Price Guide for 1974 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: $21.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $3,290.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $8,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $69.00 – $1,527.50
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eBayCirculated: $6.49 – $61.66Uncirculated: $10.50 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $28.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $34.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $44.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $2,467.50
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eBayCirculated: $0.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $7,931.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $36.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $575.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.05 – $53.74Uncirculated: $20.50 – $228.48
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $28.00 – $34.00Uncirculated: $36.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $33.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $280.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $12.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $38.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $47.77
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $14.00
Design and Specifications of the 1974 Half Dollar
The 1974 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. After 1973, the U.S. Mint ceased producing half dollars for general circulation, instead only minting them for collectors. This decision was made due to the coin’s low circulation and high production costs.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad over pure copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1974 Kennedy Half Dollars. For circulation strikes, coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums. The quality of the strike, presence of bag marks, and overall eye appeal are key factors.
For proof coins, the degree of cameo contrast (frosted design on mirror-like fields) can greatly impact value. Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo examples are highly sought after, especially in grades PR69 and PR70.
Mintage: 2,121,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS65, scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for uncirculated examples
Mintage: 2,612,568
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for gem proof examples
Despite not being rare, the 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar has some factors that can enhance its value:
1. Full Bell Lines (FBL): On the reverse, clear and unbroken lines on the Liberty Bell can increase value.
2. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can add premium value, especially on proof coins.
3. Historical significance: As part of the Kennedy series, these coins hold sentimental value for many collectors.
4. Limited circulation: Being one of the first years not widely released into circulation adds interest for some collectors.
