The 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from face value (50 cents) in circulated condition to around $15 or more in pristine, uncirculated grades — and certain high-grade specimens can fetch even higher prices at auction. If you found one of these coins in an old drawer or coin jar, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’re holding.
What Is the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, hence the “P” mintmark. It’s part of the long-running Kennedy Half Dollar series, which began in 1964 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination.
By 1987, half dollars were rarely used in everyday commerce, so most of these coins were either saved by collectors or ended up forgotten in jars and boxes. The Philadelphia Mint produced 2,890,758 of these coins for general circulation that year — not a tiny mintage, but not enormous either.
If you want a quick way to identify and value coins like this one without any guesswork, a free coin identifier app can scan your coin and give you an instant estimate. Tools like CoinHix make this process incredibly simple, even if you’ve never collected coins before.
How Much Is a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar Worth?
The value of your 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar depends heavily on its condition, also called “grade” by collectors. A coin that’s been through years of pocket change is worth much less than one that’s been carefully stored since the day it was minted.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (worn) | Face value – $1.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| Mint State (MS-60 to MS-64) | $3.00 – $8.00 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| Superb Gem (MS-66 and above) | $20.00 – $60.00+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing data, you can check out live market prices for the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar across all mint state grades. Prices do shift based on auction results and collector demand, so it’s worth checking regularly.
How to Grade Your 1987-P Half Dollar at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough sense of your coin’s condition. Start by looking at the high points of the design — Kennedy’s cheekbone, hair, and the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. These areas wear down first.
If those details look sharp and the coin has a natural luster or shine, you’re likely looking at an uncirculated or near-uncirculated coin. If the design looks flat, dull, or scratched, it’s probably circulated and closer to face value.
Lighting matters a lot. Try tilting the coin under a single light source and look for “cartwheel” luster — a rotating shine that sweeps across the surface. That’s a sign of an uncirculated coin.
CoinHix offers an easy grading reference tool right in the app, letting you compare your coin’s details against professional photos to get a rough grade estimate in seconds.
Are Any 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollars Rare or Valuable?
Most 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollars are common and not considered rare. However, there are a few exceptions worth knowing about.
Error coins — such as those with doubled dies, off-center strikes, or missing details — can be significantly more valuable than normal examples. If something about your coin looks “off” or unusual, that’s actually a good sign. Coins with striking errors sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars depending on the type and severity of the error.
Coins certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC in very high grades (MS-67 or above) can also command strong premiums. A 1987-P graded MS-67 has sold for over $100 at major coin auctions.
You can find a thorough breakdown of 1987 half dollar values across different grades and varieties to see how your coin stacks up.
Should You Clean or Sell Your Coin?
Here’s a tip that could save you money: do not clean your coin. Even light cleaning removes the original surface and dramatically reduces value in the eyes of collectors and graders. A naturally toned, uncleaned coin is almost always worth more than a polished one.
If you think you have a high-grade example or a possible error coin, consider getting it professionally authenticated before selling. Services like PCGS or NGC will grade and certify your coin for a small fee, which can increase buyer confidence and selling price.
For everyday sorting and identification, CoinHix is a great starting point — just snap a photo and let the app do the heavy lifting before you decide whether to sell or hold.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
A: No. Kennedy Half Dollars minted from 1971 onward are made of a copper-nickel clad composition, not silver. Only 1964 issues were 90% silver, and 1965–1970 issues were 40% silver.
Q: Where can I sell my 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar?
A: You can sell on platforms like eBay, at local coin shops, or through coin shows. If it’s a higher-grade or error coin, an auction house specializing in numismatics might get you the best price.
Q: What makes a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar worth more than face value?
A: The key factors are condition (grade), any minting errors, and whether it’s been certified by a professional grading service. Coins in MS-65 or higher grades and error coins tend to bring the most interest from collectors.
