1976-S Silver Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
The bicentennial of American Independence was recognized on the Kennedy Half Dollar with a special reverse design as well as the issuance in a special composition of 40% silver. These “silver clad” versions were not released for general circulation, but only issued within three coin uncirculated or proof sets sold by the United States Mint. To differentiate coins not in the original packaging, examine the edge of the coin. The silver versions will show an edge colored completely silver, while the copper-nickel clad coins will show the copper core at the center.
The 1976-S Silver Kennedy Half Dollars were included in uncirculated version within the three coin Bicentennial Silver Uncirculated Set. These sets were originally priced at $9.00 each and contained 40% silver versions of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins. Sales took place from 1975 all the way until 1982, with a total of 4,908,319 sets sold.
The proof version was included in a Bicentennial Silver Proof Set, which included the quarter, half dollar, and dollar coins. Originally priced at $15.00 each, these sets also remained available for multiple years, with final sales eventually reaching 3,998,621.
Although all of these coins are generally encountered in high grades, collectors pay premiums for coins in an exceptional state of preservation. For uncirculated versions this is grades MS68 or higher. For proof versions, a number have been graded PCGS PR70DCAM Silver and command a significant premium.
1976 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Uncirculated Mintage: 4,908,319
Proof Mintage: 3,998,621
Mint Marks: S (San Francisco)
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper
Weight: 11.50 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm
1970-1979 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar series underwent two significant changes during the second decade of issue. The first change was compositional and the second change was the design.The last 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollars were issued in 1970 and 1976. Notably, neither of these coins were released for circulation. The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar was issued only in Mint Sets. The resulting low mintage, granted the coin key date status for many years. The 1976-S was specially minted in 40% silver uncirculated and proof for special 3 coin Mint Sets and Proof Sets. All other coins issued for the series during this time period had a new copper nickel clad composition, which had been in use for the dime and quarter since 1965.
The half dollars from 1976, actually minted in both 1975 and 1976, also featured a different reverse design to mark the Bicentennial of the United States of America. Independence Hall in Philadelphia was picutred on the reverse of the coin. The obverse of the coin carried the dual date “1776-1976″. The regular eagle reverse resumed in the following year.
1970 Kennedy Half Dollar 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar
1978 Kennedy Half Dollar 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar