Free 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Calculator
Select your mint mark, condition grade, and any error features, then click Calculate to get an instant value estimate.
Step 1 — Select Mint Mark
Step 2 — Select Condition
Step 3 — Check Any Known Errors
If you're not yet sure about your coin's mint mark or condition, there's a 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Value Checker that lets you upload photos and get an AI-powered estimate without needing to know any details in advance.
1987-P MS68 Condition Rarity Self-Checker
The 1987-P in MS68 is the single most coveted coin in the 1987 Kennedy half dollar series — just one PCGS-certified example exists at this grade. Use this checklist to see whether your 1987-P might be in that rarefied territory.
🔴 Typical 1987-P (MS63–MS66)
- Visible contact marks on Kennedy's cheek
- Bag marks or hairlines in open obverse field
- Soft or flat areas on eagle's breast feathers
- Dull or subdued luster lacking full satin sheen
🟡 Gem 1987-P (MS67–MS68)
- Kennedy's cheek essentially free of contact marks
- Open fields clean with no distracting hairlines
- Fully struck eagle feathers with crisp detail
- Intense satin luster across both sides
Check all that describe your 1987-P half dollar:
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The Valuable 1987 Half Dollar Errors — Complete Guide
No major die varieties are catalogued in the Cherrypickers' Guide for the 1987 Kennedy half dollar, but individual mint errors do surface and can add meaningful premiums. The four error types below represent the most commonly encountered and most sought-after mistakes found on 1987-dated half dollars. Values reflect documented auction and dealer results for similar-era Kennedy half dollar errors.
1987 Half Dollar Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
A doubled die obverse (DDO) occurs during the die-manufacturing process when the hub strikes the working die at slightly different angles on successive impressions. Every coin struck from that die then carries overlapping, "ghosted" design elements on the obverse.
On 1987 Kennedy half dollars, look for doubling in Kennedy's eye, ear, and along the "LIBERTY" inscription and "IN GOD WE TRUST" lettering. True doubled die doubling shows rounded, raised secondary images — very different from the flat, shelf-like appearance of machine doubling (also called MD), which has no collector value.
Premiums scale with visibility. A subtle DDO visible only under a 10× loupe might add $50–$75; a bold, easily seen doubling can push values to $200–$300 or more on an otherwise mid-grade coin. Certification by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for any example showing clear separation.
1987 Half Dollar Die Clash Error
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. The collision transfers a mirrored "ghost" of each die's design onto the opposing die face, and this ghost is then impressed into every subsequent coin struck from that pair of dies.
On 1987 Kennedy half dollars, a die clash typically manifests as faint traces of the eagle and shield design from the reverse appearing in the obverse field near Kennedy's portrait — or conversely, a ghost of Kennedy's profile visible in the reverse field near the eagle's head. The severity of the clash determines visibility and value.
Well-defined die clashes on Kennedy halves from this era typically sell in the $100–$210 range. Examples on MS65 or MS66 coins with high eye appeal command the upper range. Coin-value records from CoinValueChecker note this specific price range for 1987 die clashes based on documented auction results.
1987 Half Dollar Rim Cud Error
A rim cud error forms when a piece of the working die breaks away — usually at the rim — leaving a void in the die face. Metal flows into this gap during striking and creates a raised, irregular blob on the finished coin. Because the cud is a permanent feature of the broken die, every coin struck after the break carries the same raised mass.
On 1987 Kennedy half dollars, rim cuds may appear on either the obverse or reverse, typically at the edge of the design field near lettering or the date. The cud replaces the original design detail in that area with a featureless raised lump, making it immediately obvious even without magnification.
Value scales with cud size and position. Minor cuds (under 3mm) on average-grade specimens add a modest premium of $50–$75. Large, dramatic cuds obliterating portions of the date or motto on MS-graded coins can reach $150 or more. The raised nature of the cud makes these visually striking errors that appeal to beginning and advanced collectors alike.
1987 Half Dollar Off-Center Strike
An off-center strike occurs when a planchet is not properly positioned within the collar before the dies descend. The result is a coin with its design shifted to one side, revealing a crescent of unstruck blank metal on the opposite side. The degree of misalignment — expressed as a percentage — directly determines collector value.
On 1987 Kennedy half dollars, off-center strikes ranging from 10–15% off-center show a thin blank margin and sell for $30–$75. More dramatic examples at 20–50% off-center command $75–$150, particularly when the date and mint mark remain visible within the struck area. A coin struck 50%+ off-center without a visible date is still collectible but worth less to specialists.
The 1987 Kennedy half's mint-set origin makes off-center strikes rarer than on typical circulating coins, since Mint Set packaging generally implies somewhat more controlled striking conditions. Any authenticated off-center example should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for slabbing, which increases marketability significantly.
1987 Half Dollar Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet error occurs when the blanking press that punches out coin blanks from a metal strip overlaps a previously punched hole. The result is a coin blank — and therefore a finished coin — with a section of metal missing from its edge. The clip can be straight (rag clip) or curved (crescent clip), the latter being the more dramatic and desirable variety.
On 1987 Kennedy half dollars, crescent clips range from minor (a small curved bite barely disturbing the rim) to major (a significant curved section missing that distorts the coin's overall shape). Minor rag clips add only $10–$25 to a coin's value, while a major crescent clip showing a large, clearly curved bite can bring $30–$60 or more. The "Blakesley effect" — a weakness in the design opposite the clip caused by incomplete metal flow — is an important authentication marker that confirms the clip is genuine and not post-mint damage.
Clipped planchet 1987 halves occasionally appear at coin shows and online auctions. Because these coins came from official Mint Sets rather than general circulation, any example found outside a set shows prior removal and handling, which collectors accept as part of the coin's history. Authentication is straightforward for experienced numismatists who know to look for the Blakesley effect.
1987 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data
Every 1987-P and 1987-D Kennedy half dollar was struck exclusively for the 1987 U.S. Mint Set — no business-strike coins entered general circulation. Mintage figures exactly match the number of Mint Sets sold that year, making these among the most precisely documented production runs in Kennedy half dollar history.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Strike Type | Mintage | PCGS MS68 Pop | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | P | Business Strike (Mint Set only) | 2,890,758 | 1 known | $4,800 (MS68, Stack's Bowers, Aug 2018) |
| Denver | D | Business Strike (Mint Set only) | 2,890,758 | 6 known | $3,055 (MS68, Heritage Auctions, Oct 2015) |
| San Francisco | S | Proof (Proof Set) | 4,227,728 | N/A (Proof) | $575 (PR70, Heritage Auctions, Feb 2003) |
| Total 1987 Half Dollar Production | 9,009,244 | — | — | ||
The identical mintage figures for the 1987-P and 1987-D are not a coincidence — both figures directly reflect the number of 1987 Mint Sets sold at $7 each. Despite the seemingly low mintage compared to circulation years, the advance announcement that these coins would be mint-set-only drove collector demand. Many sets were stored improperly, leaving most coins in grades below MS66. Fewer than 350 PCGS-graded examples reach MS67 across both mints, and the MS68 population remains in single digits.
Think your 1987 half dollar might grade MS67 or higher?
Enter your mint mark and grade in the calculator above — the value jump from MS66 to MS67 can be tenfold.Describe Your 1987 Half Dollar for a Detailed Assessment
Describe what you see on your coin in plain language — our analyzer will check your description for known value indicators and return a tailored assessment.
📋 Mention these things if you can:
- Mint mark (P, D, or S)
- Condition or grade (MS65, MS67, etc.)
- Any visible errors or anomalies
- Surface appearance (lustre, marks, toning)
- Whether it came from a Mint Set
✅ Also helpful:
- Kennedy's cheek — smooth or marked?
- Open fields — hairlines visible?
- Eagle feathers — sharp or flat?
- Any doubling on lettering or portrait?
- Edge condition and rim integrity
1987 Half Dollar Value Chart at a Glance
The table below covers all three 1987 mint issues across four condition tiers. For a complete step-by-step 1987 half dollar identification walkthrough with photo comparisons, see the full 1987 Kennedy half dollar grading reference. All values reflect current PCGS price guide figures and recent auction data.
| Issue | Strike Type | MS60–MS64 (Circulated feel) | MS65–MS66 | MS67 | MS68 / PR70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-P ⭐ | Mint Set only | $5 – $10 | $22 – $36 | ~$225 | $4,150+ (1 known) |
| 1987-D | Mint Set only | $5 – $10 | $15 – $32 | ~$55 | $2,650 (6 known) |
| 1987-S Proof | Proof Set | $1 – $5 | $3 – $9 | $6 – $25 | $25 – $40 (PR70 DCAM) |
| 1987-P DDO Error | Mint Set only | +$50 – $100 | +$100 – $200 | +$200 – $300 | Case-by-case |
| 1987 Die Clash / Off-Center 🔴 | P or D | $30 – $75 | $75 – $150 | $150 – $210 | Premium; get slabbed |
⭐ = Signature variety (condition rarity); 🔴 = Error variety with highest collector premiums. Values from PCGS Price Guide and documented Heritage / Stack's Bowers auction results.
📱 CoinKnow lets you snap a photo of your 1987 half dollar and instantly cross-check its grade against comparable certified examples — a coin identifier and value app.
How to Grade Your 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar
Because 1987 Kennedy half dollars were never released into circulation, virtually all examples start life as Mint State. The grading challenge is identifying exactly how high in the MS scale your coin falls — and the value jumps between MS65, MS67, and MS68 are dramatic.
Worn / Damaged
Technically impossible for a mint-set coin unless heavily mishandled. If a 1987 half shows true wear (flat high points on Kennedy's cheekbone and eagle's breast), it likely was removed from a set and spent. Worth face value to $1.
MS60–MS64 (Circulated Feel)
The most common grade range for 1987 halves. Multiple contact marks visible on Kennedy's cheek and in the open fields under normal light. Luster may be subdued or interrupted. Worth $5–$10. PCGS population is largest in MS64.
MS65–MS66 (Uncirculated Gem)
No marks visible to the naked eye; only minor blemishes under 5× magnification. Strong, unbroken luster. Eagle feathers fully struck. Worth $15–$36 depending on mint mark. PCGS population significant but dwindling above MS66.
MS67–MS68 (Superb Gem)
The condition-rarity tier. Kennedy's cheek essentially pristine under a 10× loupe; open fields free of hairlines; eagle fully struck. MS67 is worth $55–$225; MS68 is worth $2,650–$4,150+ and requires professional grading — populations are in single digits.
🔎 CoinKnow can help you match your coin's surfaces to graded photo examples for a quick condition estimate before deciding whether professional submission is worthwhile — a coin identifier and value app.
Where to Sell Your Valuable 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar
The right venue depends on your coin's grade. MS66 and below can sell quickly anywhere. MS67 and above deserves a specialist audience willing to pay the premium.
🏆 Heritage Auctions
The premier venue for MS67+ examples and any authenticated error coins. Heritage reaches the deepest pool of serious Kennedy half dollar collectors nationwide. Their February and August ANA sales consistently produce top-price results for condition rarities. Consignment minimums apply; reserve 15–20% for buyer's and seller's fees.
🛒 eBay
Excellent for MS65–MS66 examples and lower-grade coins where the premium doesn't justify auction house fees. Browse recently sold 1987-D Kennedy half dollar listings and prices to set a realistic asking price before listing. Fixed-price listings with good photos and PCGS/NGC attribution attract the fastest sales. Certified coins in slabs consistently outperform raw examples on eBay.
🏪 Local Coin Shop (LCS)
Best for quick cash on MS64 and below specimens. Expect 50–70% of retail value — dealers need margin to resell. However, a sharp LCS dealer can spot an error coin or a potential MS67 specimen and may offer a fair premium. Always get quotes from two or three shops before selling.
💬 Reddit r/Coins4Sale
A growing peer-to-peer marketplace with zero fees for small sales. Good for raw MS65–MS66 coins priced at $15–$40. The Kennedy half dollar collector community on Reddit is knowledgeable and active. Post clear photos under natural light and state the grade honestly. Not suitable for high-value MS67+ coins where buyer verification matters.
Frequently Asked Questions — 1987 Half Dollar Value
How much is a 1987 half dollar worth?
A typical 1987 Kennedy half dollar in lower uncirculated grades (MS60–MS65) is worth roughly $5–$22. In MS66 it fetches around $32–$36, and MS67 specimens command $55–$225 depending on mint mark. Top-condition MS68 examples are extreme rarities valued at $2,650 (1987-D) to $4,150+ (1987-P). The 1987-S proof in PR70 DCAM is worth around $25–$40.
Why is the 1987 half dollar special?
The 1987 Kennedy half dollar was never released into general circulation. Both the Philadelphia and Denver Mint issued their coins exclusively inside 1987 U.S. Mint Sets, sold for $7 each. Because collectors knew in advance these coins wouldn't circulate, demand for sets rose significantly, but handling during packaging still left most examples with contact marks that prevent high Mint State grades.
What is the 1987-P half dollar worth?
The 1987-P is the premier condition rarity of the entire Kennedy half dollar series. In MS65 it's worth around $22; MS66 around $36; MS67 approximately $225. PCGS has certified just one example in MS68, valued at $4,150, which sold for $4,800 at Stack's Bowers in August 2018. Below MS65, most examples trade for $5–$10.
What is the 1987-D half dollar worth?
The 1987-D Kennedy half dollar is slightly more available in top grades than the Philadelphia issue. In MS65 it's worth around $15; MS66 around $32; MS67 around $55. PCGS has certified six examples in MS68 at $2,650. The auction record is $3,055 at Heritage Auctions in October 2015. Common grades MS60–MS64 trade for $5–$10.
What is the 1987-S proof half dollar worth?
The 1987-S proof Kennedy half dollar was struck at San Francisco with a mintage of 4,227,728. In standard proof grades (PR65–PR68) it's worth $3–$12. Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples in PR69 fetch $15–$25, and a PR70 DCAM is worth $25–$40. A Heritage Auctions PR70 sold for $575 in February 2003. Most 1987-S proofs are modestly priced collectibles.
What errors exist on 1987 half dollars?
No major catalogued die varieties exist for 1987 Kennedy half dollars. However, individual mint errors do surface: doubled die obverse (DDO) showing doubling on Kennedy's portrait or inscriptions, die clash errors with ghost images from dies striking each other, rim cud errors from broken die pieces, off-center strikes, and clipped planchets. Values range from $25 for minor clips to $1,000+ for dramatic wrong-planchet strikes.
How do I grade a 1987 Kennedy half dollar?
Because 1987 halves were never circulated, most grade MS60 or higher. Key areas to examine: Kennedy's cheek and jaw for contact marks (the most common grade-limiting spots), the open fields above and below the portrait for bag marks and hairlines, and the eagle's breast feathers on the reverse for strike completeness. Coins with clean cheeks and fully struck eagle feathers that reach MS67 or above are genuinely scarce.
How many 1987 half dollars were made?
The Philadelphia Mint struck exactly 2,890,758 half dollars in 1987, as did the Denver Mint — both figures matching the number of 1987 U.S. Mint Sets sold. The San Francisco Mint struck 4,227,728 proof examples for the 1987 Proof Set. Total combined production was approximately 10 million coins across all three mints.
Is a 1987 half dollar made of silver?
No. The 1987 Kennedy half dollar is copper-nickel clad, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core, with a total weight of 11.30 grams and diameter of 30.61 mm. Silver Kennedy half dollars were struck only from 1964 (90% silver) and 1965–1970 (40% silver clad). The 1987 coin has no silver content and no silver melt value.
Where is the mint mark on a 1987 half dollar?
On the 1987 Kennedy half dollar, the mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse (heads side), immediately below Kennedy's neck truncation and above the date. The Philadelphia Mint began adding its 'P' mint mark to Kennedy halves in 1980. All three 1987 issues — Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S proof) — display their mint marks in this same position.
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