The 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar is worth between $0.50 and $15 in typical circulated or uncirculated condition, but high-grade mint state examples graded MS67 or above can sell for $100 or more at auction. If you’ve got one sitting in a drawer or inherited a coin collection, this guide will help you figure out exactly what you have.
What Makes the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar Special
The 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and is part of the long-running Kennedy Half Dollar series that began in 1964 following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The “P” mint mark, which appears on the obverse just below Kennedy’s portrait, indicates Philadelphia production.
One thing that makes the 1987-P stand out from earlier Kennedy halves is its composition. Like all Kennedy Half Dollars produced after 1970, this coin is made of copper-nickel clad — not silver. So don’t expect a silver melt value here. However, the 1987-P was not released into general circulation in large quantities. In fact, the U.S. Mint primarily sold these coins directly to collectors through mint sets, which means many surviving examples are in decent condition.
If you’re not sure whether what you have is a 1987-P or a different year, using the best coin identifier app can help you quickly confirm the date, mint mark, and coin type from a simple photo scan.
That convenience makes a big difference for everyday collectors who don’t have a magnifying loupe handy.
1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar Value by Grade
Coin value is almost entirely driven by grade — the better the condition, the higher the price. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect for a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar across different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G–VF) | Worn, visible details | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| AU (About Uncirculated) | Light wear on high points | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| MS60–MS63 | Uncirculated, minor marks | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| MS64–MS65 | Choice uncirculated | $6.00 – $15.00 |
| MS66–MS67 | Gem uncirculated | $20.00 – $100+ |
| MS68 and above | Superb gem, rare | $500+ |
For the most current auction results and graded coin sales, you can check out real-time 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar price data by grade to see what buyers are actually paying right now.
How Condition and Eye Appeal Affect Price
If you look at your 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar and it appears bright, untouched, and free of heavy scratches or bag marks, you could be sitting on a coin worth several times its face value. Collectors and grading services like PCGS and NGC pay close attention to luster, strike sharpness, and surface preservation.
The 1987-P had a mintage of approximately 2,890,758 coins, which sounds like a lot — but because most were sold through mint sets rather than spent in circulation, finding a truly pristine example is trickier than you’d think. Coins that spent time rattling around in a mint set bag may have contact marks that limit their grade.
Want a quick estimate without sending your coin to a grading service? CoinHix lets you look up detailed price data by year, mint mark, and grade all in one place. It’s a go-to tool for hobbyists who want fast, accurate numbers without the guesswork.
Should You Get Your 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar Graded?
For most 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollars in average mint set condition, professional grading may not be cost-effective. PCGS or NGC grading fees typically start around $20–$30 per coin, which can exceed the coin’s market value unless you believe yours grades MS66 or higher.
However, if your coin looks absolutely stunning — no visible marks, sharp strike, brilliant luster — it might be worth the investment. An MS67 example recently sold for over $80 at a major auction, and MS68 pieces are genuinely rare, with some trading for several hundred dollars.
You can get a preliminary sense of your coin’s grade potential using CoinHix, which offers side-by-side comparisons of graded coin photos so you can see how your piece stacks up before committing to a submission fee.
For a broader overview of what different years and conditions are selling for, this resource covering the full 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar value across grades and mint marks is a helpful starting point.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
A: No. The 1987-P is made of copper-nickel clad. Kennedy Half Dollars stopped being made with silver after 1970, so this coin has no silver melt value. Its worth comes entirely from collector demand and condition.
Q: How do I find the mint mark on a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar?
A: Flip the coin to the obverse (heads side) and look just below Kennedy’s portrait near his neck. The small “P” indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. If you see a “D,” it’s a Denver Mint coin, which has slightly different value characteristics.
Q: Where can I sell a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar?
A: Options include eBay, local coin dealers, coin shows, and online auction platforms like Heritage Auctions or Great Collections. For a quick price check before selling, CoinHix is a great free resource that shows recent sale prices so you know what your coin is actually worth on the open market.
