Kennedy Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1973
Denomination: Half Dollar (50 Cents)
Composition: Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure copper (Copper-Nickel Clad)
Brief Description
A standard 1973 United States Kennedy Half Dollar featuring the portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964 as a memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. By 1973, the silver content had been completely removed (phased out after 1970).
Estimated Value
$0.50 (Face Value) in circulated condition; $2 - $15 in high Mint State grades (MS-63 to MS-65).
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges only. Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe coin flip or holder.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
64,964,000 (Common)
Weight & Diameter
11.34 grams / 30.61 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
About Uncirculated / Mint State. The coin shows sharp detail with original luster, though some surface bag marks are visible.
Obverse (Front)
Front-facing profile of John F. Kennedy. Inscriptions: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1973'. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.
Reverse (Back)
Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by 50 stars. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'HALF DOLLAR'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of mint marks (D or S), and specific die varieties. 1973 is a common date.
Similar Coins
1964 (90% Silver) and 1965-1970 (40% Silver) versions. These can be distinguished by the copper stripe visible on the edge of the 1973 clad version.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Counterfeits of common 1973 clad halves are rare; check for a clear copper stripe on the edge and verify weight (11.34g).
Notable Varieties & Errors
Double Die Obverse (DDO) or Reverse (DDR) variants occasionally occur but are not widely known for this specific year.
Created At: 2026-05-25T03:03:56.841873