Background
The “Kennedy” theme is the current design of the U.S. 50-cent coin. The U.S. Mint first issued this design in 1964, a year after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The obverse (heads) shows an image of Kennedy based on a portrait prepared for his presidential medal. The Presidential Seal appears on the reverse (tails).
The Mint made the first half dollar in 1794 of silver. The designs from 1794 to 1947 showed a woman symbolizing liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. 1947 was the last year that Liberty appeared on a U.S. circulating coin.
From 1916 to 1947, the Mint produced the “Walking Liberty” half dollar designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Weinman also designed the iconic Mercury dime. The obverse shows the figure of Liberty walking with her right arm extended and holding laurel and oak branches in her left. She’s draped in the folds of the American flag while the sun rises in the background. The reverse features an eagle with unfolded wings perched on a rock. A pine branch grows from the rock.
In 1948, an image of Benjamin Franklin replaced Liberty on the obverse of the half dollar. The reverse depicted the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was issued in 1964 and continues to today, except for a brief period in the 1970s. A temporary reverse featuring Independence Hall in Philadelphia appeared in 1975 and 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
In 1971, the Mint removed silver from the half dollar and the composition became copper-nickel clad.
Since 2002, half dollars have been minted primarily for annual coin sets and other numismatic products. However, the Federal Reserve may still order them for circulation.
Other Circulating Coins:
Penny | Nickel | Dime | Quarter
Characteristics
Obverse (heads): Shows a profile of President John F. Kennedy based on a portrait prepared for his presidential medal.
Reverse (tails): Depicts the Presidential Seal. It consists of a heraldic eagle with a shield holding an olive branch and a bundle of 13 arrows. The olive branch symbolizes peace and the arrows symbolize war. A ring of 50 stars to represent the states surrounds the design.
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- Year
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- HALF DOLLAR
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
| Composition | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Edge | No. of Reeds |
|---|
Cupro-Nickel 8.33% Ni Balance Cu | 11.340 g | 1.205 in. 30.61 mm | 2.15 mm | Reeded | 150 |
Artist Information
ObverseReverse Related Information
Content last reviewed March 29, 2024
FAQs
Since 2002, the Mint makes most half dollars for collecting. But if you're lucky, you may still find one in your change. In 1964, the Mint switched the half dollar design to honor President John F. Kennedy who died the year before.
What is a 1776 to 1976 half dollar worth? ›
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of May 2024, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1776-1976 S in circulated condition is worth between $3.90 and $4.40. However, on the open market 1776-1976 S SILVER Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $12500.
Is there a 2024 half dollar? ›
Both product options contain circulating quality coins from the Denver and Philadelphia Mint facilities that have never been placed in circulation.
Is the U.S. half dollar worth anything? ›
The Kennedy half dollar coin from pre-1975 is worth between $10 and $1,500+, depending on condition and rarity. The key aspect of the coin that causes the difference in worth is whether the print of Kennedy has "accented hair" above his ear or not.
Can you still get half dollars at the bank? ›
Modern-date half dollars can be purchased in proof sets, mint sets, rolls, and bags from the U.S. Mint, and existing inventory circulation pieces can be obtained or ordered through most U.S. banks and credit unions.
Why did the U.S. stop minting half dollars? ›
Recognizing the appeal of the Kennedy Half Dollar principally as a collector's item, the Mint decreased production of the coin in 2002 to levels that would satisfy collectors' demands. Today, the coins are only made available to collectors through the Mint and sold at a price above the fifty-cent face value.
What is the error on the 1776 to 1976 half dollar? ›
1776-1976 Half Dollar Mint Error (struck 80% off center) NGC MS65. An "off-center" half dollar, or any coin for that matter, refers to a coin that was struck by the minting machinery in a way that the design is not perfectly centered on the coin's surface.
How much is a Susan B. Anthony dollar worth? ›
On average, a Susan B Anthony coin that has been previously circulated is worth about $1.05-$1.35. Since they were originally $1 coins, they have only increased slightly in numismatic value. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. A coin in pristine, uncirculated condition can sell for up to $1950.
What is a 1965 Kennedy Half Dollar worth? ›
1965 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of June 2024, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1965 in circulated condition is worth between $4.40 and $4.90.
What year half dollars are rare? ›
1796-1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar
These early half dollars are some of the most valuable and rare, as only 3,918 coins were struck between 1796 and 1797. Among these, the 1797 issue with 15 stars is the scarcest, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 250 examples have survived.
With mintage numbers remaining low, beginning in 2002, the Kennedy half dollar ceased to be struck for general circulation. Rolls and bags of the current year's pieces could still be purchased from the Mint, at a premium above face value. Kennedy half dollars began to be produced for general circulation again in 2021.
Which Kennedy Half Dollars are worth the most? ›
Notably, those minted in 1964 hold a special distinction as the most valuable. Unlike their later counterparts, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars boast an impressive 90% silver content, making them highly sought-after by collectors and investors alike.
How rare is a 50 cent coin? ›
Only about 200,000 of the 50-cent coins made it into circulation, making them a rare find. A coin enthusiast has revealed the small detail that could make some 50-cent coins worth up to 140 times their face value.
How much are buffalo nickels worth? ›
Experts believe that around 10,000 of these unique coins are in existence today, with around 15% of these existing in uncirculated, Mint State grades. However, the majority of Buffalo nickels can be worth anywhere from $0.51 for a 1937 coin in “good” condition to $1,524 for a 1921 S coin in “mint” condition.
Why is the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar so valuable? ›
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar holds a unique position. Its value is influenced by its silver content, historical significance, and rarity, particularly for well-preserved specimens and those from the Denver mint.
Does the Federal Reserve still make half dollars? ›
Half dollar and $1 coins are produced as collectibles. However, they may still be ordered by the Federal Reserve for circulation and used as legal tender.
What is a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar worth today? ›
At the current silver spot price (as of January 2024), each 1964 Kennedy half is worth $8.63 at a minimum. Uncirculated coins sell for a premium over spot price, with the typical Choice Uncirculated example retailing for between $12 and $15.
How much is a 1971 half dollar coin worth? ›
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of June 2024, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1971 in circulated condition is worth between $0.60 and $0.75. However, on the open market 1971 D Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3100.
How much is a 1977 half dollar worth? ›
1977 Kennedy Halves
| Kennedy Halves | Value Range |
|---|
| Kennedy Halves | Value Range |
|---|
| 1977 50c MS | $1.05 - $101.00 $1.05 - $101.00 |
| 1977-D 50c MS | $1.05 - $2,810 $1.05 - $2,810 |
| 1977-D 50c Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101 MS | $43.20 - $128.00 $43.20 - $128.00 |
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