1987 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar emerged during America’s Constitution bicentennial celebration as one of the series’ most distinctive issues—never released into circulation. With a combined mintage of about 2.89 million from Philadelphia and Denver mints, these coins were exclusively distributed through mint sets.

What makes this coin unique? Unlike typical Kennedy halves, the 1987 examples marked only the second time in the series’ history that business strikes were withheld from circulation.

However, the high mintage sets that year means these coins aren’t as scarce as their non-circulation status might suggest. Philadelphia examples remain near face value at around $1.00, with Denver mint examples reaching approximately $17.57.

Understanding this balance between apparent rarity and actual availability becomes crucial for collectors evaluating these constitutional-era keepsakes.

 

1987 Half Dollar Value By Variety

Price variations across grades reveal where serious collectors focus their attention. The jump from face value to hundreds of dollars in mint state condition shows how preservation quality drives the real market for these constitutional anniversary coins.

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 1987 Half Dollar Worth Money

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar series demonstrates remarkable valuation disparities across different grades and mint marks. The standout performer remains the 1987-P 68 specimen, commanding an impressive $4,800 market price, establishing itself as the pinnacle achievement of that minting year.

The 1987-D 68 grade follows with a substantial $3,055 valuation, showcasing the scarcity factor inherent in Denver Mint productions. In stark contrast, the 1987-S PR 70 proof specimen trades at merely $575, highlighting the pronounced value gap between circulation strikes and proof variants.

These figures illuminate the critical relationship between coin condition grading and monetary worth, where pristine specimens offer exceptional investment opportunities for discerning collectors.

 

History of The 1987 Half Dollar

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar emerged during a period when the Treasury had accumulated a two-year supply of half dollars, making production for circulation unnecessary. This collector-only status coincided with America’s celebration of the Constitution’s 200th anniversary, creating an ironic contrast between constitutional celebration and currency retreat.

By the early 1980s, half dollars had become virtually non-existent in day-to-day transactions. Demand continued declining as casinos—traditional heavy users of the denomination—increasingly replaced half dollars with fifty-cent chips. The Mint announced in advance that 1987 coins would not enter circulation, allowing collectors to purchase them directly through mint sets.

This decision transformed what might have been ordinary business strikes into numismatic pieces exclusively. The 1987 Kennedy half dollar thus represents both a constitutional milestone year and a turning point in the denomination’s journey away from everyday commerce toward collector-focused production.

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

 

Is Your 1987 Half Dollar Rare?

For detailed rarity analysis of your specific 1987 Kennedy half dollar, our CoinValueChecker App can assess individual coin characteristics and conditions.

 

Key Features of The 1987 Half Dollar

Next, we’ll look at the physical attributes of the 1987 Kennedy half. Knowing these features helps with grading and identifying high-value Kennedy half dollars worth collecting.

Here’s what to look out for:

The Obverse Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The “heads” shows Kennedy’s left-facing portrait.

The word LIBERTY appears above the portrait while the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is inscribed horizontally across the portrait’s truncation. The date, 1987, is shown at the bottom along the rim.

The Reverse Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The “tails” displays the image of the heraldic eagle holding in its beak a flag with the motto, E Pluribus Unum, which means, “Out of Many, One.”  A shield is also displayed on the eagle’s breast, symbolizing sovereignty and non-aggression.

In its left talon, the eagle holds an olive branch symbolizing peace and arrows in its right talon, representing victory and a readiness to defend the nation.

Rays of sun, crowned by billows of clouds, emerge from behind the eagle, perhaps symbolic of hope and a new dawn. The entire portrait of the heraldic eagle is encircled by stars representing the states. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is etched at the top along the rim while the denomination, HALF DOLLAR, is inscribed at the bottom.

Other Features Of The 1987 Half Dollar

The half dollar carries a diameter of 30.61 millimeters and weighs 11.30 grams with 150 reeds. The composition follows the standard copper-nickel clad formula of the era, consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper core.

This metallic structure not only provides durability for everyday use but also preserves the coin’s bright, silvery appearance that remains popular with collectors.

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

 

1987 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Both Philadelphia and Denver facilities struck identical quantities of 2,890,758 pieces each, while San Francisco produced significantly more proof coins at 4,227,728 pieces. This higher proof mintage reflects the strong collector demand for mint sets during the Constitution’s bicentennial year.

And in terms of survival rates, the Philadelphia and Denver issues maintain identical 80% survival rates, with approximately 2.31 million coins from each mint remaining today. The San Francisco proof coins demonstrate superior preservation at 85.5% survival, with about 3.61 million pieces still existing.

These exceptional survival rates reflect the collector-only nature of all 1987 Kennedy halves—since none entered circulation, most avoided the wear and loss typical of circulating coins.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1987 Half Dollar Value

The key to knowing your 1987 half dollar’s worth lies in its grade—condition makes all the difference. Average circulated pieces are worth about 53 cents, but uncirculated specimens can range from $6 to $55 depending on quality. High-grade MS67 examples are particularly scarce, with only a few hundred surviving.

Get an instant, professional evaluation with the CoinValueChecker App to discover your coin’s precise grade and current market value effortlessly.

 

1987 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1987 Kennedy half dollar series consists of three distinct varieties, each representing different minting facilities and striking purposes.

The Philadelphia and Denver issues were exclusively created for mint sets, marking a significant departure from traditional circulation strikes. San Francisco focused solely on proof production, creating deep cameo specimens with mirror-like fields and frosted devices for collectors.

Each variety carries its own characteristics and market dynamics:

• 1987-P: Philadelphia mint business strike, “P” mint mark
• 1987-D: Denver mint business strike, “D” mint mark
• 1987-S DCAM: San Francisco proof with Deep Cameo finish, “S” mint mark

 

1987-P Half Dollar Value

The 1987-P represents a pivotal year in Kennedy half dollar distribution—while preceding years like 1986-P maintained traditional production patterns, 1987-P marked only the second time since 1970 that business strikes were withheld from circulation entirely. This collector-only status created a sharp distinction from both earlier and later issues, as 1988-P resumed regular production.

Market recognition of this unique position appears in auction results, where one 1987-P specimen has achieved MS68 condition, commanding $4,800. Most examples trade in the MS65-MS66 range between $7-$10, reflecting their mint-set origins during America’s constitutional anniversary year.

The chart shows that lower grades remain relatively stable, while top-tier specimens command significant premiums.

Recent market activity demonstrates growing appreciation for this transitional issue between circulation and collection-only eras.

 

1987-D Half Dollar Value

The 1987-D Kennedy half dollar presents an interesting twist for collectors. While it shares the same mint set distribution as its Philadelphia counterpart, Denver coins tend to sell for lower prices at auction, even though they often have the potential for higher grades.

This pricing difference offers savvy collectors a unique opportunity. Denver coins in top condition are frequently available at a significant discount compared to their Philly counterparts.

One reason for this discrepancy is that Denver’s mint set packaging offered better protection, leading to fewer contact marks and superior surface preservation compared to the handling practices in Philadelphia. As awareness of this quality difference grows, more collectors are turning to Denver half dollars for registry sets and investment portfolios.

Here are auction data which can give you a clear understanding of its value.

Additionally, market activity patterns reveal shifting collector preferences toward this undervalued mint mark within the 1987 series.

 

1987-S DCAM Half Dollar Value

The 1987-S DCAM Kennedy half dollar marked a pivotal technical transition—introducing the MMS-007 mintmark style, slightly thicker than the previous “very tall” MMS-006 design that had been standard since the early 1980s.

This mintmark evolution accompanied San Francisco’s most substantial Kennedy proof production since 1981, with 4,227,728 pieces representing a nearly 25% increase over any intervening year. The timing created an intriguing market dynamic where constitutional anniversary significance met abundant supply.

Key identification features for collectors include scrutinizing the “S” mintmark for thickness and confirming the deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirror-like fields. The MMS-007 mintmark, with its subtly thicker appearance, helps distinguish authentic 1987-S specimens from those of earlier years, while the constitutional anniversary adds a layer of historical value.

Recent auction records demonstrates the stable demand for this proof-exclusive constitutional anniversary issue.

Market activity reveals the collector interest in acquiring pristine examples of this San Francisco technical milestone.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1987 Half Dollar Error List

Minting errors can significantly enhance the value of your half dollar. In addition to desirable Mint State specimens, half dollars with minting flaws can also be valuable additions to your collection. The 1987 half-dollar series includes several noteworthy examples that are highly sought after by collectors:

1. 1987 Half Dollar Rim Cud Errors

A rim cud error occurs when a piece of the die’s rim falls off and the gap is eventually filled with small metal pieces, resulting in a raised bump along the die’s rim. As it strikes the planchet, the die transfers the impression of the raised bump onto the coin’s rim, creating a rim cud. Large, visible, and dramatic rim cuds are generally more valuable. In 2022, a collector on eBay paid an impressive $50 for a 1987-D half dollar graded MS65 with a large rim cud error.

2. 1987 Half Dollar Misaligned Die Errors

Another error that’s often seen on some 1987 half dollars is the misaligned die, which occurs when there’s an offset between the obverse and reverse dies.

Instead of the dies striking the planchet in an upright position, one or both dies might be rotated at an angle, causing the design on either side of the coin to appear tilted.

The greater the misalignment, the more eye-catching and valuable the error tends to be. For example, a 40-degree die rotation will generally be more valuable than a subtle 10-degree rotation. In 2022, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a 1987-D half dollar graded MS67 with a 45-degree die rotation for an impressive $400.

3. 1987 Half Dollar Doubled Die Errors

Doubled-die errors are common in the Kennedy Half Dollar series but are a worthwhile addition to any collection. This error occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at different angles, causing the design elements and inscriptions to overlap or acquire a ghost-like outline.

Stronger, more visible doubling is more valuable than a subtle doubled die error. In 2020, an eBay collector paid $90 for a 1987-P half dollar graded MS66 with an obverse doubled die error.

 

Where To Sell Your 1987 Half Dollar?

If you’re looking to sell your 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar, a few reputable platforms offer great opportunities to connect with buyers. Explore these options to find the best fit for your sale.

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

 

1987 Half Dollar Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1987 Half Dollar

1. Are 1987 half dollars worth anything?

Most 1987 half dollars are worth face value (50 cents) in circulated condition. However, uncirculated examples can be worth $1-5, while high-grade specimens (MS65+) may command $20-100+.

Error coins with rim cuds, misaligned dies, or doubled dies can be worth $50-400 depending on the error’s severity and coin grade.

2. How do I know if my 1987 half dollar is valuable?

Check for mint errors like rim cuds (raised bumps on edges), misaligned designs, or doubled lettering/images. Examine the coin’s condition – uncirculated coins with original mint luster are more valuable.

Look for the mint mark (P or D) below Kennedy’s neck. Consider professional grading for potential errors or high-grade specimens.

3. What are 1987 half dollars made of?

After designing the Kennedy half-dollar obverse side, Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts added his initials “GR” at the bottom of the late president’s neck.1987 Kennedy Half Dollars are made of a copper-nickel clad composition: 75% copper and 25% nickel on the outer layers, with a pure copper core.

They contain no silver, unlike Kennedy half dollars minted before 1971. This composition gives them their distinctive silver-colored appearance while keeping production costs lower than precious metal coins.