Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1973 Kennedy half dollar

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Expert: - 4/7/2010


Question
Dear Ronald,
I'm 11 and have been collecting for about two years. The best protection i can give my coins is a coin book. I,ve recently found a Kennedy half dollar D mint with minor abrasions and some hairline scracthes. It has medium luster. What would it be worth?

Thankyou

Answer
Hi Jonathan:

Thank you for the opportunity to answer your question.

Your coin is clad, and has no added melt value. As far as value, it would depend on the date, condition of the coin and mint mark. A recent issue of "Coin Values" magazine shows a 1973D Kennedy Half to be worth approximately $2.00 to an interested collector in MS60 condition.

Check ebay listing under US coins in the half dollar category to see if coins like yours are listed.

For date and specs. see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/Kennedy_Head_Half_Dollar.html

Values and mintages: http://coinauctionshelp.com/Kennedy_Half_Dollar_Mintages_Price_Guide.html

If you live close to a coin shop, they should offer you an opinion as to grade and value at no charge. Remember, should you choose to sell your coin, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Remember to check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.  

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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