The 1986 half dollar is an interesting coin to collect. Its value has been steadily increasing over the years, making it a great investment for collectors and investors alike. The 1986 half dollar features John F. Kennedy on the obverse side and the presidential seal on the reverse side. It was minted in Philadelphia with no mint mark, San Francisco with an “S” mint mark, and Denver with a “D” mint mark.
While these coins are not particularly rare or valuable in circulated condition, they can be quite valuable if they are uncirculated or have errors associated with them. In this blog post we’ll discuss all things 1986 half dollars, including their history, features, values, and potential error varieties that could make them more valuable than expected!
So if you are interested in 1986 half dollars and their value, keep reading! Let’s go.
1986 Half Dollar Details
- Category: Kennedy half dollars
- Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
- Total mintage: 31,423,000
- Obverse designer: Gilroy Roberts
- Reverse designer: Frank Gasparro
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 30.61 millimeters (1.205 inches)
- Thickness: 2.15 millimeters (0.08 inches)
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Weight: 11.34 grams
The 1986 half dollar is a part of the Kennedy half dollar series, which was minted from 1964 to present. This coin has a few features which set it apart from other coins in different denominations. For example, the Kennedy half dollar has a diameter of 30.61 millimeters, a thickness of 2.15 millimeters, and weighs 11.34 grams.
The 1986 half dollar is composed of cupro-nickel, which is an alloy of copper and nickel. 1986 half dollars can be found in either a mirror-like Proof finish or with a business circulation satin-like finish. They feature a reeded edge, which is a pattern of raised ridges running around the circumference of the coin.
The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, designed by Gilroy Roberts. On the reverse side, it features a depiction of the presidential seal, designed by Frank Gasparro. The presidential seal depicts an eagle with its wings spread, clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons, his chest covered in a shield and his body encircled by stars.
As mentioned before, these half dollars were minted with no mint mark from the Philadelphia Mint, an “S” from the San Francisco Mint, and a “D” from the Denver Mint.
1986 Half Dollar Value Chart |
|||||
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated | Proof |
| 1986 “No Mint Mark” Half Dollar | / | / | / | $6.81 | / |
| 1986 “D” Half Dollar | / | / | / | $5.84 | / |
| 1986 “S” Half Dollar | / | / | / | / | $4.63 |
1986 Half Dollar Values and Varieties
The 1986 half dollar value depends on the condition. Let’s take a look at each variety of the 1986 half dollar series and discuss their value based on condition.
1986 “P” Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy half dollar coin
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: None
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1986
- Face value: $0.50
- $ price: $0.50 to $6.81
- Quantity produced: 13,107,633
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
This variety of the 1986 half dollar was minted in Philadelphia and has no mint mark. Only 13 million of these were created, but their worth is still fairly low.
In “Good” condition, for example, the 1986 half dollar is worth about fifty cents, which is face value. In “Fine” condition, it is also worth its face value. Yet again in “Extremely Fine” condition, it is worth about fifty cents. However, when you reach “Uncirculated” condition, the 1986 half dollar is worth $6.81 or more.
1986 “S” Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy half dollar coin
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: S
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1986
- Face value: $0.50
- $ price: $4.63
- Quantity produced: 3,010,497
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
This 1986 half dollar was minted in San Francisco with an “S” mint mark. These are actually only produced as Proof coins, which is why so few of them were minted here in this year.
A Proof coin is struck multiple times with a specially prepared die, resulting in a reflective finish, and is not intended to be circulated – only collected. 1986 Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint are worth about $4.63 or more in “Uncirculated” condition.
1986 “D” Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy half dollar coin
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: D
- Place of minting: Denver
- Year of minting: 1986
- Face value: $0.50
- $ price: $5.84
- Quantity produced: 15,336,145
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
This 1986 half dollar was minted in Denver with a “D” mint mark, and it holds the most half dollars minted this year at a little over 15 million. As such, their value isn’t quite as high as those with no mint mark from the Philadelphia Mint location.
In “Good” condition, these coins are worth face value (fifty cents). This doesn’t change at the “Fine” grade nor at the “Extremely Fine” grade – they still hold a value of fifty cents.
Then at “Uncirculated” condition, they are worth about $5.84 or more.
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History of the 1986 Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar was first produced in 1964, which was the year after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The heartbroken nation found this to be an appropriate way to remember their fallen Commander in Chief, and since 1964, the half dollar has displayed his face.
In other words, the 1986 half dollar, along with the rest of the series, was intended to be a memorial to his legacy and commemorate him as one of America’s most beloved presidents.
Gilroy Roberts was commissioned to design the original Kennedy Half Dollar. He was the ninth Chief Engraver of the US Mint, and he worked closely with Frank Gasparro to create the images of the Kennedy half dollar.
Frank Gasparro was the assistant engraver at that time and would soon become the tenth Chief Engraver in 1965, just after this coin was first produced. On the reverse side is the eagle design that was created by Gasparro himself.
The 1986 half dollar is a part of this special series, and although it is not as rare or valuable as some other coins from the series, it still carries a significant amount of history. As such, they can be quite desirable to collectors and are sought after by many coin enthusiasts today.
1986 Half Dollar Grading
As mentioned, the 1986 half dollar is a popular coin due to its sentimental value and its historical significance as the half dollar commemorating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. When determining the grade of a 1986 half dollar, it is important to take note of its condition and wear, as this can significantly affect its value. You will also want to consider different factors such as size, weight, luster, surface quality, and strike quality.
Size
The diameter should measure 30.61 millimeters while the thickness should measure 2.15 millimeters.
Weight
It should weigh 11.34 grams when weighed on an accurate scale.
Luster
1986 half dollars should have a bright luster that reflects light in all directions. If there are any scratches or other signs of wear on the coin, it will have duller luster than an “Uncirculated” example, which will reduce the value.
Surface Quality
1986 half dollars should have no visible abrasions or discolorations on either side of the coin; these are signs of wear and tear that can significantly reduce their value if too severe.
Strike Quality
1986 half dollars should show full details on both sides with strong striking throughout without any missing features or weak spots from being struck off-center or double struck, and more, resulting in doubling errors or filled die errors where some details lack sharpness due to lack of pressure when striking them at the Mint.
1986 Half Dollar Grades
In addition to the above features, the 1986 half dollar comes in several conditions, which will affect the value. These mainly include “Good”, “Fine”, “Extremely Fine”, and “Uncirculated”.
Coins graded “Good” will show significant wear but will still have legible dates and letters; “Fine” coins will still show some superficial scratching but with more detail left compared to “Good” examples; “Extremely Fine” coins will be almost completely free from any major defects but will show minor abrasion marks; and “Uncirculated” coins are those which remain in pristine condition with no signs of wear and full details left intact from original minting stage.
1986 Half Dollar Error Coins
In addition to the standard 1986 half dollars mentioned above, there are also error half dollars which can be much more rare and valuable than the regular coins.
While there are not very many 1986 half dollars with errors known to exist, a few surface every once in a while.
1986 Half Dollar – Doubled Die Error
The 1986 half dollar doubled die error is an extremely rare find. A doubled die error occurs when the die used to strike coins is created with a misalignment. This results in doubling of certain features, such as the date and lettering, on the coin. 1986 half dollars with a doubled die error will usually show bold doubling of certain key areas of the design, and they can appear on the obverse or reverse.
1986 Half Dollar Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know more about the 1986 half dollar value, history, features and grades, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about this beautiful and significant coin.
What is the 1986 Half Dollar Value?
1986 half dollars are generally worth between 50 cents and under $10 depending on their condition, with “Uncirculated” examples commanding a premium. Error 1986 half dollars can be much more valuable due to their rarity.
Is the 1986 Kennedy Half Dollar Rare?
The 1986 Kennedy half dollar is not considered to be rare. However, error 1986 Kennedy Half Dollars can be quite rare and hard to find.
Should I Clean My Kennedy Half Dollar?
No, you should never attempt to clean your 1986 Kennedy half dollar. Cleaning any one of your coins can significantly reduce its value and make it less appealing to collectors. Furthermore, cleaning the coin can damage it by removing the patina or adding abrasions.
If you think that your 1986 half dollar is too dirty or tarnished for its age, you should consider having it professionally graded and encapsulated in order to preserve its value. Doing this will also let potential buyers know that your 1986 half dollar is authentic and in original condition.
Where Can I Find Kennedy Half Dollars to Purchase?
You might be wondering where you can seize the opportunity of getting some Kennedy half dollars for yourself. You can find 1986 Kennedy half dollars to purchase at coin shows, online auctions, and certain coin dealers. These places include well-known businesses such as eBay and Etsy.
However, always be sure to ask the seller for pictures of the 1986 half dollar before purchasing in order to make sure it is real and in good condition. You should also be aware that 1986 half dollars with errors or other distinguishing features can command a much higher price than regular 1986 half dollars. Always be wary of purchasing from lesser known establishments, as they do not necessarily have a rock-solid reputation like larger businesses might.
Are 1986 Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Collecting?
It depends on who you talk to, but we would say that 1986 Kennedy half dollars are worth collecting. Not only is the Kennedy half dollar a great and significant coin in general, but the 1986 date can be a cost effective way to get your foot in the door when it comes to starting a coin collection.
Conclusion
All in all, 1986 half dollar value, history, features, and grades can vary significantly based on their condition and features. 1986 Kennedy half dollars in “Good” condition aren’t worth more than their face value, but 1986 half dollars in “Uncirculated” condition can be more valuable.
As always, however, it is important to research the 1986 half dollar value for yourself and consult a trusted coin dealer or grading service before purchasing these half dollars for your collection. With the right information, you can ensure that your 1986 Kennedy half dollar is authentic, in top condition, and worth the price you pay for it.
Happy collecting!
Do you have any 1986 Kennedy half dollars? Let us know about them in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.