The 1963 Half Dollar is an iconic coin with a fascinating history. Knowing its true value can greatly influence any collector's portfolio. Our 1963 Half Dollar Value Guide provides you with the most up-to-date information and market insights to help you make a more informed decision on your investment.
1963 was a historic year in the United States due to the assassination of President John Kennedy. During that period, the US mint was minting the Franklin half a dollar since 1948. However, after his assassination, the US mints minted the Kennedy half dollars in 1964 in his honor.
The 1963 half-dollar value depends on the condition of the coin. In the next section, we shall discuss how the state of a coin affects its value.
How Much Is A 1963 Half Dollar Worth?
The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced a total of 92,308,937 1963 half dollars. The coin is very common today, and it's less valuable compared to other series. The 1963 half-dollar value depends on whether it’s a proof or a regular coin and its condition. Uncirculated is the highest condition and has the highest value coins, while poor has the lowest state with coins that have a lot of wear and tear.
NCG estimates the value of a 1963 half to range from $9.25 to $11.5 in February 2023. Collectors are very keen on the quality of coins and mainly focus on the highest quality. Coins are graded from lowest to highest condition; grading categorizes a coin's condition and value.
Denver Mint Half A Dollar
The Denver mint produced 67,069,292 half dollars, the highest amount minted in the series. Denver-minted coins have a “D” mark on the face side. Since most of these coins are still available today, their value is mainly determined by their silver value.
Only a well-preserved half coin without any damage to the surface can attract a collector’s attention. A coin in perfect condition will value at $9.80, an MS 60 value from 10.90 to $15.90, and MS 67 Value at $3,000 to $3,450.
Philadelphia No Mint Half Dollars
Philadelphia minted 22,164,000 no-mint mark half dollars in 1963. A circulated half-dollar coin is valued at $10 and $11 to $340 for those in a mint state. MS 67 graded coins currently cost $2,500 to $2,850 for regular coins and $25,000 to $30,000 for coins with complete bell lines.
A coin in excellent condition is valued at $9.80, MS 60 values at $10.90 to $15.90, and MS 67 is valued at $ $2,500 to $2,850. The most appreciated is the MS 60 with Full bell lines at $25,000 to $30,000.
1963 Proof Franklin Half Dollar
In 1963, Philadelphia minted 3,075,645 proof half dollars. Proof-dollar value is usually higher because they have good quality.
A proof coin with the lowest condition, PR 60 values at $18 to $20.50, and PR 69 at $290 to $348. Deep cameo halves have a higher demand, and they typically cost from $3,850 to $4,500
1963 Franklin Half Dollar Errors
Some coins may be wrongly struck during minting, making them unique and rare. The 1963 half-dollar also has some error coins.
- Bugs Bunny: This coin is nicknamed the “bugs’ bunny” because it has a die clash across Benjamin Franklin’s lips. Die clash happens when one coin collides with another without a planchet between them. This results in a partial design overlay transmitted during the striking process.
- Double die Observe: It happens when a coin is struck twice during minting, making some letters double. Sometimes, it’s only visible with the help of a microscope. The 1963 half dollar with “1962” Kennedy overstruck; was valued at $1000.
- Copper nickel 1963 half dollars: They were struck on copper-nickel instead of silver. They are scarce and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
1963 Half Dollar History
The 1963 half dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963 by the US mint. Nellie Ross had always admired Franklin and wanted him portrayed on a coin. She instructed John Sinnock, her engraver, to make some design for the Franklin dollar. Unfortunately, he died before completing the task, so Gilroy Roberts completed the designs.
The Commission of fine arts despised the design, but the mint still pushed on. The minting continued until 1963 when the 1964 Kennedy half a dollar replaced it.
1963 Half-dollar Features
The 1963 half-dollar has 10% copper and 90% silver. It has a 30.61 mm diameter, a reeded edge, and 1.8mm thickness. The face of the coin depicts Benjamin Franklin facing right and the mint year below his chin. Again, above his head, you will see “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the lower side of the coin.
The tail side has a Liberty bell at the center and a small “D” on top of the bell for coins minted in Denver. Above the bell is the “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” To the coin's left is “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and an eagle is on the right side.
Where to Buy or Sell the 1963 Franklin Half Dollar
If you have just started coin collection or selling, you can start with the online marketplace. You can find these coins on Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. You can also find a reliable coin dealer and buy or sell currencies to them.
Why You Need To Buy the Half Dollars
The 1963 half dollar is the most popular of the US coins because:
- They have different designs.
- They are affordable. You can get a 1963 half-dollar for as low as $10.
- They are readily available. They may not be in circulation, but you can easily find them in most local banks and coin dealers.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Half Dollars.
Here are the essential assessments to consider when examining half-dollar coins:
- The design of a coin (date, rim, and edge)
- Coin’s mintmark
- Attention to detail in the coin's design (reverse proof, proof, and uncirculated)
Conclusion
The Philadelphia and Denver mints struck 92,308,937 1963 half dollars in the USA. In 1964, the Kennedy half dollars were minted to honor him after his assassination in 1963. As of February 2023, the NCG estimates a 1963 half-dollar value to range from $9.25 to $11.75.
When buying the 1963 half dollar, buy from a reputable coin dealer or online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon.
