Price Guide for 1996 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: $7.00 – $432.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50Uncirculated: $1.04 – $329.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $160.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $58.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $1,292.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $680.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $2,185.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $186.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $38.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.50 – $31.00Uncirculated: $8.50 – $312.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $90.00
Design and Specifications of the 1996 Half Dollar
The 1996 Kennedy Half Dollar continued the series that began in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. By 1996, half dollars were no longer commonly used in circulation, but were still produced for collectors and for use in casinos. This year marked the 33rd anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar, which had become a staple in American numismatics.
| Weight | 11.34 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco for proof coins) |
| 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 1996 Kennedy Half Dollars. While circulated examples hold little premium over face value, uncirculated coins can be quite valuable, especially in high grades. MS65 and above are desirable for circulation strikes, with MS67 and MS68 examples commanding significant premiums.
For proof coins, PR69 and PR70 are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of deep cameo contrast can further enhance the value of proof specimens.
Mintage: 8,285,000
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: Moderate, mainly from collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 10,795,000
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: Moderate, mainly from collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 2,474,094
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily from proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for Kennedy Half Dollars. Coins with full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse are more valuable. Luster also plays a significant role, with coins displaying strong, unbroken cartwheel luster being more desirable.
Toning can add value if it’s attractive and natural. Rainbow-toned specimens, especially on proof coins, can command substantial premiums. Additionally, error coins, though rare for this year, can be valuable if found. These might include off-center strikes, double dies, or other minting mistakes.
