Showing posts with label Kennedy Half Dollar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kennedy Half Dollar. Show all posts

2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin

2014 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin

2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin 

Obverse: The design shows a portrait of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the youngest person ever elected to the office. U.S. Mint Sculptor–Engraver Gilroy Roberts based this profile on a portrait prepared for Kennedy’s presidential medal. Roberts created his original 1964 design shortly after Kennedy's assassination.

Reverse: The design is based on the Presidential Seal and was done by U.S. Mint Sculptor–Engraver Frank Gasparro. It consists of a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast, holding a symbolic olive branch and a bundle of 13 arrows. A ring of 50 stars surrounds the design, which gives this coin the distinction of having more stars than any other United States coin ever produced for circulation.

2014 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 2,500,000 (Philadelphia), 2,100,000 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: TBD (copper-nickel), TBD (silver proof)
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (standard) / 90% silver, 10% copper (silver proof)
Weight: 11.34 grams (standard) / 12.50 grams (silver proof)
Diameter: 30.61 mm

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series, the United States Mint offered three special products incorporating 2014 Kennedy Half Dollars from a different mint facilities and across a variety of finishes. The specially issued coins featured the original obverse portrait of President Kennedy designed by Gilroy Roberts. During the year, standard versions of the half dollar were also released bearing the modern portrait design.
  Over the years, the design of the Kennedy Half Dollar had undergone a series of tweaks and modifications that left the modern appearance very different than the original. The idea to restore the original portrait was first suggested by San Francisco Mint employee Michael Levin and would be implemented for the 50th anniversary of the series. The obverse portrait was restored by scanning and digitizing a bronze galvano and an original die  from the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar and creating a new basin from the 1964 hub basin curvature.
  The restored obverse portrait would be used across seven different coins included in three different 50th anniversary products. The two-coin Uncirculated Coin Set included standard composition half dollars from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints with an uncirculated finish. The four-coin Silver Coin Collection included 90% silver half dollars from four different mint facilities with four different finishes. A three-quarter ounce 24 karat gold proof coin struck at the West Point Mint was also available.
  Prior to the release of the special anniversary products, the US Mint had offered the standard product offerings for the including 2014 Kennedy Half Dollars with the regular modern obverse portrait. Two roll sets and 200-coin bags containing circulating quality half dollars from the Philadelphia and Denver Mint went on sale February 13, 2014. These were priced at $32.95 per two roll set and $139.95 per 200-coin bag.
  The annual sets issued for the year contained the 2014-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollars with the modern portrait. The standard composition proof coins were included in the 2014 Proof Set as well as other 2014 celebration sets. The 90% proof composition coins were included within the 2014 Silver Proof Set and the 2014 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set, which was actually released in 2015.
  Lastly, uncirculated quality half dollars with the modern portrait were included within the 2014 Uncirculated Coin Set. These coins feature a superior finish to the circulating quality examples released in bags and rolls, but are not typically identified as a separate issue.

2010 to present Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar continued to be produced exclusively for coin collectors and not released for general circulation during the era from 2010 to present. There would be some excitement in 2014 when special products were issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the series.
  The standard offerings for the half dollar had consisted of circulating quality coins packaged in numismatic bags and rolls. Collectors could purchase the coins directly from the United States Mint at a modest premium to face value. Mintage levels remained low since the coins were only produced in the amount needed to satisfy collector demand.
  Additional numismatic versions of the Kennedy Half Dollar included the standard composition proof as well as a 90% silver proof struck at the San Francisco Mint and carrying the “S” mint mark. Traditionally, these coins were only available within the annual Proof Set and Mint Set. In some years, additional annual sets would incorporate the coins.
  In 2014, the Mint offered three special products to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series. Each of the products contained coins exclusive to the sets, in standard copper-nickel clad, 90% silver, and 24 karat gold compositions. These products also marked the restoration of the original portrait design by Gilroy Roberts.

2010 Kennedy Half Dollar      2011 Kennedy Half Dollar      2012 Kennedy Half Dollar
2013 Kennedy Half Dollar      2014 Kennedy Half Dollar
Kennedy Half Dollar 2014 50th Anniversary Uncirculated Coin Set
Kennedy Half Dollar 2014 50th Anniversary Silver Coin Collection
2015 Kennedy Half Dollar
Kennedy Half Dollar 2014 50th Anniversary Silver Coin Collection

1998-S Silver Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

1998 Kennedy Half Dollar1998-S Silver Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

1998-S Silver Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar

During 1998, the United States Mint offered the Kennedy Collector’s Set, which contained the low mintage 1998-S Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar. The set was the only source for collectors to obtain this special issue and it was only available to order during a six week period.
  The Kennedy Collector’s Set was produced as an extra special tribute to Robert F. Kennedy, who was being honored within a commemorative coin program. Each set included the uncirculated version of the 1998 Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar and a 90% silver Kennedy Half Dollar struck with a special finish.
  The so called “matte finish” used for the half dollar required two extra steps in the minting process. The face of the coinage dies were sandblasted with a mixture of glass beads and aluminum oxide and the a hard chrome plate was added for hardness and lubricity. The resulting coins had a uniform finely frosted texture, similar to an uncirculated commemorative coin issue.
  Because the matte proof Kennedy Half Dollar was only offered within the set, it had a low mintage of about 62,000 coins. The Kennedy Collector’s Set was originally priced at $59.95, but today the half dollar is valued at multiples of the original issue price and is considered to be one of the key date coins of the series. Most examples will be encountered in pristine uncirculated grades due to the special minting and handling procedures. Many coins have been encapsulated and graded by PCGS or NGC in top grades of MS70 or SP70.

1998 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1998 Kennedy Half Dollar saw mintages decline for the circulation strike versions produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Each saw mintages of around 15 million coins, compared to around 20 million for the prior year.
  In addition to the clad proof and 90% silver proof versions, a special collector version of the coin was also available this year. The 1998 Matte Proof Kennedy Half Dollar was included in a the Kennedy Collector’s Set issued for the commemorative coin program honoring Robert F. Kennedy. Due to the limited number of sets sold, the matte proof coin has a low mintage and is considered one of the modern keys of the series.

1998 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 15,646,000 (Philadelphia), 15,064,000 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 2,086,507 (copper-nickel), 878,792 (silver proof)
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel (standard) / 90% silver, 10% copper (silver proof)
Weight: 11.34 grams (standard) / 12.50 grams (silver proof)
Diameter: 30.61 mm

1990-1999 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar series saw collectible offerings expand during the years 1990 to 1999. After many years of a standard proof version and two issues struck for circulation, a third annual release was added to the mix. Additionally, a one-time special issue was offered as part of a commemorative coin set.
  Starting in 1992, the US Mint began issuing a Silver Proof Set. These sets included the half dollar, quarter, and dime struck in a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. The offering was met with success and continued to be issued for each subsequent year, creating a new regular issue for each coin series. Some of the 90% Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollars issued during the mid-1990’s had very low mintages which result in high premiums.
  In 1998, the US Mint issued commemorative coins to honor Robert F. Kennedy. A special set was issued which included the commemorative coin paired with the half dollar featuring John F. Kennedy. The half dollar was produced using a special matte proof finish. Because of the small number of sets issued, this has become a valuable collector coin.

1990 Kennedy Half Dollar        1991 Kennedy Half Dollar        1992 Kennedy Half Dollar

1993 Kennedy Half Dollar        1994 Kennedy Half Dollar        1995 Kennedy Half Dollar

1996 Kennedy Half Dollar        1997 Kennedy Half Dollar        1998 Kennedy Half Dollar

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar1986 Half Dollar

1986-S Kennedy Half Dollar

The circulation mintage took a noticeable decline with the 1986 Kennedy Half Dollar. The Philadelphia Mint struck 13,107,633 coins, while the Denver Mint struck 15,336,145.

For many years, the demand for the denomination had been falling as half dollars were not widely used within circulation. For the remainder of the series, mintages would remain extremely low until the US Mint eventually stopped minting the coins for circulation altogether. In the following year, this situation occurred for a single year when production of the denomination was restricted to the number necessary for inclusion in US Mint Sets.

Proof versions of the coin were struck at the San Francisco Mint and contain the “S” mint mark. The mintage for this version remained relatively steady at 3,010,497.

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 13,107,633 (Philadelphia), 15,336,145 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 3,010,497
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm

1980-1989 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar coins issued between 1980 and 1989 had generally lower mintages than earlier years of the series. By this point, the half dollar denomination was experiencing less robust circulation and fewer coins were required to be minted each year.
  For collectors, the 1982 and 1983 half dollars can sometimes be more difficult to find in uncirculated grades. For these two years the US Mint did not issue the annual mint set, which has typically served as a source for uncirculated examples for other years of the series. Accordingly, individual examples and rolls for these two years command premiums.
  Another notable year for collectors occurred with the 1987 issues, which were only produced for inclusion in US Mint Sets. This was similar to what had occurred in 1970, although heavier ordering makes the 1987 Kennedy Half Dollars worth less by comparison.
  Proof versions of the half dollar struck during the 1980’s are generally more abundant than other years and usually available in high grades. Later proof issues would eventually prove more valuable due to lower mintages.

1980 Kennedy Half Dollar      1981 Kennedy Half Dollar      1982 Kennedy Half Dollar

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar      1984 Kennedy Half Dollar      1985 Kennedy Half Dollar

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar      1987 Kennedy Half Dollar      1988 Kennedy Half Dollar

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar1983 Half Dollar

1983-S Kennedy Half Dollar

For a second year, the United States Mint did not issue the annual uncirculated mint set. This makes examples of the circulation strike 1983 Kennedy Half Dollar more difficult to find.

In typical years of the series, mint sets provide a ready source of uncirculated half dollars for collectors. These sets were originally sold by the US Mint in quantities usually stretching into the millions and remain available on the secondary market at modest premiums to the face value of the coins. The premiums attached to the half dollars of 1982 and 1983, show the impact that these sets have on the availability of uncirculated clad coins for the series.

The production of proof coinage did continue. The 1983-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 3,279,126.

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 34,139,000 (Philadelphia), 32,472,244 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 3,279,126
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm

1980-1989 Kennedy Half Dollars

The Kennedy Half Dollar coins issued between 1980 and 1989 had generally lower mintages than earlier years of the series. By this point, the half dollar denomination was experiencing less robust circulation and fewer coins were required to be minted each year.
  For collectors, the 1982 and 1983 half dollars can sometimes be more difficult to find in uncirculated grades. For these two years the US Mint did not issue the annual mint set, which has typically served as a source for uncirculated examples for other years of the series. Accordingly, individual examples and rolls for these two years command premiums.
  Another notable year for collectors occurred with the 1987 issues, which were only produced for inclusion in US Mint Sets. This was similar to what had occurred in 1970, although heavier ordering makes the 1987 Kennedy Half Dollars worth less by comparison.


  Proof versions of the half dollar struck during the 1980’s are generally more abundant than other years and usually available in high grades. Later proof issues would eventually prove more valuable due to lower mintages.

1980 Kennedy Half Dollar      1981 Kennedy Half Dollar      1982 Kennedy Half Dollar

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar      1984 Kennedy Half Dollar      1985 Kennedy Half Dollar

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar      1987 Kennedy Half Dollar      1988 Kennedy Half Dollar

1982 Kennedy Half Dollar

1982 Kennedy Half Dollar1982 Half Dollar

1982-S Kennedy Half Dollar

The Philadelphia and Denver Mint circulation strike 1982 Kennedy Half Dollars represent  two of the more difficult to find coins of the series. The mintages were somewhat lower than typical for the series at 10,819,000 and 13,140,102, but more significantly the coins were not issued within annual mint sets from the United States Mint.

As a cost savings measure, the Mint had suspended the issuance of the annual coin sets which included circulation strike examples of each of the years coins. For other years of the Kennedy Half Dollar series, uncirculated examples of the coins can easily be acquired from these sets, which were sold to collectors typically in quantities of a few million. Without these sets as a primary source, the 1982-P and 1982-D half dollars become more scarce and command a premium.

The US Mint did continue to issue the annual proof set. Thus, a proof half dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a total mintage of 3,957,479.

1982 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 10,819,000 (Philadelphia), 13,140,102 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 3,857,479
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm

1980-1989 Kennedy Half Dollars

The Kennedy Half Dollar coins issued between 1980 and 1989 had generally lower mintages than earlier years of the series. By this point, the half dollar denomination was experiencing less robust circulation and fewer coins were required to be minted each year.
  For collectors, the 1982 and 1983 half dollars can sometimes be more difficult to find in uncirculated grades. For these two years the US Mint did not issue the annual mint set, which has typically served as a source for uncirculated examples for other years of the series. Accordingly, individual examples and rolls for these two years command premiums.
  Another notable year for collectors occurred with the 1987 issues, which were only produced for inclusion in US Mint Sets. This was similar to what had occurred in 1970, although heavier ordering makes the 1987 Kennedy Half Dollars worth less by comparison.


  Proof versions of the half dollar struck during the 1980’s are generally more abundant than other years and usually available in high grades. Later proof issues would eventually prove more valuable due to lower mintages.

1980 Kennedy Half Dollar      1981 Kennedy Half Dollar      1982 Kennedy Half Dollar

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar      1984 Kennedy Half Dollar      1985 Kennedy Half Dollar

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar      1987 Kennedy Half Dollar      1988 Kennedy Half Dollar

1981 Kennedy Half Dollar

1981 Kennedy Half Dollar1981 Half Dollar

1981-S Kennedy Half Dollar

The focus of collectors for the 1981 Kennedy Half Dollar once again moves to the proof version of the coin. In a similar situation to 1979, two different varieties exist which are differentiated by the appearance of the “S” mint mark. For this year, the Type 1 variety carries a clear “S” mint mark, which is similar in appearance to the Type 2 mint mark of 1979. The Type 2 variety is a flat mint mark with rounder serifs. Closer examination is required to differentiate the mint marks for this year, or if certified by a third party grading company, the type is noted on the holder.

The 1981-S Type 2 Proof is the scarcer variety and commands a premium. It is estimated that 314,000 of the coins were originally produced, making this scarcer than the 1979 Type 2.

Circulation strikes were also produced for this year, with relatively high mintages and widespread availability through government issued mint sets.

1981 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 29,544,000 (Philadelphia), 27,839,533 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 4,063,083
Mint Marks: P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm

1980-1989 Kennedy Half Dollars

The Kennedy Half Dollar coins issued between 1980 and 1989 had generally lower mintages than earlier years of the series. By this point, the half dollar denomination was experiencing less robust circulation and fewer coins were required to be minted each year.
  For collectors, the 1982 and 1983 half dollars can sometimes be more difficult to find in uncirculated grades. For these two years the US Mint did not issue the annual mint set, which has typically served as a source for uncirculated examples for other years of the series. Accordingly, individual examples and rolls for these two years command premiums.
  Another notable year for collectors occurred with the 1987 issues, which were only produced for inclusion in US Mint Sets. This was similar to what had occurred in 1970, although heavier ordering makes the 1987 Kennedy Half Dollars worth less by comparison.


  Proof versions of the half dollar struck during the 1980’s are generally more abundant than other years and usually available in high grades. Later proof issues would eventually prove more valuable due to lower mintages.

1980 Kennedy Half Dollar      1981 Kennedy Half Dollar      1982 Kennedy Half Dollar

1983 Kennedy Half Dollar      1984 Kennedy Half Dollar      1985 Kennedy Half Dollar

1986 Kennedy Half Dollar      1987 Kennedy Half Dollar      1988 Kennedy Half Dollar

1989 Kennedy Half Dollar



1977 Kennedy Half Dollar

1977 Kennedy Half Dollar1977 Half Dollar

1977-S Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1977 Kennedy Half Dollar saw the resumption of the original reverse design, following the Bicentennial design of the prior year. Mintage levels for circulation strikes would experience a significant decline and set a new tone for the series going forward. The Philadelphia Mint struck 43,598,000 and the Denver Mint struck 31,449,106.
  The San Francisco Mint continued to strike the coins in proof format for inclusion within annual collector sets offered by the United States mint. The total mintage was 3,251,152. These coins are frequently encountered in PCGS PR69DCAM or NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo. Coins in the highest grades of Proof 70 are much more scarce and command premiums from collectors.

1977 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 43,598,000 (Philadelphia), 31,449,106 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 3,251,152
Mint Marks: none (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 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

1972 Kennedy Half Dollar          1973 Kennedy Half Dollar          1974 Kennedy Half Dollar

1976 Kennedy Half Dollar    1976 Silver Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar    

1977 Kennedy Half Dollar

1978 Kennedy Half Dollar     1979 Kennedy Half Dollar



1976 Silver Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar

1976 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar1976 Silver Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar

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

1972 Kennedy Half Dollar          1973 Kennedy Half Dollar          1974 Kennedy Half Dollar

1976 Kennedy Half Dollar    1976 Silver Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar   

 1977 Kennedy Half Dollar

1978 Kennedy Half Dollar     1979 Kennedy Half Dollar


1974 Kennedy Half Dollar

1974 Kennedy Half Dollar1974-S Kennedy Half Dollar

1974-S Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar would be the last issue of the series before a brief design change would take place. There would be no 1975-dated half dollars produced. Already this year production would begin for the bicentennial design carrying the dual date of 1776-1976.
  For the present year, circulation production once again took place at the Philadelphia and Denver Minta facilities. For the Denver issue, a doubled die obverse variety is noted. The lettering is prominently doubled for the word “TRUST”.
  Proof versions of the coin were struck at the San Francisco Mint for inclusion within the annual proof sets. Production matched the sales level for the sets at 2,612,568.

1974 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 201,596,000 (Philadelphia), 79,066,300 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 2,612,568
Mint Marks: none (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 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

1972 Kennedy Half Dollar          1973 Kennedy Half Dollar          1974 Kennedy Half Dollar


1978 Kennedy Half Dollar     1979 Kennedy Half Dollar


1966 Kennedy Half Dollar

1966 Kennedy Half Dollar1966 Half Dollar

1966 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in a composition which included 40% silver. The net weight of pure silver within each coin is 0.1479 troy ounces, resulting in a premium to face value even for circulated examples of the issue. Accumulations of the coins may be sold as 40% junk silver.
  The circulation strike coins had a mintage of 108,984,932 pieces and were struck without the use of mint marks. Despite the high mintage, these coins can be difficult to find in higher mint state grades. Incredibly, there are fewer than ten pieces that have graded MS67 or higher at PCGS and NGC.
  In addition to the coins issued for circulation, the US Mint produced collector versions of the coin for inclusion in special mint sets. These coins have sharper strikes and reflective surfaces. Finding SMS examples with cameo or deep cameo contrast is uncommon, and these pieces will be prized by collectors.

1966 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 108,984,932
SMS Mintage: 2,261,583
Mint Marks: none
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper
Weight: 11.50 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm

1964-1969 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964, closely following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The new half dollar design cut short the life of the prior Franklin Half Dollar, which had not yet run through its required 25 year stint.
  For the initial year of release for the new series, the coins were struck in a composition of 90% silver. In the following years, the silver content of the coin was reduced. A composition of 40% silver was used for half dollars issued from 1965 to 1969. The silver content was completely phased out of the denomination starting in 1971.
  Despite high mintages for the half dollars of this date range, superb gem examples graded MS67 or higher are difficult to find and command strong premiums. For the proof and special mint set issues of this era, coins are desirable and rare with deep cameo or ultra cameo finishes.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Coin    1964 Accented Hair Variety Kennedy Half Dollar    
1965 Kennedy Half Dollar    1966 Kennedy Half Dollar    1967 Kennedy Half Dollar