Price Guide for 1997 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: $16.00 – $998.75
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eBayCirculated: $6.50Uncirculated: $1.25 – $195.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17.00 – $1,410.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $633.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $38.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $748.00Uncirculated: $13.00 – $552.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.50Uncirculated: $5.00 – $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $19.00 – $60.00
Design and Specifications of the 1997 Half Dollar
The 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar continues the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. By 1997, the half dollar had largely fallen out of circulation due to hoarding and reduced production, but it remained popular among collectors.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel clad over a pure copper core |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of John F. Kennedy, 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 1997 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples hold little premium over face value, uncirculated coins in high grades (MS65 and above) can command significant premiums. Proof coins are particularly valued for their mirror-like fields and frosted devices.
Look for coins with strong strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks. Cameo and Deep Cameo contrasts in proof coins can significantly increase their value.
Mintage: 7,264,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly from collectors
Mintage: 8,290,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly from collectors
Mintage: 2,633,501
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Toning can add value to 1997 Kennedy Half Dollars, especially if it’s attractive and natural. Rainbow-toned specimens are highly sought after by collectors.
Full Steps (visible lines on the Monticello steps) is not applicable to Kennedy Half Dollars but full bell lines on the Liberty Bell can add premium to high-grade specimens.
While not particularly rare, 1997 Kennedy Half Dollars in perfect MS70 or PR70 grades can command significant premiums due to their flawless nature and appeal to registry set collectors.
