1985 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

Are you curious about the 1985 half dollar value? Is this Kennedy half worth collecting? Kennedy half dollars are special in their own way—they are packed with a historical and sentimental significance few United States coins can match.

The 1985 half dollar might not be a key date, but it is important if you want to build a complete Kennedy half dollar set. Circulated survivors are well-struck, and Mint State examples are not only appealing to the eye but affordable enough to add to your collection.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about collecting the 1985 Kennedy half dollar. We’ll take you through the coin’s history, explore its features, and reveal tips to help you grade your coin like a pro. You will also discover minting errors that can be worth a small fortune.

Let’s get started! Just how much is a 1985 half dollar worth?

Content Run-Down Toggle 1985 Half Dollar Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1985-P Half Dollar Value	$0.60	$0.60	$0.60	$1,900
1985-D Half Dollar Value	$0.60	$0.60	$0.60	$1,700
1985-S Proof Half Dollar Value	–	–	–	$30

 

 

History of the 1985 Half Dollar

The 1985 half dollar is part of the Kennedy Half Dollar series, struck by the United States Mint from 1964 to the present. Hours after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Mint Director Eva Adams consulted with Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts about the possibility of creating a new coin to commemorate the slain president.

Consideration was given to depicting his portrait on the silver dollar, half dollar, or quarter dollar, but Mrs. Kennedy preferred that his portrait be displayed on the half dollar, which would effectively replace Benjamin Franklin’s portrait.

As there was little time to create new designs, Gilroy Roberts and his assistant, Frank Gasparro, modified the design of Kennedy’s medal, which they had created for the Presidential Series. Roberts had designed the obverse side of the medal, while Gasparro designed the reverse. After the modifications, Mrs. Kennedy viewed and approved them, requesting only slight changes to her husband’s hair.

 Changes to any coin design before the 25^th year mark required Congressional approval, so a bill approving a new Kennedy half dollar coin was introduced in Congress and was subsequently passed on December 30, 196. Proof coins were struck first at the San Francisco Mint, after which production of circulation strike half dollars began at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints by January 30, 1964.

By 1985, the Kennedy half dollar had undergone several changes. For one, the Mint had eliminated all silver from the coin, which was now struck in a copper-nickel clad. Faced with high silver prices and extensive hoarding of these coins, the Mint changed the half-dollar’s metal composition.

Both the Philadelphia and Denver mints produced millions of Kennedy halves in 1985. Although not considered a key date, Mint State and Gem examples of the 1985 half dollar can command high prices and may be an excellent addition to any Kennedy Half Dollar collection.

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars Worth Money

 

Features of the 1985 Half Dollar

Next, we’ll explore the standout features of the 1985 half dollar. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can better grade your coins and identify Kennedy halves worth good money.

Here’s what to look out for:

Obverse of the 1985 Half Dollar

The obverse shows Kennedy’s “left-facing” portrait in which he wears a subtle smile. The word LIBERTY is inscribed in an arch at the top, while the date is shown at the bottom along the rim.

The national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, cuts across the truncation of Kennedy’s profile while the mintmark “P” or “D” is wedged between 9 and 8 in the date.

Reverse of the 1985 Half Dollar

The reverse displays a more detailed design, which shows the heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest. In its left talon, the eagle holds an olive branch and arrows in its right, symbolizing peace and victory, respectively.

The eagle also clenches a flag in its beak with the Latin phrase, E PLURIBUS UNUM, which translates to “Out of Many, One.”

Sun rays, crowned by billows of cloud, emerge from behind the eagle’s portrait, perhaps symbolic of hope amid hardship. The heraldic eagle’s entire image is encircled by stars, representing the United States.

The words, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, are etched in an arch at the top while the denomination, HALF DOLLAR, is shown at the bottom. The two inscriptions are separated by periods, one on the left and the other on the right.

Other Features of the 1985 Half Dollar

Other notable features of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar include:

• Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
• Weight: 11.30 grams
• Edge: 150 reeds
• Metal Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper core

Also read: 13 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money

 

1985 Half Dollar Value Guides

So, how much is a 1985 half dollar? The value depends on the coin’s condition, mintmark, mintage, and rarity.

There are three types of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar:

• 1985-P Half Dollar
• 1985-D Half Dollar
• 1985-Proof Half Dollar

Let’s find out how much each is worth:

1985-P Half Dollar Value

About 18,706,96 half dollars with the mintmark “P” were minted at the Philadelphia Mint in 1985. This is one of the highest mintages in the series, which can be attributed to the Mint’s efforts to boost the coin’s circulation in the face of extensive hoarding.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

• Circulated Examples: With close to 19 million half dollars minted, circulated examples are plentiful, affordable, and accessible to any collector. Most survivors are still in good condition and boast a strong strike. Prices start at $0.60 for half dollars graded Good (G) to $0.75 for pieces graded About Uncirculated (AU58).
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are equally abundant up to MS66, after which the population dwindles. At grade MS60, expect your half dollar to fetch about $1 and up to $6 for one graded MS63. Prices increase significantly to about $22.50 for MS65 examples and as much as $150 for Gems graded MS67, while an MS68 will fetch up to $1,900.
• Auction Record: In a record-shattering sale, Bowers & Merena auctioned an MS65 for an impressive $2,645, making this the most valuable 1985-P Kennedy half dollar to date.

1985-D Half Dollar Value

Next, we’ll look at the value of the 1985-D half dollar minted in Denver. The Mint there struck about 19,814,034 half dollars, an equally high mintage. Survivors are common across all grades, but the upside is that most are generally well struck, and Mint State examples boast a genuinely nice mint luster.

Here’s how much you can expect from your 1985-D half dollar:

• Circulated Examples: These are abundant across all grades, including About Uncirculated examples. A piece graded Good (G) will sell for as much as $0.60, as will an Extremely Fine (XF) example. Prices increase slightly at About Uncirculated (AU58), with examples fetching up to $0.75.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated half dollars are equally common and affordable in lower grades. An example graded MS60 will sell for about $1 while an MS62 will fetch at least $4, and an MS64 as much as $10. Prices increase significantly starting from grade MS65, where examples sell for at least $18 and up to $35 for an MS66. Gems graded MS67 are scarce to rare and will command higher prices. For example, you can expect at least $110 for an MS67 and as much as $1,700 for a specimen graded MS68.
• Auction Record: In 2023, a collector on eBay paid a whopping $3,250 for an MS68, a record-breaking sale.

1985-Proof Half Dollar Value

The San Francisco Mint produced only proof half dollars in 1985. That year, the Mint struck 3,362,662 Kennedy halves for collectors, making these special coins quite accessible.

Here’s what to expect:

• Regular Proofs: Regular proof half dollars are plentiful and are an easy addition to any collection. Even in higher grades, these coins are quite affordable for any collector. At MS60, examples sell for as much as $1.05 while an MS64 goes up to $3. Proof gems graded MS67 will fetch as much as $9.50 while those graded MS70 will command up to $30.
• Cameos: Like regular proofs, cameos are affordable and collectible across all grades. Expect as much as $5 for an MS65 and up to $15 for Gems graded MS68. At the highest end of the scale are MS70 specimens, which command as much as $50.
• Deep Cameos: Deep cameos are equally affordable, with examples graded MS60 selling for about $1.75 and as much as $8.50 for those graded MS65. An MS67 will fetch up to $18 while an MS70 will bring in at least $100.

Also read: 11 Most Valuable Half Dollars In Circulation

 

1985 Half Dollar Grading

Grading a 1985 half dollar is all about examining its condition, strike quality, luster, and wear. In particular, pay attention to high-contact points such as Kennedy’s hair and cheekbone on the obverse. Examine the inscription, LIBERTY, and the date, too. Smoothness, weakness, or flatness points to a lower grade, while sharp strands and well-defined details signal a higher grade.

Examine wear on the reverse, too, especially on the eagle’s wing and tail feathers, talons, and shield. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR may also show signs of wear in circulated coins.

Look out for mint luster, which will be evident on uncirculated half dollars. Lower-grade coins have lost their shine or will show dull spots on the surface.

Check out this video for more tips on how to grade your Kennedy halves.

 

Rare 1985 Half Dollar Errors List

The Kennedy half dollars from 1985 are generally well-struck. But a few minting errors can be found in this date.

Here are some worth collecting

1. 1985 Half Dollar Doubled-Die Error

A doubled die error is where the design elements or inscriptions on either side of the coin show some doubling or outline. This occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different positions. Doubling is often seen on the word LIBERTY, the date, and at the top of Kennedy’s hair, his nose, and chin. A collector on eBay paid $30 for a 1985 half dollar graded About Uncirculated (AU) with a doubled die error.

2. 1985 Half Dollar Off-Center Strike Error

An off-center strike happens due to a misalignment of the die and planchet, causing the die to strike slightly away from the planchet’s center. The design on the obverse or reverse might be shifted toward the coin’s edge. Generally, the more dramatic the off-center strike error, the higher the value. A collector paid an impressive $105 for an MS60 with a 20% off-center strike error.

3. 1985 Half Dollar Struck-Through Error

Another error in the 1985 half-dollar series is the struck-through, which occurs when a foreign object is struck between the die and planchet. Anything from a hair strand, a piece of cloth, a string, dust, or debris can enter the coining hub and leave its impression on the coin’s surface. Some struck-through errors are more eye-catching and valuable. Such an error can add $20-$50 more to the regular value of your 1985 half dollar.

 

Where to Sell Your 1985 Half Dollar?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQs

What is a 1985 50-cent piece worth?

The value of a 1985 half dollar varies depending on its condition and rarity. Circulated examples are common, and prices range from $0.60 to $1.75 depending on the grade. Mint State specimens are equally affordable, especially in lower grades, with prices starting from $1 to $1,900 for Gems.

What makes a 1985 half dollar rare?

The 1985 Kennedy half dollars were minted in high numbers, making these coins common across all grades. That said, Gems graded MS66 with original mint luster and perfect surfaces are rare in this date. Minting errors, such as off-center strikes, can make a 1985 half dollar rare and highly sought-after.

How do I know if my 1985 Kennedy half dollar is valuable?

Mint State and Gem examples are the most valuable of the 1985 half dollars. These pieces are scarce to rare and usually command higher prices than their circulated counterparts. Look for features such as mint luster, a smooth surface, and sharp, clear details, which point to an uncirculated Kennedy half.

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