Are you interested in expanding your coin collection with 2021 half dollar errors? This could be a wise choice. Kennedy half dollars are highly sought after, and collectors are often willing to pay significant amounts for special editions, particularly those with errors.
However, it’s important to note that errors in the 2021 half dollar series are relatively scarce. If you’re fortunate enough to discover a 2021 half dollar error, it could potentially become a valuable asset in the future.
The Kennedy half dollar holds a unique place in modern U.S. coinage history, being one of the most hoarded coins. President John F. Kennedy’s popularity led many people to keep these coins as mementos rather than use them in everyday transactions.
This widespread hoarding over multiple years has resulted in a shortage of circulating Kennedy half dollars. In fact, the U.S. Mint suspended production of circulating half dollars in 2001, only resuming distribution in 2021. During this two-decade hiatus, the Mint exclusively produced proof sets for collectors.
In this article, we’ll explore some valuable varieties of 2021 half dollar errors that you might consider adding to your collection. Let’s dive in!
1. 2021-P JFK Half Dollar Missing Clad Layer Error
One of the most intriguing errors, and a favorite among collectors, is the missing clad layer. This error occurs during the minting process when the outer layer of copper or nickel fails to properly adhere to the copper core, resulting in the outer layer peeling away.
As a consequence of this error, one side of the coin will be copper-colored while the other side will be nickel-colored. This particular error is relatively common in the 2021 half dollar series. Collectors may be willing to pay up to $150 for a 2021 half dollar exhibiting this missing clad layer error.
If you happen to come across such an error coin, you could potentially sell it for a substantial profit.
2. 2021-P Kennedy Half Dollar Rotated Reverse Error
During the minting process, there are instances where the anvil or hammer die can become misaligned, resulting in what’s known as a rotated die error. In the case of a rotated reverse die error, the design on the reverse side is misaligned relative to the obverse side. The opposite scenario would be true for an obverse rotated error.
Reputable professional grading companies, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), typically only acknowledge a rotated die mint error if the degree of rotation is 15 degrees or more.
While rotated die errors are more commonly found in older coins, discovering such an error in a modern coin like the 2021-P Kennedy half dollar is indeed a rare and exciting find.
In this specific example of a 2021-P half dollar with a rotated reverse error, the bald eagle design is rotated 30 degrees relative to the obverse side. This rare and intriguing 2021 Kennedy half dollar error can be acquired for up to $192.
3. 2021-P Kennedy Half Dollar Doubled Die Obverse Error
The doubled die error is one of the more common minting errors. It’s quite possible that you may already own a coin with a doubled die error, which could be worth more than its face value depending on the coin’s condition.
As the name suggests, a doubled die error occurs when there is visible doubling of the inscriptions or designs on either side of the coin. This doubling can happen for various reasons, with the most common being the planchet shifting in the collar or the die bouncing during the striking process.
This results in the die striking the planchet at slightly different angles, causing the second strike to overlap the first one, and so on. The doubled die error can appear on either the obverse or reverse side of the coin.
This particular 2021-P Kennedy half dollar exhibits an obverse doubled die error. Doubling can be observed on the word “LIBERTY” and the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST”. A closer inspection also reveals doubling on the year date and around Kennedy’s nose.
This 2021-P half dollar with a doubled die obverse error is valued at $40.
4. 2021-D Half Dollar Die Chip Error
A die chip error occurs when a small piece of the striking die chips or breaks away, leaving a small hole in the die’s face. During the striking process, this hole fills with metal from the coin, causing the die to leave a raised blob of metal on the coin’s surface. This is known as a die chip minting error.
This particular 2021-D half dollar displays several die chip errors. There is a raised blob of metal on the number 1 in the year date, 2021, which appears like a serif. Another die chip error can be seen on Kennedy’s eye, giving him what collectors refer to as ‘snake eyes’.
A 2021-D half dollar featuring a die chip error is valued at $29.
5. 2021-P Kennedy Half Dollar T Touching Rim and Ring Inside Rim
During the minting process, excessive pressure can sometimes be applied to the planchet. This can result in an unusually thin planchet and the formation of a distinct ring inside the coin’s rim. Additionally, a misaligned die may cause certain letters to be struck too close to the rim, creating an unusual yet intriguing coin error.
On this particular 2021-P Kennedy half dollar, the letter T in “Liberty” stands out more prominently than the other letters and makes contact with the rim. Furthermore, an inner ring is visible inside the rim, likely due to the application of excessive pressure during the minting process.
This circulated 2021-P half dollar featuring both a letter and rim error is valued at $65.
6. 2021-P Kennedy Half Dollar Small Collar Die Break
A collar die break error occurs when the collar, which holds the planchet in place during minting, experiences a break or chip. This breakage can be attributed to the immense pressure exerted by the die during the minting process.
When the collar breaks, a portion of the coin may be missing or deformed, resulting in what’s known as a collar die break error. This type of error is particularly fascinating to collectors and can be quite valuable depending on the extent of the breakage. Generally, more severe breaks tend to increase the coin’s value.
This specific 2021-P half dollar exhibits a small collar die break error, visible as a cut along the right curve of the rim. A small section appears to have broken away.
In circulated condition, this coin is valued at $40.
7. 2021-D Half Dollar Grease Error
If you examine a coin and notice some form of smudging on the design, inscription, or in the background behind the images, it’s likely a grease error. These errors are relatively common across various years, including the 2021 Kennedy half dollars.
A grease error occurs when a film of grease is present on either the planchet or die during the minting process. When the die strikes the planchet, it leaves an impression of the smudged grease, resulting in a blurry portion on the coin.
On this particular 2021-D half dollar, you can observe the impression of splattered or smudged grease in the background, resembling an explosion around Kennedy’s head and neck.
A 2021-D half dollar featuring a grease error is typically valued at around $95.
8. 2021- D Kennedy Half Dollar Strike Through Error (MS65)
A strike-through error happens when a foreign object interferes between the striking die and the planchet. Upon striking, this foreign object leaves its impression on the coin’s surface. During the minting process, various materials such as dust, debris, wood specks, or even grease can intrude and become trapped between the dies.
On this 2021-D half dollar, the strike-through error is prominently visible on Kennedy’s cheek, neck, and the back of his head. This particular strike-through error coin is also uncirculated and has been graded MS65 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company. Its gem-quality status, combined with the extensive struck-through error on the obverse, enhances its value.
This 2021-D half dollar with a struck-through error is valued at $65.
9. 2021-D Kennedy Half Dollar Obverse Die Crack Error
Die cracks are among the most common errors found on Kennedy half-dollar coins. Occasionally, the immense pressure of striking can cause the die to develop a crack on its surface. This crack can then be transferred to the planchet’s surface, resulting in a coin bearing an impression of the die crack.
Due to their frequency, die crack errors may not command high prices, but they remain an interesting addition to any collection.
This specific 2021-D Kennedy half dollar features a prominent crack extending from between the letters L and I, across Kennedy’s face, to the letter Y in “LIBERTY”.
This circulated error coin is valued at $10.
Final Thoughts
Since its introduction in 1964, the Kennedy half dollar has been a favorite among coin collectors. Half dollars are some of the most hoarded coins in U.S. coinage history, with collectors valuing their sentimental and historical significance. Many are willing to pay substantial amounts for notable Kennedy half-dollar varieties.
Collecting half dollar errors can significantly enhance the value of your numismatic portfolio. The key is to identify which errors are worth investing in. This comprehensive list of 2021 half dollar errors can serve as a valuable guide in your journey to collect modern Kennedy half dollars that hold monetary value beyond their face value.