1981 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1981 half dollar represents a turning point in modern Kennedy coinage history. This year marked the resumption of regular half dollar production after circulation gaps.

The Mint produced business strikes at both Philadelphia and Denver facilities. Regular circulation coins remain accessible to collectors across both mint marks.

Philadelphia specimens average $0.97 in Good condition. Denver examples also average $0.97 in similar grades. MS specimens show modest appreciation with Denver averaging $20.50.

However, 1981’s true significance lies in its proof varieties from San Francisco. The Type 1 proof averages $6.56 in top condition. The scarcer Type 2 proof commands $19.40 due to design modifications. These proof distinctions make 1981 a pivotal year for Kennedy collectors.

 

1981 Half Dollar Value By Variety

The 1981 Kennedy half dollar was minted at three facilities—Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)—with each mint mark variety displaying distinct value characteristics based on mintage figures and condition rarity.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money (1964 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1981 Half Dollar Worth Money

The top ten most valuable 1981 Kennedy half dollars demonstrate the significant premium placed on exceptional condition and proof varieties.

The chart reveals that the 1981-S Type 2 PR 70 Deep Cameo leads all varieties at $4,025, representing the finest known example of the Clear S mint mark variety.

Business strike coins dominate the middle rankings, with 1981-P examples in MS68 commanding $2,990 and MS66-MS67 specimens ranging from $660 to $863. The 1981-D MS67 achieves $1,880, reflecting the conditional rarity of high-grade Denver mint specimens.

Notably, even mid-grade Philadelphia mint coins in MS60-MS63 maintain substantial premiums of $374 to $1,410, indicating strong collector demand across condition levels.

 

History Of The 1981 Half Dollar

The 1981 Kennedy half dollar represents a significant chapter in American numismatic history. This coin emerged seventeen years after the series began following President Kennedy’s tragic assassination in November 1963.

By 1981, the half dollar had evolved considerably from its original design and composition. The coin transitioned from 90% silver in 1964 to 40% silver through 1970, finally adopting the copper-nickel composition used in 1981.

Production philosophy shifted dramatically by the early 1980s as circulation demand plummeted. The U.S. Mint significantly reduced half dollar production compared to previous decades.

Half dollars had become virtually absent from everyday transactions despite remaining official circulating currency. This practical obsolescence directly influenced the Mint’s decision to lower mintage figures for 1981.

The silver price boom of 1979-1980 accelerated the half dollar’s transformation into a collector’s item. Many earlier silver Kennedy half dollars were melted for their precious metal content during this period.

Consequently, the 1981 issue emerged with notably lower population figures than its predecessors. While not considered rare within the Kennedy series, Mint State examples became increasingly desirable among collectors. This historical context established the foundation for current premium valuations in today’s numismatic marketplace.

Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)

 

Is Your 1981 Half Dollar Rare?

For comprehensive rarity analysis and real-time valuations, collectors can utilize the CoinValueChecker App to access detailed scarcity rankings and market data.

 

Key Features Of The 1981 Half Dollar

The 1981 Kennedy half dollar exhibits distinctive design elements that have remained consistent throughout the series since 1964. Understanding these key features helps collectors accurately identify and grade their specimens while appreciating the coin’s enduring artistic legacy.

The Obverse Of The 1981 Half Dollar

The obverse displays Kennedy’s left-facing profile designed by Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts. The word “LIBERTY” appears above his portrait along the upper rim. The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed horizontally at Kennedy’s neck truncation.

The date “1981” is positioned along the bottom rim. The mint mark appears just below Kennedy’s portrait truncation, positioned between the numbers 9 and 8 in the date.

The Reverse Of The 1981 Half Dollar

The reverse features the heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its breast. The eagle holds a ribbon in its beak inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Out of Many, One).

One of the eagle’s talons is tightly gripping arrows symbolizing defense and security, while the other holds an olive branch symbolizing peace. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arc along the top rim while “HALF DOLLAR” appears at the bottom.

Other Features Of The 1981 Half Dollar

The 1981 Kennedy half dollar features a copper-nickel clad composition with 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin measures 30.6mm in diameter and weighs 11.34grams for Philadelphia mint specimens.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916 -1947)

 

1981 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The production figures for 1981 Kennedy half dollars reveal significant variations across different mint facilities and coin types.

Philadelphia and Denver mints dominated business strike production, with nearly 30 million and 28 million pieces respectively. Meanwhile, San Francisco produced approximately 4 million proof coins, split equally between Type 1 and Type 2 varieties.

Survival data presents an contrast to original mintage numbers. Both Philadelphia and Denver business strikes show identical 35% survival rates, translating to roughly 10 million surviving specimens each. However, the survival statistics for San Francisco proof varieties remain undocumented, creating an information gap for collectors and researchers.

The survival distribution chart illustrates this disparity clearly. Business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver account for the overwhelming majority of surviving coins, while the proof varieties represent a much smaller portion. This pattern reflects typical circulation dynamics where business strikes face greater attrition through handling and wear.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1981 Half Dollar Value

Determining your 1981 half dollar’s worth doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by examining the mint mark and overall condition. Check for any doubling, strong strikes, or unusual features that could increase value. While circulated examples are typically worth face value, uncirculated specimens can command $5-$15, and rare error coins may be worth significantly more.

For an instant, accurate appraisal of your 1981 half dollar’s current market value and professional grade estimate, simply use our CoinValueChecker App today.

 

1981 Half Dollar Value Guides

Kennedy 1981 Half Dollar – Four Main Categories:

• 1981-P (Philadelphia Mint)– Business strike featuring the historic first appearance of the “P” mint mark on Kennedy half dollars, breaking seventeen years of tradition. Mintage of approximately 29.5 million pieces with copper-nickel clad composition.
• 1981-D (Denver Mint)– Standard circulation coin bearing the “D” mint mark with similar specifications to Philadelphia production. Mintage of roughly 27.8 million pieces, slightly lower than its Philadelphia counterpart.
• 1981-S Type 1 (San Francisco – Filled S)– Proof coin distinguished by the “Filled S” mint mark variant showing less defined internal spacing. Part of the 4.06 million proof mintage with deep cameo specimens commanding collector premiums.
• 1981-S Type 2 (San Francisco – Clear S)– Premium proof variety featuring the superior “Clear S” mint mark with crisp, well-defined edges and open internal areas. Shares the same mintage but achieves significantly higher market values due to enhanced visual appeal.

These four distinct categories represent the complete spectrum of 1981 Kennedy half dollar production, spanning both circulation and collector markets.

The Philadelphia and Denver issues marked routine business strike operations, while San Francisco’s dual proof varieties showcased the mint’s attention to collector preferences.

The Type 1 and Type 2 San Francisco distinction illustrates how seemingly minor technical differences in mint mark preparation can create substantial value disparities in the numismatic marketplace, with the clearer Type 2 commanding premium prices over its filled counterpart.

 

1981-P Half Dollar Value

The 1981-P Kennedy half dollar represents the first year Philadelphia mint coins carried the “P” mint mark since the series began in 1964. This marked a significant departure from the previous seventeen-year tradition of unmarked Philadelphia coins, aligning with the U.S. Mint’s standardization policy across all denominations.

According to population data, MS67+ examples represent the finest known specimens of this issue. The highest auction record stands at $2,990 for an MS68 example sold through Heritage Auctions in 2011.

This demonstrates strong collector demand for premium quality examples. Such specimens achieve substantial premiums over typical uncirculated coins due to their conditional rarity.

The auction record chart reveals notable price volatility over recent years, reflecting changing market dynamics and collector interest patterns.

Market activity data shows fluctuating engagement levels throughout 2024-2025, indicating varying collector attention across different periods.

 

1981-D Half Dollar Value

The 1981-D Kennedy half dollar shares similar characteristics with its Philadelphia counterpart but was struck at the Denver Mint.

With a mintage of 27,839,533 pieces, it represents a lower production figure compared to many earlier Kennedy half dollars in the series, contributing to its appeal among collectors seeking condition rarities.

The MS67 examples represent the finest known specimens of this issue. The highest auction record stands at $1,880 for an MS67 example sold through Heritage Auctions in August 2014. This demonstrates significant collector interest in top-quality examples.

The auction record chart demonstrates considerable price volatility across different time periods and auction platforms.

Market activity data reveals fluctuating collector engagement patterns throughout the recent twelve-month period.

 

1981-S Type1 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1981-S Type 1 DCAM Kennedy half dollar features the distinctive “Filled S” mint mark characteristic. This proof coin exhibits deep cameo contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields. The Type 1 variety displays a smaller, partially filled “S” mint mark with less defined internal spacing compared to its Type 2 counterpart.

The highest recorded sale reached $805 for a PR70 DCAM example sold through Heritage Auctions in February 2008. This represents the finest known grade for this variety.

The Type 1 version typically commands lower premiums compared to its Type 2 counterpart due to collector preferences. However, perfect PR70 examples remain scarce and highly sought after by specialists focusing on condition rarities within the Kennedy half dollar series.

The auction record chart shows consistent performance across multiple platforms over recent years.

Market activity data indicates steady collector engagement with notable seasonal variations throughout the tracking period.

 

1981-S Type2 DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1981-S Type 2 DCAM Kennedy half dollar features the distinctive “Clear S” mint mark variety. This proof coin displays superior mint mark definition with open internal spaces and crisp edges.

According to the auction records, the highest recorded sale reached $4,025 for a PR70 Deep Cameo example sold through Heritage Auctions in September 2007. This represents the San Francisco Mint’s refined mint mark style for 1981.

Collectors particularly value this variety for its superior mint mark clarity and technical excellence within the Kennedy half dollar proof series.

The auction record chart demonstrates considerable price variation across different time periods and auction platforms.

Market activity data shows increasing collector engagement levels during recent months of the tracking period.

1981-S Type 2 FS-501 Half Dollar Value

The 1981-S Type 2 FS-501 represents a specific variety within the Clear S mint mark classification. This proof coin exhibits the refined “Clear S” mint mark characteristic with well-defined internal spacing.

The FS-501 designation distinguishes this particular variety from standard Type 2 specimens.The Clear S mint mark represents San Francisco Mint’s improved die preparation techniques for 1981 proof production.

The highest recorded sale for this specific FS-501 variety achieved $5 for a PR67 Deep Cameo example sold on eBay in July 2020.

The auction record chart shows extremely limited trading activity with minimal recorded sales data.

Market activity demonstrates fluctuating collector interest patterns with notable variations throughout the twelve-month tracking period.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1981 Half Dollar Errors List

While the 1981 Kennedy half dollar series does not feature extensively documented major error varieties compared to other years in the Kennedy series, the broader Kennedy half dollar collection showcases numerous error types that occurred throughout its production history.

Kennedy half dollars across all years have produced various minting anomalies including doubled die errors, missing designer initials, off-center strikes, and clashed die varieties that attract specialized collector interest.

1. Doubled Die Errors (DDO/DDR)

Doubled die errors occur when the working die is mis-hubbed, causing design elements to appear doubled on every coin struck by that die. These errors typically show clear secondary images on lettering such as “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST,” dates, or eagle feathers on the reverse, and are among the most valuable Kennedy half dollar varieties.

2. No “FG” Varieties

Missing designer initial errors result from excessive die polishing to remove clash marks, accidentally abrading Frank Gasparro’s “FG” initials from the reverse die. Notable examples include the 1966 SMS, 1972-D, and 1982-P varieties, with values ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on condition.

3. Off-Center and Broadstrike Errors

Off-center strikes occur when planchets are misaligned during striking, creating blank areas with missing design elements. Broadstrikes happen when the collar fails, allowing metal to flow outward. Coins showing 30-70% missing design can achieve significant premiums when properly certified.

4. Clashed Die Errors

Clashed dies result when striking dies collide without a planchet between them, creating ghostly impressions of one die’s design on the other. These produce mysterious secondary images on finished coins and represent fascinating examples of mint production irregularities.

 

Where to Sell Your 1981 Half Dollar?

Your 1981 Kennedy half dollar’s next chapter begins with choosing the right marketplace. Whether you opt for auction houses, coin dealers, or online platforms, timing and presentation matter more than perfection.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons) 

 

1981 Half Dollar Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1981 Half Dollar

1. How much is my 1981 Kennedy half dollar worth?

The value depends on mint mark and condition. Circulated examples are worth face value, while uncirculated specimens range from $25-$863 for Philadelphia mint coins, with MS68 examples reaching $2,990. Denver mint coins can achieve $1,880 in MS67. San Francisco proof varieties command premiums, with Type 2 Deep Cameo specimens reaching $4,025 in perfect PR70 condition.

2. What makes the 1981 Kennedy half dollar historically significant?

The 1981-P represents the first year Philadelphia mint coins carried the “P” mint mark since the Kennedy series began in 1964, breaking seventeen years of tradition. This marked the U.S. Mint’s standardization policy across denominations.

Additionally, 1981 had dramatically reduced production levels compared to previous years, with significantly lower mintages that make Mint State examples particularly valuable to collectors.

3. How can I identify the different 1981 half dollar varieties?

Check the mint mark below Kennedy’s portrait: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco proof coins. San Francisco has two types – Type 1 shows a “Filled S” with partially filled internal spaces, while Type 2 displays a “Clear S” with crisp, well-defined edges and open internal areas. The Type 2 commands significantly higher premiums due to superior visual appeal.