The 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar is worth anywhere from 50 cents in heavily worn condition to over $20 or more in pristine mint state — and a few rare high-grade examples have sold for significantly higher at auction. If you found one of these coins in a drawer, old coin jar, or inherited collection, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Is the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar?
The Kennedy Half Dollar has been minted since 1964, created to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in November 1963. The “P” in 1987-P tells you this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, one of two facilities producing half dollars that year (the other being Denver, which used a “D” mint mark).
By 1987, Kennedy Half Dollars were no longer commonly used in everyday commerce. The U.S. Mint had shifted production to collector sets, meaning most 1987-P half dollars ended up in mint sets rather than pocket change. This is actually good news for collectors — many examples were saved in better-than-average condition.
If you want to quickly identify and value coins like this one at home, a coin identifier and value app can be a huge help, letting you scan your coin and get an instant estimate without needing to visit a coin dealer.
How Much Is a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar Worth?
The value of your 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar depends almost entirely on its condition, also called “grade” in the coin world. A coin that looks nearly perfect is worth far more than one that’s scratched or worn smooth.
For circulated coins — ones that went through daily use — the value is usually close to face value (50 cents) or just slightly above it. These coins don’t carry much of a premium in average circulated grades.
Uncirculated coins, especially those graded MS-65 or higher by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, are where the real value starts to show up. You can check detailed 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar price data by grade to see exactly how values break down across the grading scale.
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) – Heavy wear | $0.50 (face value) |
| Fine (F-12) – Moderate wear | $0.75 – $1.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| MS-60 – Uncirculated (low end) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| MS-63 – Choice Uncirculated | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| MS-65 – Gem Uncirculated | $12.00 – $20.00 |
| MS-67 – Superb Gem (rare) | $50.00 – $150.00+ |
Key Facts About the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1987-P had a mintage of approximately 2,890,758 coins — a relatively low number compared to earlier decades of Kennedy Half Dollar production. Lower mintage doesn’t automatically mean high value, but it does mean finding a high-grade example is more meaningful to serious collectors.
The coin is composed of a clad sandwich — 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel on the outer layers — so there’s no silver content to factor into value. Silver Kennedy Half Dollars were only made from 1964 to 1970, so your 1987-P is a clad coin.
The obverse shows Gilroy Roberts’ portrait of Kennedy, while the reverse features Frank Gasparro’s rendition of the Presidential Seal with an eagle at center. The design remains one of the most recognized in American coinage.
Should You Get It Graded or Sell It?
If your 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar looks like it was never used — no scratches, bright luster, sharp details — it might be worth submitting to a professional grading service. A coin graded MS-66 or MS-67 could fetch a solid premium from Kennedy Half Dollar collectors.
For most people, though, the coins they find are circulated or low-end uncirculated examples, worth a dollar or two at most. Honest advice: don’t spend $30–$50 on professional grading for a coin likely worth $5.
To get a realistic sense of what your specific coin is worth before making any decisions, check out the 1987 half dollar value breakdown by condition — it’s a quick way to match your coin’s appearance to real market pricing.
You can also use CoinHix to look up current auction prices and recent sales for Kennedy Half Dollars graded at every level. CoinHix is especially useful if you have multiple coins to evaluate and want a reliable, up-to-date market reference in one place.
Where to Sell a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar
If you decide to sell, your options include local coin dealers, online platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions, or coin shows. For a common date like the 1987-P in average condition, eBay is often your best bet since you can reach collectors directly.
For higher-grade examples (MS-65 and above), consider submitting to PCGS or NGC first, then listing with a reputable auction house. Graded and slabbed coins tend to sell for more because buyers trust the certified grade.
CoinHix can help you compare recent sold prices so you set a realistic asking price, whether you’re listing one coin or cleaning out an entire collection.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar made of silver?
A: No. Silver was removed from Kennedy Half Dollars after 1970. The 1987-P is a clad coin made of copper and nickel, so its value comes from collector demand, not metal content.
Q: How do I know if my 1987-P is worth getting professionally graded?
A: If your coin shows strong original luster, no visible scratches or bag marks, and sharp detail under a magnifier, it may grade MS-65 or higher. At that point, grading could be worthwhile. Coins that look dull or worn are generally not worth the grading fee.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1987-P Kennedy Half Dollar?
A: The “P” mint mark is located on the obverse (heads side) of the coin, just below Kennedy’s portrait near the base of his neck. A “D” in that same spot would indicate the Denver Mint version.