1981 San Francisco Mint (S) Kennedy Half Dollar Type 2 Proof Coin PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) PCGS Blue Label

The 1981-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar Type 2 is a premium modern U.S. proof issue featuring exceptional detail, deep cameo contrast, and a highly collectible mintmark variety. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin represents the refined craftsmanship of late-era Kennedy Half Dollar proof production.

Kennedy Half Dollar Proof Design

The obverse displays the iconic portrait of President John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts, with frosted devices set against deeply mirrored proof fields. The reverse features the Presidential Coat of Arms, complete with heraldic eagle, shield, and olive branch, sharply rendered with strong contrast typical of high-quality proof strikes.

Type 2 Mintmark Variety

This coin is the Type 2 variety, distinguished by its crisp, open, and well-defined “S” mintmark. During 1981 proof production, the San Francisco Mint revised the mintmark punch. Earlier dies produced the softer, more filled or rounded Type 1 mintmark, while later dies—used for this coin—created the sharper and more refined Type 2 mintmark. Because of its visual clarity and limited use, the Type 2 variety is the more desirable option among collectors.

PCGS Certified PR70 Deep Cameo

This example has been certified by PCGS and awarded the top grade of PR70 DCAM, indicating a flawless proof coin with no post-production imperfections under magnification. The Deep Cameo designation confirms strong contrast between mirrored fields and frosted devices. Encapsulated in an official PCGS holder, this coin offers maximum protection, eye appeal, and long-term collectibility.

Final-Era Proof Issue

The 1981-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar had a total proof mintage of 4,063,083 coins. As part of the early-1980s proof issues and featuring the scarcer Type 2 mintmark, certified examples in perfect PR70 condition are highly sought after by modern U.S. coin collectors.

Product Specifications

• Year: 1981
• Denomination: Half Dollar (50¢)
• Series: Kennedy Half Dollar
• Mint: San Francisco (S Mintmark)
• Strike Type: Proof
• Variety: Type 2 Mintmark
• Mintage: 4,063,083 (Total Proof Issues)
• Grade: PR70 DCAM
• Certification: PCGS
• Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad
• Packaging: PCGS Certified Holder