The 1983 Kennedy Half-Dollar circulated condition is valued at $0.60 to $0.75. But it can reach a whopping $5,550 in the competitive market. Many collectors go after this series due to the popularity of the 35th U.S. President—John F. Kennedy.
While the 1983 is a typical circulating coin, the highly graded variety is scarce, leading to a higher coin value. So, without further introduction, let’s see which type offers a good trade.
1983 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Summary
There are three varieties for the 1983 half-dollar—a P, S, and D mint mark. Each has a different base value ranging from $0.60 to $1.50. Later, we will discuss it more in-depth, but for now, here’s a glance at what to expect.
| Mint Location | Mintage | Coin Grading | Estimated Value |
| Philadelphia | 34,139,000 | P 50C MS | $0.60-$550 |
| Denver | 32,472,244 | D 50C MS | $0.60-$5,550 |
|
San Francisco |
3,279,126 |
S 50C PF | $1-$30 |
| S 50C PF CA | $1.25-$50 | ||
| S PF UC | $1.50-$100 |
Date Changes On Kennedy Half Dollar (The 1983 Version)
- Coin Value: 50 Cents
- Obverse (Head) Designer: Gilroy Roberts
- Reverse (Tail) Designer: Frank Gasparro
- Metal Composition: 91.67% Copper and 8.33% Nickel
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Mass: 11.34 grams
Kennedy coin is a sought-after curio for many collectors, and it amassed fanfare and anticipation upon release. That also means a rapid decline in the issued number due to the actions of hobbyists.
By the 1980s, the denomination become almost non-existent in regular circulation. With this, many configurations happened to avoid hoarding—like transitioning from silver-clad to copper-nickel.
But aside from the metal composition, the inscription changes are also evident—particularly the date. On a 1964 half-dollar, the numeral 1 features a prominent serif on all ends.
In 1983, the numerics seem thicker—but the serifs are still visible. Conversely, the numerals 9 and 8 have remained the same since 1964. But as stated, in a denser style. Lastly, integer 3 had a longer bottom tail in 1973. But in 1983 and 1993 versions, you’ll notice an equal length—with the thickness slowly diminishing.
1983 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guide
The 1983 Half Dollar have three Mint location with almost 70 million production. The majority of it comes from Philadelphia, with the proof coin solely designated to San Francisco.
The table below shows the base price for each 1983 Half-Dollar grading and variety. Then, we will provide more detailed pricing for the PF Cameo (CA) and PF Ultra Cameo (UC) coins later.
| 1983 Kennedy Half Dollar Value | |||
| Grading | P Half Dollar | D Half Dollar | S PF Half Dollar |
| Good | $0.60 | $0.60 | / |
| Fine | $0.60 | $0.60 | / |
| Extremely Fine | $0.60 | $0.60 | / |
| Almost Uncirculated | $0.60-$0.75 | $0.60 | / |
| MS 60 | $1-$1.50 | $1-$1.50 | $1-$1.05 |
| MS 61 | $2.50-$3 | $2.50-$3.50 | $1.10-$1.15 |
| MS 62 | $4-$5 | $4-$5 | $1.25-$1.35 |
| MS 63 | $6-$7.50 | $6-$7.50 | $1.50-$1.75 |
| MS 64 | $12.50-$15 | $10-$12.50 | $2-$3 |
| MS 65 | $30-$40 | $25-$35 | $5-$6 |
| MS 66 | $85-$125 | $80-$125 | $7.50-$8 |
| MS 67 | $550 | $475-$1500 | $9-$9.50 |
| MS 68 | / | $5,500 | $10-$15 |
| MS 69 | / | / | $15 |
| MS 70 | / | / | $30 |
1983 P Half Dollar Value and Auction Record
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 34 million 1983 half-dollar coins. Its circulated condition base price for this variety values around $0.60 to $0.75.
However, a mint state condition can reach up to $550 in the competitive market. Currently, the highest grade on the population report record by NGC is MS 66 with 303 count, followed by MS 66 with 301.
Looking at the auction history for the Philadelphia Mint Mark, many are valued more than the estimated base price. One of the highest sold by the Heritage Auctions firm is the 1983 50 C MS 67, priced at $793.13 in 2016. Another record followed with the same grading but worth $418 by Great Collections firm in 2014.
In the current market, the estimated price for uncirculated conditions remains the same for the past five years. However, the circulated condition lowered 13%, from $0.75 in 2022 to 0.$60 in 2023.
1983 D Half Dollar Value and Auction Record
The Denver Mint followed closely to Philadelphia with 32 million 1983 Kennedy dollar coins. And like the previous Mint, it also offers the same base value of $0.60 to $0.75. But in the open market, it can sell for around $1 to $5,500—eighty-one percent higher than the P mint mark.
Currently, the highest grade on the population report record by NGC is MS 66, with 211 counts, followed by MS 65, with 187.
On an auction history by PCGS, a 1983-D MS 68 has a record of $4,230. It also received a description of “The Single Finest Certified,” a collector’s dream coin. The half-dollar features a well-preserved design with a luster color unique from other struck coins. It is 75% copper and 25% nickel (over copper center).
To date, the uncirculated condition base value has remained unchanged for the past five years. However, the circulated coins lowered similar to the 1983 P half-dollar value.
1983 S Half Dollar Value
Since the San Francisco Mint focuses only on proof coins, it is valid to produce only 3 million. The 1983-S PF coins have a base value of $1-$30. However, expect the values to go higher with those coins with designated strike characters—PF CA and PF UC.
| Comprehensive 1983 S Proof Half Dollar Value Guide | ||
| Grading | PF CA | PF UC |
| MS 60 | $1.25-$1.50 | $1.50-$1.75 |
| MS 61 | $1.75-$2 | $2-$2.25 |
| MS 62 | $2.25-$2.50 | $2.50-$2.75 |
| MS 63 | $2.75-$3 | $3-$3.50 |
| MS 64 | $3.50-$4 | $4-$5 |
| MS 65 | $5-$6.50 | $7.50-$8.50 |
| MS 66 | $7.50-$8.50 | $10-$12.50 |
| MS 67 | $10-$12.50 | $15-$17.50 |
| MS 68 | $15-$17.50 | $20-$22.50 |
| MS 69 | $25 | $27.50 |
| MS 70 | $50 | $100 |
Coins with such a designation have clear field separation with the elevated elements. Additionally, the UC has a higher frosting effect, appearing like a mirror on the obverse side. With that said, a PF CA fetches a market price of $1.25 to $50, while a PF UC is valued at $1.50 to $100.
1983 Half Dollar Error Coins
The 1983 Kennedy Half-Dollar has valuable error coins. An example is the 1983 MS60 Broadstrcuck, obverse wheel mark sold at $59.00. Another is the 1983-P 50C MS 65, which struck 15% off-center sold at $146.88. Now let’s see the other mint error found on a 1983 Half-Dollar, including their worth.
Uncommon Die Clash Mint Error – 1983 Half Dollar Coin
Atypical die clashes are determined with varying conditions. Some examples are multiple, staggered clash marks, rotated die clash, and counter-clash errors. It occurs when there is no planchet in between the dies upon striking. Due to the impact, the details of one die get transferred to the other. The result is a distorted image on the succeeding planchet inserted. Since this type of error is rare, it can fetch up to $1000.
Misaligned Die Strike Mint Error – 1983-P 50C AU 50
A misaligned error happens when the hammer die is in an improper orientation. When it strikes the coin, the obverse side gets struck off-center. This error type differs from an off-center strike as the reverse side is unaffected. Its value can reach $30 to $60 in the open market, while $200 is for uncirculated conditions.
Off-Center Mint Error – 1983 Half Dollar
As mentioned before, the off-center error is also present with a misaligned reverse side. [In the photo] You’ll notice both sides have fields with no design, pushing the elements to one side. If the off-center percentage is low, you can expect it to have a lower value. But these errors on mint state condition can fetch $100.
Double Die Coin Error – 1983-P Kennedy Half Dollar
Double Die error occurs when there is a movement in the elements during the hubbing process. The result of this are doubled image or inscription. [In the photo] You’ll see that the wings and lettering on the reverse side have an extra outline.
Note that this differs on double strike as the former is a mistake on how the die forms. Typically, the market price value is less than $10.
Collar Clash Error – 1983 Kennedy Half Dollar
On a standard Kennedy Half-Dollar, the field on the obverse side is smooth. However, on collar clash error coins, you’ll notice jagged lines on the perimeter. This error happens when there is damage on the rim gutter due to contact with the collar. This specific error is valued at around $3.50 to $15.
Summary
The Kennedy Half-Dollar series, especially the 1983 version, is favored by many avid collectors. While its basic value ranges from $0.60 to $0.75, it can command much higher prices in the competitive market.
Aside from the design, this year also features a Proof Cameo and Ultra Cameo that can reach a value of $100. Lastly, you don’t want to miss out on the error coins available on the market, as they are valuable as well.
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.