1988 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “P”, “S” & “D” Mint Mark Worth)

Are you collecting Kennedy half dollars and are curious about the 1988 half-dollar value? Maybe you’ve come across an 1988 half dollar and wonder how much it might be worth. Whether selling or buying, this guide will come in handy in explaining everything you need to know about the 1988 Kennedy halves.

In addition to the coin’s history, you’ll also learn about the key features that can help you accurately grade and identify half dollars worth good money. We’ll break down the coin’s value according to mintage and reveal unique minting errors that deserve a spot in your collection.

So, let’s jump in and find out: How much is a 1988 half dollar worth?

1981 Half Dollar Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1981-P Half Dollar Value	$0.60	$0.60	$0.60	$200
1981-D Half Dollar Value	$0.60	$0.60	$0.60	$80
1981-S Proof Half Dollar Value	–	–	–	$30

 

 

History of the 1988 Half Dollar

The 1988 half dollar is part of the long-running Kennedy Half Dollar series that the United States Mint has struck since 1964, commemorating the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Soon after the assassination, the Mint Director Eva Adams consulted with Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts about designing a new coin depicting President Kennedy.

The new coin was to replace the silver dollar, half dollar, or quarter dollar, but Jacqueline Kennedy, the late president’s widow, proposed that the Kennedy half dollar replace the Benjamin Franklin half dollar. As there wasn’t enough time to create a completely new design, the Chief Engraver repurposed an existing model he had used to create Kennedy’s medal for the Presidential Series to prepare the coin’s obverse design. On the other hand, the Assistant Chief Engraver, Frank Gasparro, modified the medal’s reverse design for the new coin’s reverse.

At the start of December 1963, a bill was introduced in Congress to authorize the creation of a new Kennedy half dollar. The bill, endorsed by the immediate president Lyndon Johnson, passed on December 30, paving the way for production the following January. The first business strike Kennedy half dollars were minted in Denver in January 1964, and production at the Philadelphia Mint began the week that followed.

The Mint released millions of the new Kennedy halves into circulation in March 1964, but these coins were immediately hoarded, leaving almost none in circulation. In the years that followed, the Mint produced and released millions of Kennedy half dollars to boost their circulation, but widespread hoarding continued, and the half dollars circulated little. Eventually, production declined, and by 1970, the Mint switched the coin’s metal composition from silver to a copper-nickel clad composition.

The 1988 half dollar was struck in the millions, but the mintage at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints was still much lower than in previous years when production had been relentlessly high.  If you want to complete a Kennedy half-dollar collection, the 1988 issue is an essential piece of the puzzle. In Mint State, these coins can be worth so much more than face value and deserve a spot in your collection.

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars Worth Money

 

Features of the 1988 Half Dollar

Next, we’ll look at the standout features of the 1988 half dollar. By knowing these features, you can accurately grade your coin and identify Kennedy Half Dollars that are worth good money.

Here’s what to check out:

Obverse of the 1988 Half Dollar

The obverse depicts Kennedy’s left-facing profile with a light smile. LIBERTY is inscribed above his head along the rim, while the date, 1988, is shown on the opposite side at the bottom along the rim.

The national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is inscribed horizontally just below the truncation of Kennedy’s profile. The initials GR, representing the design’s creator, Gilroy Robert, are also tucked just below the truncation.

The mintmark P (Philadelphia Mint) or D (Denver Mint) is positioned just above the number 9 in the date, but this can also be between the number 9 and the first 8 in some half dollars.

Reverse of the 1988 Half Dollar

The reverse shows an image of the heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast symbolizing sovereignty and non-aggression. In its beak, the eagle clutches a flag with the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM, which means “Out of Many, One.”

The eagle also holds an olive branch in its right talon, representing peace, while the arrows in the left talon symbolize victory and self-defense.

Rays of light crowned by billows of clouds emerge from behind the eagle’s image, perhaps symbolizing hope and a new dawn. The eagle’s image is encircled by stars, representing the states.

The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is etched in an arc at the top along the rim, while the denomination, HALF DOLLAR, is inscribed at the bottom.

At a closer look, you’ll notice Frank Gasparro’s initials, FG, tucked just underneath the left talon.

Other Features of the 1988 Half Dollar

Additional features worth noting include:

• Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
• Weight: 11.30 grams
• Edge: 150 reeds
• Metal Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel on a pure Copper core

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money

 

1988 Half Dollar Value Guides

So, how much is the 1988 Kennedy half dollar worth? The value depends on factors such as the coin’s condition, mintmark, mintage, and rarity.

There are three varieties of the 1988 half dollar:

• 1988-P Half Dollar
• 1988-D Half Dollar
• 1988 Proof Half Dollar

Let’s find out how much each is worth.

1988-P Half Dollar Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck about 13,626,000 half dollars in 1988. Compared to the mintages of 1964-2001, some exceeding 200 million each year, the 1988 half dollar’s mintage is significantly lower. These coins are, however, generally well-struck and abundant in circulated grades.

Here’s what to expect when collecting the 1988-P Kennedy half dollar:

• Circulated Examples: These are common and easy to collect in all grades. From Poor/Average to Extremely Fine (XF), a 1988-P is worth about $0.60, while in About Uncirculated (AU58) prices rise slightly to $0.75.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are plentiful and affordable, but become scarce in MS67 and above. Gems are rare and can command premium prices. In MS60, a 1988-P half dollar can sell for slightly more than face value at $1.50, but prices increase a bit to $7.50 in MS63 and up to $25 in MS65. Gems graded MS67 will command up to $200, and in MS68, although rarely seen, prices can go as high as $1,900.
• Auction Record: In a 2019 sale, Heritage Auctions sold an MS67 for $480.

1988-D Half Dollar Value

The Denver Mint struck 12,000,096 half dollars in 1988, a lower mintage than most dates in the 1980s, except some issues such as the 1987-P and 1987-D. That said, circulated examples are common and affordable, and Mint State pieces are relatively easy to come by in lower grades.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

• Circulated Example: These are plentiful and easy to collect in all grades. From Poor/Average to Extremely Fine (XF), a 1988-D half dollar can sell for about $0.60, more or less the face value. In About Uncirculated (AU58), prices rise to $0.75.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated 1988-D half dollars are plentiful and accessible to most collectors. The population, however, dwindles in grade MS66 and higher, and Gems are difficult to come by. Lower grade examples are affordable, for instance, in MS60, a piece will sell for $1.50 and about $7.50 in MS63. In MS65, expect up to $20 and as much as $80 in MS67.
• Auction Record: One of the most valuable 1988-D half dollars is graded MS67, which Heritage Auctions sold for $253 in 2007.

1988-S Proof Half Dollar Value

The San Francisco Mint struck only proof half dollars in 1988, amounting to about 3,262,948. Examples of these special strike half dollars are enough to satisfy collectors’ demand. Also, the 1988 proof half dollars are well-struck, appealing to the eye, and can be a valuable addition to your collection.

Here’s a breakdown of the value of regular proofs, cameos, and deep cameos:

• Regular proofs: These are plentiful and affordable in all grades. Prices start from $1.25 in PF60 and rise steadily to $5 in MS65 and as much as $30 in PF70.
• Cameos (CAM): These are fewer than their regular counterparts but enough to meet collectors’ demand. PF60 examples can sell for $1.50, as much as $6.50 in PF65, $12.50 in PF67, and up to $65 in PF70.
• Deep Cameos (DCAM): The population of deep cameos, also known as ultra-cameos, is much smaller, although these special strike coins with frosted devices and satiny surface are still collectible. PF60 specimens sell for about $1.75, but prices rise steadily to $5 in PF64, $22.50 in PF68, and up to $110 in PF70. In a record-breaking sale, Heritage Auctions sold a PF70 in 2003 for a remarkable $3,680.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Half Dollars In Circulation

 

1988 Half Dollar Grading

The key to grading a 1988 Kennedy half dollar is to examine the wear on high-contact points, strike quality, and surface luster. Due to widespread hoarding, many 1988 half dollars were not widely circulated, so plenty of higher-grade survivors exist. As such, small differences can greatly impact a coin’s value.

On the obverse, examine areas that wear first, such as the top of Kennedy’s hair and behind the ear, his cheek and jawline, and the surrounding surface. On the reverse, pay attention to the talons, shield, wing feather, and tail, as well as the inscriptions.

Many circulated Kennedy half dollars will show only slight wear on high points, but most of the details will be nearly full, and the mint luster will still be visible. Uncirculated examples will have crisp details, eye appeal, very few to no visible surface flaws, and strong luster.

Check out this video for more tips on grading your Kennedy Half dollar.

 

Rare 1988 Half Dollar Errors List

Being a well-struck coin, there aren’t many minting errors in the 1988 half-dollar series. But there are a few that can add value to a regular half dollar:

1. 1988 Half Dollar Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike is when the design on either side of the coin is struck away from the center and more toward the edge. This can happen due to a misalignment between the die and planchet, and depending on the extent of the misalignment, can result in some of the design elements being cut off or appearing distorted. An off-center strike error can add $20-$100 to your half dollar.

2. 1988 Half Dollar Doubled Die Error

Another error seen on Kennedy half dollars is the doubled die, which happens when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles. This results in visible doubling or a ghost outline on the inscriptions such as LIBERTY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and HALF DOLLAR. An outline may also be seen around Kennedy’s profile or the eagle’s portrait. Depending on the strength or visibility of the doubling, a doubled die error can be worth $20-$50.

 

Where to Sell Your 1988 Half Dollar?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

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

 

FAQs

How much is a 1988 half dollar worth today?

The value of a 1988 half dollar depends on its condition and rarity. Prices range from $0.60 to $0.75 for circulated examples and up to $200 for uncirculated half dollars. Gem examples are rare, but their value can go as high as $1,900 or more.

What makes a 1988 half dollar rare?

The 1988 Kennedy half dollars are generally common across all grades. Rare examples are those with minting errors, such as off-center strike, doubled die, rotated die errors, etc. Gems with frosted devices and brilliant satin surfaces are rare in this series and can command premium prices.

How do I know if my 1988 Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable?

The most valuable 1988 Kennedy half dollars are those in Mint State or Gem condition. These have a brilliant surface, frosted devices, and no surface damage. Special strike coins, also known as proofs, can also be valuable given their rarity and superior eye-appeal.