Kennedy Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1993
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core)
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 was first minted in 1964 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. While originally containing 90% silver, the composition was changed to clad in 1971 to reduce costs and prevent hoarding.
Estimated Value
$0.50 (face value) in circulated condition; $1.00-$5.00 in uncirculated (Mint State) condition.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges only. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or flip to prevent scratches and environmental damage. Do not clean or polish, as this reduces numismatic value.
Mint Mark
S (San Francisco) is visible above the date, indicating this is part of a 1993 Proof Set.
Mintage & Rarity
Common. Approximately 3,392,556 Proof examples were struck in San Francisco for collectors in 1993.
Weight & Diameter
11.34g and 30.61mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Appears to be a Proof strike (noted by the 'S' mint mark and reflective surfaces). Based on visual clarity, it likely grades in the PF-65 to PF-69 range.
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing profile portrait of John F. Kennedy. Legends: 'LIBERTY' around the top, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' across the lower middle, and the date '1993' at the bottom.
Reverse (Back)
A modified version of the Presidential Seal, featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'HALF DOLLAR'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), presence of original 'cameo' contrast, and potential for high-grade registry set placement.
Similar Coins
1964 90% silver halves and 1965-1970 40% silver halves. Distinguishable by the copper color visible on the edge of clad coins.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for the copper core stripe on the edge. Verify weight (11.34g). Counterfeits for this year are extremely rare due to the coin's commonality.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major varieties are recognized for the 1993-S Proof, though collectors look for 'Deep Cameo' (DCAM) designations.
Created At: 2026-05-25T03:08:50.339141