Price Guide for 1981 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 – $2,990.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $795.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00Uncirculated: $1.28 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $805.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $372.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $48.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $4,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,778.11
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9.00 – $475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11.00 – $550.00
Design and Specifications of the 1981 Half Dollar
The 1981 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. This year marked the 18th anniversary of the coin’s introduction. Despite being minted in large numbers, half dollars were rarely seen in circulation by this time, as many were collected or used for casino gaming.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel (Clad over pure copper core) |
| Obverse Design | Profile of John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts |
| Reverse Design | Presidential Coat of Arms, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1981 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples are worth little over face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable to collectors.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the frosted design elements and mirrored fields can significantly increase value. Pristine PR70 examples are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 9,200,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to series collectors
Mintage: 27,800,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to series collectors
Mintage: 4,063,083
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, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1981 Kennedy Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full detail on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers are more desirable. Luster also plays a role, with coins exhibiting strong, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
While not typically known for attractive toning, any 1981 Half Dollar with exceptional, natural toning could command a premium. Additionally, error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, while rare for this year, would be highly valuable if discovered.
