A 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar with a missing “FG” is making waves among coin collectors. These rare error coins, missing the designer’s initials, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some are still out there in circulation, waiting to be found in your pocket change or bank rolls. With a bit of know-how, you could spot one of these valuable coins. Here’s what you need to know about the 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar No FG error and how to find one.
What Is the No FG Error?
The “FG” initials belong to Frank Gasparro, who designed the reverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar. They’re usually found on the back, just below the eagle’s left leg (right side to the viewer) and above the tail feathers. The No FG error happens when these initials are missing, likely because the mint polished the die too much to fix damage, accidentally removing the letters. This error is rare on 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars, making them a hot item for collectors.
- Look for no “FG” initials under the eagle’s left leg.
- Use a magnifying glass (5x or 10x) to confirm no trace of the letters.
- Check for weak details in the eagle’s feathers or nearby stars.
- Avoid coins with scratches or marks near the FG spot, as they might be altered.
Why Are These Coins Valuable?
The No FG error is scarce, especially on 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars, because the mint didn’t produce many with this flaw. In 2024, a 1971-D No FG in mint condition sold for $1,200 at auction, and prices can climb higher for top-grade coins. Collectors love these errors for their rarity and the challenge of finding them. The 1971 coins, made of copper-nickel instead of silver, are common in circulation, but the No FG variety stands out as a treasure.
| Coin Details | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1971-D No FG (Uncirculated) | $500–$1,500 |
| 1971-D No FG (Circulated) | $50–$300 |
| 1971 No Mint Mark No FG | $100–$800 |
How to Find a No FG Kennedy Half Dollar
You don’t need to be a coin expert to hunt for this error. Start by checking any Kennedy Half Dollars from 1971 in your change, coin jars, or bank rolls. Flip the coin to the reverse and look below the eagle’s left leg for the “FG” initials. If they’re missing, use a 5x or 10x magnifying glass to ensure no faint trace remains. True No FG coins show no initials at all and often have weaker details in the eagle’s feathers or nearby stars. If you think you’ve got one, take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Stories of Lucky Discoveries
People have found No FG Kennedy Half Dollars in surprising places. In 2023, a collector in Florida found a 1971-D No FG in a bank roll, later selling it for $600. Another was spotted in a convenience store’s change in Michigan, fetching $250 after grading. These finds have sparked excitement, with more folks searching their half dollars. Coin shops report a rise in customers bringing in 1971 coins to check for the error, fueled by recent auction buzz.
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar with no FG, handle it carefully—don’t clean it, as that can lower its value. Store it in a soft cloth or coin holder to prevent scratches. Get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC to confirm the error and boost its market value. You can sell through coin dealers, online platforms like eBay, or at coin shows. Prices range from $50 for circulated coins to over $1,500 for uncirculated ones, depending on condition. With millions of 1971 half dollars out there, your next coin could be a jackpot!