Where to Get the Best Price for 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar – DDO: eBay or Coin Shows?

The venue you choose to sell your item can drastically affect your net profit. Let’s compare the modern digital marketplace to the bustling bourse floors of a traditional coin show.

As an online coin dealer with over two decades of experience buying and selling Kennedy half dollars — including the ever-popular 1972 doubled die obverse varieties — I can tell you firsthand that where you sell is just as important as what you’re selling. A forum thread I recently came across perfectly illustrates this point. A collector posted images of a 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar, asking whether their coin was a DDO (Doubled Die Obverse). The responses were mixed — some said die clash, others said die erosion, and the consensus was ultimately that it was not a genuine doubled die variety. But here’s the real question that nobody asked: If it had been a real 1972 DDO, where should this collector go to get the best price? That’s exactly what we’re exploring today.

Understanding What You Actually Have Before You Sell

Before we compare eBay to coin shows, let’s address the elephant in the room — the coin itself. The 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the most commonly submitted coins for variety verification, and for good reason. There is only one officially recognized DDO variety for the date: FS-101. You can find the full diagnostic details at Variety Vista, which remains the definitive reference for Kennedy half dollar die varieties.

Here’s what distinguishes a genuine 1972 DDO FS-101 from other anomalies:

• Shelf-like doubling: True doubled die obverse doubling appears as a distinct, shelf-like separation between the original design element and the doubled image. It should be visible on the lettering, particularly in “LIBERTY” and the date.
• Consistent across multiple design elements: On a genuine FS-101, you’ll see doubling on the right side of Kennedy’s neck, the lettering, and other obverse features — not just one isolated area.
• Not flat or mushy: As one experienced forum member pointed out, the lettering on a true DDO is not flat. Die erosion or die deterioration doubling (which is far more common) tends to appear as a flat, spread-out, or “smeared” look rather than a sharp, shelf-like secondary image.
• Height of doubling: On a genuine doubled die, the doubling is about as high as the non-doubled part of the design element — it’s a full secondary image, not just a slight spread at the base of the letters.

In the forum thread, the original poster described seeing shelf-like doubling on the right side of the neck but not on the left side (the lips). That inconsistency is a red flag. A genuine FS-101 would show doubling across multiple design elements in a consistent manner. The consensus from experienced collectors was clear: this was not a doubled die obverse. It was likely die erosion or a die clash — both of which carry little to no premium over face value.

Actionable takeaway: Before you even think about selling, get your coin properly identified. Submit high-quality images of the entire obverse and reverse to a trusted variety specialist or reference the official FS-101 diagnostics. Selling a coin under the wrong variety name — whether on eBay or at a coin show — will cost you credibility and potentially your sale.

The eBay Advantage: Reach, Reputation, and Real Numbers

Now, let’s talk about the two primary venues for selling numismatic items: eBay and coin shows. I’ve sold on both platforms extensively, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s start with eBay, since it’s where most new sellers gravitate first.

eBay Fees: The Hidden Cost of Convenience

eBay’s fee structure has changed significantly over the years, and it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying. As of my most recent experience:

• Final Value Fee: Approximately 13.25% for most collectible coin sales (this includes the eBay final value fee plus the payment processing fee through Managed Payments).
• Insertion fees: Generally waived for the first 250 listings per month, but additional listings beyond that incur a per-listing fee.
• Promoted listing fees: Optional, but if you choose to promote your listing, you’ll pay an additional percentage on top of the final value fee.
• Shipping costs: While not an eBay fee per se, you need to factor in the cost of secure, insured shipping — typically $5–$15 for a single coin, depending on value and insurance.

So, if you sell a genuine 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO FS-101 for $150 on eBay, you’re looking at roughly $20 in fees (13.25%) plus shipping costs. Your net is around $125–$130. That’s a significant haircut.

Building Online Reputation: Your Most Valuable Asset

Here’s where eBay truly shines: reputation. As an online dealer, I can tell you that your eBay feedback score and detailed seller ratings are worth their weight in gold — sometimes literally. A seller with 5,000+ positive feedback and a 100% rating can command a premium over a seller with 50 feedback and a 98% rating. Buyers trust established sellers, and they’re willing to pay more for the peace of mind that comes with a proven track record.

For a coin like the 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO, having a strong eBay reputation means:

• Buyers are more likely to bid aggressively, knowing you’ll ship promptly and accurately describe the coin.
• You can list at a higher starting price, confident that your reputation will attract serious bidders.
• You’re less likely to encounter returns or disputes, since your descriptions are trusted.

Actionable takeaway: If you plan to sell on eBay, invest time in building your feedback score. Start with lower-value items, describe everything accurately, ship quickly, and communicate proactively. Your reputation is a long-term asset that pays dividends on every future sale.

Liquidity on eBay: The 24/7 Global Marketplace

eBay never closes. While a coin show might run for three days, eBay is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means your listing is visible to collectors around the world at all times. For a niche item like a 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO, this global reach is invaluable. The right buyer might be in Tokyo, London, or Sydney — and they can find your listing at 3 AM on a Tuesday.

However, liquidity on eBay is also highly dependent on timing and presentation. A well-timed auction ending on a Sunday evening (when most collectors are browsing) with high-quality images and a clear, accurate description will outperform a poorly timed listing every time.

The Coin Show Experience: Face-to-Face, Fast Cash, and Dealer Dynamics

Now let’s flip the coin (pun intended) and talk about selling at coin shows. I’ve attended hundreds of coin shows over the years, and the experience is fundamentally different from eBay. Here’s what you need to know.

Coin Show Etiquette: What New Sellers Get Wrong

The first thing I’ll tell you is that coin show etiquette matters — a lot. Walking up to a dealer’s table and immediately asking “What will you give me for this?” is a surefire way to get a lowball offer. Here’s how to approach selling at a coin show the right way:

1. Do your homework first. Know what your coin is worth before you approach any dealer. For a 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO FS-101, check recent eBay sold listings, PCGS Price Guide values, and Heritage Auctions archives.
2. Be respectful of the dealer’s time. Coin shows are busy. Dealers are there to buy and sell, not to educate. If you’re not sure what you have, get it identified before you bring it to the show.
3. Don’t haggle aggressively. Dealers need to make a margin. If a dealer offers you 60% of retail, that’s actually a fair offer — they need to resell at a profit. Expecting 90% of retail at a coin show is unrealistic.
4. Bring your coins in proper holders. A coin in a 2×2 flip with the variety clearly labeled is far more appealing than a coin loose in your pocket.
5. Be prepared to walk away. If the offer isn’t right, thank the dealer and move on. There are usually multiple dealers at any given show, and competition works in your favor.

Dealer Buy Prices: The Reality Check

Here’s the hard truth about selling to dealers at coin shows: you will not get retail. Dealers need to buy at a discount so they can resell at a profit. For a 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO FS-101 in, say, MS-63 condition, the PCGS Price Guide might list it at $150. A dealer at a coin show will likely offer you somewhere between $80 and $110 — roughly 55–75% of retail.

That’s a significant difference from what you might net on eBay after fees. But here’s the trade-off: you get paid immediately. No waiting for an auction to end, no shipping hassles, no buyer disputes, no eBay fees eating into your profit. Cash in hand, walk away, done.

For many sellers — especially those who need quick liquidity or who don’t want the hassle of online selling — this trade-off is well worth it.

The Liquidity Question: How Fast Can You Sell?

At a coin show, liquidity is immediate but limited. You’re selling to a finite number of dealers, each with their own inventory needs and budget constraints. If a dealer already has three 1972 DDOs in stock, they’re not going to offer you top dollar for a fourth — or they might not buy it at all.

On eBay, liquidity is potentially unlimited but uncertain. Your listing might sell in minutes, or it might take weeks. The global buyer pool is vast, but you’re competing with every other seller listing the same coin.

Actionable takeaway: If you need cash now, a coin show is your best bet. If you can wait and want to maximize your return, eBay (or a major auction house) is the better choice.

Head-to-Head: eBay vs. Coin Shows for the 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO

Let’s put it all together with a direct comparison. Assume you have a genuine 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO FS-101 in MS-63 condition, with a PCGS Price Guide value of $150.

As you can see, eBay generally offers a higher net return, but with more effort, more risk, and a longer timeline. Coin shows offer immediate liquidity with minimal effort, but at a lower price.

My Recommendation: A Hybrid Approach

After years of selling on both platforms, here’s my advice: use both. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Start with eBay for high-value, easily identifiable varieties. If you have a genuine 1972 DDO FS-101 that’s been certified by PCGS or NGC, list it on eBay. The global buyer pool and competitive bidding will likely net you the best price.
2. Use coin shows for quick sales and relationship building. Even if the price is lower, selling at coin shows helps you build relationships with dealers. Those relationships can pay off down the road — dealers who know and trust you will give you better offers and may even call you when they have a buyer looking for exactly what you have.
3. Always get a second opinion. Before listing on eBay, show your coin to a trusted dealer at a coin show. They can give you a realistic assessment of value and help you set a reasonable starting price or reserve.
4. Consider consignment for premium coins. If you have a high-grade 1972 DDO (MS-65 or above), consider consigning to a major auction house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. The exposure and expertise of a major auction can often exceed what eBay or a coin show can deliver.

The Bottom Line: Know Your Coin, Know Your Market

The forum thread that inspired this article is a perfect example of why education matters. The original poster thought they might have a valuable doubled die obverse, but the experienced collectors quickly identified it as something far less valuable — die erosion or a die clash. Had they rushed to list it on eBay as a “1972 DDO” without proper identification, they would have faced returns, negative feedback, and potentially even eBay policy violations for misidentification.

Whether you sell on eBay or at a coin show, the fundamentals are the same:

• Know what you have. Get it properly identified and, if valuable, certified by a reputable grading service.
• Know what it’s worth. Check multiple price guides, recent auction results, and dealer buy sheets.
• Know your buyer. eBay buyers are often collectors looking for specific coins to fill sets. Coin show dealers are looking for inventory they can resell at a profit. Tailor your approach accordingly.
• Know your timeline. If you need cash now, take the dealer offer. If you can wait, list on eBay or consign to an auction.

The 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar DDO FS-101 is a genuinely scarce and desirable variety. In today’s market, certified examples in MS-63 can bring $100–$175, while gem examples (MS-65 and above) can command $500 or more. But — and this cannot be overstated — only if it’s the real thing. The difference between a genuine FS-101 and a common die erosion variety is the difference between a payday and a pocketful of 50-cent pieces.

So before you list, before you walk up to a dealer’s table — do your homework. Your net profit depends on it.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Spotting the Difference: Proof vs. Business Strike 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar – DDO or Die Deterioration? – Sometimes a proof coin looks like a business strike. Sometimes a business strike pretends to be a proof. As someone who …
• Mint Error or Damaged? Decoding the Surface of 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar – DDO – Is that a rare lamination flaw, or did someone just scratch it with a screwdriver? Let’s break down how to tell th…
• Advanced Identification: Discovering Rare Die Marriages for the 1972 Kennedy Half Dollar — DDO, Die Clash, and Micro-Variety Attribution – For the advanced collector, identifying the exact pair of dies used to strike a coin is the ultimate thrill. When a foru…