1776-1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1776-1976 (minted in 1975 and 1976)
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel; Core: 100% Copper)
Brief Description
A dual-dated United States half dollar featuring John F. Kennedy on the obverse and Independence Hall on the reverse to celebrate the American Bicentennial.
Historical Significance
Issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States. Congress authorized the redesign of the quarter, half dollar, and dollar for this occasion. This was the first time the United States issued circulating commemorative coinage.
Estimated Value
$0.50-$2.00 circulated, $5-$25 in high Mint State (MS-65+) grades. Special silver proof versions are worth more.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprints. Do not clean or polish, as this reduces numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free flip or capsule.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; Philadelphia minted approximately 234 million. Total mintage across all mints exceeded 500 million.
Weight & Diameter
11.34 grams, 30.6 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin shows slight wear on the highest points of Kennedy's hair and on the facade of Independence Hall.
Obverse (Front)
Portrait of President John F. Kennedy facing left. The dual date '1776-1976' is at the bottom. 'LIBERTY' is inscribed along the top, and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is above the date. Engraver: Gilroy Roberts.
Reverse (Back)
Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Legends include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'HALF DOLLAR', and '200 YEARS OF FREEDOM'. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is also present. Engraver: Seth G. Huntington.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of mint marks (D, S), and whether the coin is the 40% silver variety versus the common copper-nickel clad variety.
Similar Coins
Standard Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-present). These can be distinguished by the single date on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for a copper stripe on the edge; a lack of a copper stripe on a circualted coin often indicates the more valuable 40% silver version. Weight should be consistent with 11.34g for clad coins.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 40％ Silver Uncirculated and Proof sets (with 'S' mint mark) are the most sought after. No major doubled dies or errors are common for this specific date.
Created At: 2026-05-25T02:54:28.214654