields and frosted devices. Any imperfections, such as spotting or haziness, can significantly reduce value. Original packaging and certification from reputable grading services can also positively influence the coin’s marketability and value.
