Whether you're a serious coin collector or simply someone who's curious about the value of historical currency, taking the time to learn about the 1972 half dollar can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. With its unique design and rich historical context, this coin is a valuable addition to any collection.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964 to commemorate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Shortly after the assassination, the state decided to use previously existing designs of the half-dollar and the mint to create the Kennedy half-dollar.
However, the design of the coin was changed at the request of his wife, Jacqueline, leading to the outstanding 1972 Half Dollar. This 50-cent coin marked the end of the use of silver in the production of the coin.
Most half-dollar coins from that period are reasonably priced and may be challenging to find. Therefore, the 1972 Half dollar is a pretty popular coin among collectors and is highly sought after in proof and uncirculated versions. Its value is constantly increasing, and your half dollar coin may be worth something.
In this article, we’ll evaluate the 1972 Half Dollar coin and guide you through determining its value.
How Much is a 1972 Half Dollar Worth?
The 1972 Kennedy half dollar is a commonly collected coin, and its value is primarily determined by its condition and rarity. A circulated 1972 half dollar in average condition is usually worth its face value (50 cents).
However, if the coin is in an uncirculated condition or has an error, its value can be significantly higher. A coin that’s in its mint condition may sell for more than $2.50.
Typically, the 1972 half dollar may not be worth much due to its lack of silver content and large production. For example, 1972 half dollars without mint marks have a relatively low value because they are relatively plentiful since more than 153,000,000 were produced.
With that said, some collectors still consider the 1972 Half Dollar a valuable piece of U.S. coinage history hence worth a fortune.
1972 Half Dollar Value Chart
Here is the value of the 1972 Half Dollar based on its grade:
Coin Type
MS 65
MS 64
MS 63
MS 62
MS 65 or Higher
1972 Half Dollar
$12-$20
$5-$9
$2-$4
$120-$150
$2-$3
1972 P Half Dollar
–
–
$2.28
–
–
1972 D Half Dollar
$10
–
$2.28
–
$20
1972 S Half Dollar
$5.70
–
–
–
–
The Value of 1972 Half Dollar Mint Marks
The United States Mint produced the 1972 Half Dollar coins at three different facilities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Each of these facilities placed a mint mark on the coins they produced to distinguish them from one another. You can find the mint mark by looking at the coin’s obverse side.
Coins from Philadelphia either didn’t have a mint mark or were marked with a ‘P.’ Those marked with a ‘D’ were from Denver, while those marked with an ‘S’ were minted in San Francisco. Typically, almost all the Kennedy half dollars had mint marks.
- 1972 P (No Mint Mark) Half Dollar value: Most 1972 JFK Half dollars produced in the Philadelphia mint are only worth their face value of 50 cents. However, an M.S. 67-graded coin can be worth as high as $1000.
- 1972 S Half Dollar value: All the 1972 Half Dollars minted at the San Francisco mint were proofs. Therefore, a 1972 PR 65 half-dollar coin can be worth around $5.70. However, a 1972 S Deep Cameo in PR 69 is high in value and can sell for $125.
In 2021, the auction record for a 1972 S half dollar reached an impressive $9,000
- 1972 D Half Dollar value: Unfortunately, most of these coins are only worth their face value. However, an error like the missing F.G. initials on the reverse can significantly increase the coin’s value. For example, a no-FG 1972 D Half Dollar sold for $2,485 in 2016, and an MS64+ sold for $7,500 in 2020.
The Value of 1972 Half Dollar Errors
1972 was quite a rough year for the USA mint. With the change of materials leading to the need for new planchets, it’s quite often to find 1972 Half Dollar coins with errors. These errors can significantly inflate the price of your coins. Some of the common 1972 Half-Dollar errors include the following:
- 1972 Half Dollar Double Die Error
- 1972 Half Dollar Struck on a Penny Planchet
- 1972 Half Dollar Struck on a 5c Planchet
- 1972 Half Dollar Struck on a 25c Planchet
- 1972 Half Dollar Missing Clad Layer Error
- 1972 Half Dollar Clipped Planchet Error
- 1972 Half-Dollar Off-Centre Strike Error
- 1972 D Half Dollar No F.G. Error
- Some copper parts can turn orange or red
- Missing small parts of the coin
You should keenly observe your coin and identify errors that can raise the coin’s price.
Features of the 1972 Half Dollar
The 1972 Half Dollar was made from a copper-nickel clad composition, which replaced the previous 90% silver composition used for half dollars. One of the critical features of the 1972 Kennedy half dollar is its large size, which is larger than other U.S. coins of the same denomination.
It has a diameter of 1.205” (30.61 mm) and weighs around 11.34g. This makes it a distinctive and easily recognizable coin, which has made it a popular choice among collectors.
The Obverse Side of the The1972 Half Dollar
The 1972 half dollar is a Kennedy Half Dollar, which features the profile of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse (front) of the coin. The portrait of the 35th President of the U.S. appeared on the coin in 1964, a year after his assassination.
His portrait faces left with the inscriptions LIBERTY curved around his head. You’ll also see the words IN GOD WE TRUST engraved on the sides of his neck.
The minting year is along the lower collar, and the mintmark is directly above it. Since Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint Gilroy Roberts designed the obverse side of the coin, you’ll find his initials G.R. engraved under JFK’s neckline.
The Reverse Side of the 1972 Half Dollar
On the reverse, you’ll see an eagle with 13 arrows in one claw, an olive branch in the other, and a shield covering its chest. This represents the Official Seal of the United States President.
It’s surrounded by 50 starts and 13 more dotting the inner part of the seal. It also features a ribbon with the inscription E Pluribus Unum above the seal and the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR around it.
Conclusion
The 1972 half-dollar coin is rich in history and symbolism, making it worth investing in. Like most U.S. currencies, this coin is desirable because it pays tribute to one of the legendary figures that contributed to the forming of the country today.
Unfortunately, many of these coins were hoarded and may only be worth their face value. However, other considerations, like errors and conditions, can affect your coin’s value.
After reading this article, we hope you can identify all aspects of the 1972 half-dollar that can help you determine its value. You should keep in mind that the prices mentioned in this article are an estimation. The value of your coin may change depending on its supply and demand. Therefore, your 1972 Half Dollar may be worth more than you think.
