Kennedy Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1971
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Center: 100% copper)
Brief Description
A United States half dollar featuring the profile of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Kennedy Half Dollar series was created to memorialize President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. The 1971 issue is significant as it marked the first year the coin was produced in copper-nickel clad for circulation, ending the use of 40% silver content.
Estimated Value
$0.50-$1.00 in circulated condition, $3-$25 in high-grade Mint State, up to $100+ for MS-67 or specific varieties.
Care Instructions
Avoid cleaning the coin as it can scratch the surface and reduce value. Store in a cool, dry place inside a PVC-free holder or flip.
Mint Mark
D for Denver (visible above the date). Philadelphia issues of this year carry no mint mark.
Mintage & Rarity
Common; approximately 302,097,424 minted in Denver and 155,164,000 in Philadelphia.
Weight & Diameter
11.34 grams, 30.61 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (apparent heavy circulation wear and surface scratches, but details remain strong).
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1971.
Reverse (Back)
Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, HALF DOLLAR.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of a mint mark, and specific die varieties such as the 'Double Die Obverse'.
Similar Coins
1964 Kennedy (90% Silver) and 1965-1970 Kennedy (40% Silver). Check the edge: clad coins show a brown copper line, while silver coins appear solid white/grey.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Verify the weight (11.34g) and diameter. Check the edge for the distinct copper-colored band typical of clad coinage.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1971-D Double Die Obverse (DDO) is a sought-after variety featuring doubling in the lettering.
Created At: 2026-06-02T13:51:59.585960