Price Guide for 1990 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: $6.00 – $2,233.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $370.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,440.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.34 – $406.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $1,763.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $128.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $46.00
Design and Specifications of the 1990 Half Dollar
The 1990 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. By 1990, the half dollar had largely disappeared from circulation due to hoarding and low demand for the denomination in everyday transactions.
Despite its limited use in commerce, the U.S. Mint continued to produce these coins primarily for collectors and for use in commemorative coin sets.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Proof only) |
| 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 determining the value of 1990 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples are generally worth only face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium.
For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 and MS66 grades are relatively common, but those grading MS67 and above are scarce and can be valuable. Proof coins are generally more valuable, with PR69 and PR70 specimens being the most sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 13,798,000
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: 3,299,566
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: Low to Moderate, primarily for inclusion in proof sets
Strike quality is particularly important for Kennedy Half Dollars. Coins with full, sharp details, especially on Kennedy’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, are more desirable. Luster also plays a significant role, with coins exhibiting bright, cartwheel luster being more valuable.
While not common for this year, any error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, could carry significant premiums. Additionally, coins with attractive, natural toning can be more valuable to some collectors, particularly if the toning is vibrant and evenly distributed.
