The Kennedy Half Dollar series appeals to more than just modern coin collectors. It also draws admirers of John F. Kennedy and the nostalgic “Camelot” period in American history. The latter was marked by JFK’s presidency from 1961 to 1963.
The Kennedy Half Dollar series is rich in history and can be appreciated by any collector. This series is also ideal for beginning collectors, with low premium coins to accommodate any budget.
Here we’ll go over these coins in greater detail. We’ll check out its history, worth, varieties, flaws, and much more. Let’s get started!
1980 Half Dollar Details
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Quantity Produced: 81,145,255
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
- Edge: Reeded
- Shape: Round
- Coin Diameter: 30.6mm
- Coin Thickness: 2.15mm
- Coin Weight: 11.34g
- Year of Minting: 1980
- Mint Mark: P/D/S
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
- Face Value: $0.50
- $ Price: $0.50 – $4,935
The face value of the 1980 Kennedy Half Dollar coin is fifty cents, with its melt value being around $0.11. The total copper content of this round coin with a reeded edge is 91.67%. However, its composition is quite complex. Its core consists of pure nickel that is wrapped in a copper and nickel alloy layer with a 3:1 ratio.
On the coin’s obverse is a profile of Kennedy which needed to be made more quickly than usual, considering the rush to make it following his death. Instead of making a completely new portrait, Gilroy Robers instead modeled it on an existing presidential medal.
On the coin are the common additions of “LIBERTY” at the top, along with “IN GOD WE TRUST” across the bust. The date is under the portrait, along the bottom rim, with the mint mark being just above it.
The reverse side is a little more complicated with very little blank space. The iconic presidential deal is in the middle with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the rim on the top and “HALF DOLLAR” along the bottom.
The Kennedy Half Dollar’s metal content changed several times. In 1964, the coins were made with 90% silver and 10% copper, but between 1965 and 1970, the metal composition shifted to different materials.
Instead, layers of 80% silver and 20% copper circling a 21% silver inner core were used. It counts for a total of 40% silver by weight. Kennedy Half Dollars have been 75% copper and 25% nickel since 1971, while its inner core was made with pure copper.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money
1980 Half Dollar Coin Value Chart
| Coin Grade | Good | MS60/PR60 | MS64/PR64 | MS67/PR70 |
| 1980 P Half Dollar | $0.60 | $1.50 | $10 | $110 |
| 1980 D Half Dollar | $0.60 | $1 | $10 | $300 |
| 1980 S Half Dollar (Proof) | N/A | $1.25 | $3.50 | $500 |
1980 Half Dollar Value and Varieties Guides
The 1980 half dollar was produced in three mints with just over 80 million being made. The circulated coins were only made on Philadelphia and Denver, while San Francisco was responsible for the proofs.
People still save Kennedy Half Dollars because they believe these are rare and special pieces. However, only a few issues and varieties command a significant premium over silver prices or face value.
The Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the few major coin series in the United States that does not have a date of significant rarity. While the series lacks key dates or expensive rarities, it remains a popular choice among high-end coin collectors.
Given how popular and versatile the Kennedy Half Dollar series is, collectors interested in acquiring this set have a plethora of options. Completing a collection of Kennedy half dollars opens new opportunities for everyone. It’s also within most collectors’ financial means. So, let’s take a look at the 1980 Half Dollar varieties:
1980 P Half Dollar Coin
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: P
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Year of Minting: 1980
- Face Value: $0.50
- $ Price: $0.50 – $1,150
- Quantity Produced: 44,134,000
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
In the new decade, the Philadelphia mint struck a record number of the fifty-cent coins in 1980. Furthermore, this branch had the highest mintage this year, with 44,134,000 produced coins.
Up to MS65 condition, 1980 P Kennedy Half Dollars are very common. At this condition level, it’s hard to sell the coin for far above face value, but you may still be able to get $10 for such a piece.
It is scarce in MS67 condition, but hundreds of samples are still available due to the coin only being a little over 40 years old. However, there are no known examples in MS68 or in better condition, which is fairly common for circulated coins.
In 2006, Heritage Auctions sold the most expensive 1980 Half Dollar piece struck in Philadelphia. One collector paid $1,150 for this lovely coin in MS63 condition. However, most MS67 will only sell for around $100.
1980 D Half Dollar Coin
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: D
- Place of Minting: Denver
- Year of Minting: 1980
- Face Value: $0.50
- $ Price: $0.50 – $49,35
- Quantity Produced: 33,456,449
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Denver produced a little over 33 million of these coins in 1980, which was just over 10 million fewer than Philadelphia. While lower-grade coins have roughly the same value as P coins, the story is a little different for higher gradings.
For instance, an MS65 grade piece costs $15, whereas an MS67 grade piece is commonly sold for $300. The most valuable dollar halves are always the best preserved, but as with the Philadelphia cons, it’s almost unheard of to find a circulated coin above an MS67 grade.
1980 D Kennedy Half Dollars are still in circulation, but the only examples in MS66 or higher are challenging to find in circulation. Also, the majority of these examples are likely from original rolls or mint sets. MS67 examples are extremely rare, with fewer than 100 known.
True fans are willing to pay at least $3,000 for a rare Kennedy Half Dollar with an MS68 condition. As a result, one such sample was sold at auction in 2015 for $4,935.
1980 S Half Dollar Coin (Proof)
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: S
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Year of Minting: 1980
- Face Value: $0.50
- $ Price: $0.50 – $920
- Quantity Produced: 3,554,806
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
San Francisco was only responsible for the proof coins and, as such, produced a little over 3.5 million. That’s fairly standard for proof coins but just means there are plenty of well-preserved examples in existence today.
You’ll be able to identify these coins due to the small ‘S’ under the bust of Kennedy. For these coins in good condition, you can only expect to receive around $4 to $8 but this can increase with perfect coins.
For a PR70 rating, sales of $60 to $70 are common. The record sale at auction was a very impressive $920.
It’s worth pointing out that collectors expect proof coins to be at a higher level of mint state than circulated coins. For such a recent coin, you’ll only get good value for coins that have a 70 rating. This is in contrast to circulated coins, which can get high auction prices for 67 ratings. Unsure what these numbers mean? Check out our quick guide below.
1980 Half Dollar History
On November 22, 1963, within hours after John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Mint Director Eva Adams contacted Gilroy Roberts, the Chief Engraver. She informed him that heavy consideration was given to representing the late president on one of the larger silver coins.
Authorities also considered other options like producing a quarter, nickel, or half dollar with an image of Kennedy on the obverse.
Out of respect for the Kennedy family, the Treasury, and the Mint reached out to consult them on the matter. To avoid removing George Washington from the existing coinage, Jacqueline Kennedy opted for the half dollar.
Unfortunately, this meant that the new design had to replace the image of Benjamin Franklin on the half dollar. So on December 30, 1963, President Johnson legalized the new half dollar design just a month after engravers completed it.
Gilroy Roberts took a few weeks to complete the new design, which featured Kennedy on the obverse. Frank Gasparro, on the other hand, modeled the coin reverse after the heraldic eagle from the United States Great Seal.
Two weeks prior, the Philadelphia mint prepared a collection of trial strikes. The new design was approved by Robert Kennedy, Director of the United States Mint and Secretary of the Treasury, but Jacqueline Kennedy objected.
She requested to make changes since Kennedy’s hair was too prominent. So, minting resumed in January of the following year while making all the necessary corrections to the series. Within a few weeks, the U.S. Mint staff completed all the preparations for the new halves.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first issued on March 24, 1964, about four months after the assassination. The U.S. Mint never organized such a vital task in a short period of time.
Kennedy Half Dollars have been in circulation since 1964. However, the series only had high production for a short period. The half dollar was prevalent in circulation and was widespread for regular, day-to-day transactions. But in the early 1980s, the half dollar became a rare sight for daily use.
The declining use of this half dollar also led to a huge drop in mintages. Kennedy half dollars regularly fell below 100 million in every mint during any given year after 1976. In 1964 over 400 million coins were struck. In 2021, just over 13 million were struck.
1980 Half Dollar Grading
Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70. Most people who think they have a highly graded coin are probably going to be disappointed. For example, a rating of 40 is seen as “Extremely Fine,” but these coins will only be worth face value.
At around the 65 mark, there will be no evidence of wear, and coins at the 67 will be near-perfect. Coins at 70 will be perfect. Before the grade, you’ll see either “MS” or “PR .”The first stands for “Mint State” and is for regular coins, with the latter being the letters for proof coins.
List of 1980 Half Dollar Errors
There are many Kennedy Half Dollar errors from various minting years, but amazingly, 1980 is not one of them. It is nearly impossible to find a piece with significant flaws. However, some collectors have reported spotting samples with minor errors, such as the following:
1. Broad Strike
There is a broad strike when a piece is struck without its collar to create the rim and edge. These are parts of the coin’s shape. Coins can get broad-struck on either type-1 or type-2 planchets.
2. Collar Clash
A collar clash happens in coin minting when the die partly strikes the collar die’s top edge. This causes the die’s area to indent. As a result, the coin appears to have a double rim. This error is clear and highly visible on coins with reeded edges.
3. Doubled Die
In numismatics, the term double die refers to a duplication of a design element on a working die. It occurs when misalignments of the die/hub are present during the hubbing processes.
1980 Half Dollar FAQs
1. What is a 1980 Half Dollar made of?
In 1980, the San Francisco Mint produced slightly over 3.5 million Proof Kennedy Half Dollars. Copper-nickel alloy replaced its silver content. It was to save money since the U.S. Mint wanted Kennedy to appear on a dollar, half dollar, or a quarter.
2. How can you yell if a Kennedy Half Dollar is rare?
The U.S. Mint struck 277 million of the Kennedy Half Dollar coins and intended to circulate them, so they aren’t very rare. That said, there are a few rare versions. You need to search for accented hair variants or some 1980 error coins.
3. Should I keep my Kennedy Half Dollars?
Yes, you should keep your Kennedy Half Dollar coins. You can also start collecting them if you are just starting your coin-collecting journey. The coin is worth more than its face value. However, it depends on the coin’s condition and the year it was minted. The most valuable pieces were the Kennedy Half Dollar coins minted in 1970.