Price Guide for 1983 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: $13.00 – $4,230.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $121.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $805.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $4.76 – $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $546.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $276.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $42.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.50 – $25.00
Design and Specifications of the 1983 Half Dollar
The 1983 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. By 1983, the half dollar had largely disappeared from circulation due to hoarding and reduced demand for such a large denomination in everyday transactions.
| 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 | 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 the value of 1983 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples are worth little over face value, uncirculated coins in high grades can command premiums. Coins in MS65 and above are sought after by collectors, with those grading MS67 or higher being particularly valuable due to their scarcity.
For proof coins, the difference between PR69 and PR70 can be significant in terms of value. Cameo and Deep Cameo contrasts on proof coins can also increase desirability and value among collectors.
Mintage: 34,139,000
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: 32,081,000
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: 3,279,126
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
Luster quality is an important factor for uncirculated 1983 Kennedy Half Dollars. Coins with strong, original mint luster are more desirable. Eye appeal also plays a role, with coins featuring attractive toning or exceptional strike quality commanding higher premiums.
While not particularly rare, full bell line (FBL) examples on the reverse can add value to high-grade specimens. Additionally, error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, while rare for this year, can be valuable if discovered.
Lastly, the overall diminishing use of half dollars in circulation has led to increased interest in pristine examples from the 1980s, as fewer uncirculated specimens were naturally preserved by the public.
