Price Guide for 1998 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: $1,000.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $141.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $161.69Uncirculated: $29.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $27.00 – $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $115.00 – $435.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $111.00
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eBayUncirculated: $65.00 – $565.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $518.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $146.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $44.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $1,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $193.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $70.00
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eBayUncirculated: $99.99 – $399.99
Design and Specifications of the 1998 Half Dollar
The 1998 Kennedy Half Dollar continues the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. By 1998, the half dollar had largely disappeared from circulation due to hoarding and decreased demand for the denomination in everyday transactions. Despite this, the U.S. Mint continued to produce these coins primarily for collectors.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| 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 1998 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples hold little premium over face value, uncirculated coins in high grades (MS65 and above) can command higher prices. For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the frosted design elements and mirrored fields can significantly increase value.
The strike quality on 1998 issues is generally good, but coins with full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse are more desirable and valuable. Luster should be bright and cartwheel-like for uncirculated coins, while proofs should display deep, mirror-like fields.
Mintage: 30,710,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date set collectors
Mintage: 31,506,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date set collectors
Mintage: 3,000,403
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 among proof set collectors
Toning can add value to 1998 Kennedy Half Dollars, particularly for proof issues. Natural, attractive toning patterns are prized by collectors and can increase a coin’s desirability and price.
While not particularly rare, 1998 Kennedy Half Dollars in perfect MS70 or PR70 grades are scarce and can command significant premiums. Additionally, error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, while rare for this year, could be valuable if discovered.
The overall market for modern Kennedy Half Dollars is relatively soft, with most collector interest focused on earlier dates or special issues. However, exceptional examples or those with unique characteristics can still attract attention from specialized collectors.
