Kennedy Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 2001
Denomination: Half Dollar / 50 Cents
Composition: Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure 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 was first minted in 1964 as a memorial to the assassinated 35th President, John F. Kennedy. It replaced the Franklin Half Dollar and has been produced annually ever since, though circulation production ended in 2002 (until resuming briefly in recent years).
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $1.00 in circulated condition; $2.00 - $10.00 in high-grade Mint State condition.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprints. Store in a cool, dry place within a PVC-free coin holder or flip. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys numismatic value.
Mint Mark
Typical marks are P (Philadelphia) or D (Denver) located just above the date; S (San Francisco) for proof versions.
Mintage & Rarity
Common. In 2001, Philadelphia minted approximately 21.2 million and Denver minted 19.5 million.
Weight & Diameter
11.34 grams / 30.61 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Circulated / About Uncirculated (shows minor surface marks and wear, image is slightly blurry preventing high-detail grading).
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing portrait of President John F. Kennedy designed by Gilroy Roberts. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 2001.
Reverse (Back)
Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a ring of 50 stars. Designed by Frank Gasparro. Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most 2001 Kennedy half dollars are worth only face value unless they are in exceptionally high Mint State grades (MS-65 or higher) or show a major mint error.
Similar Coins
1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollars (90% silver) and 1965-1970 Silver Clad Half Dollars (40% silver). Distinguishable by checking the edge color (copper stripe for 2001 clad).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for a copper-colored 'sandwich' stripe on the reeded edge to confirm clad composition. Counterfeits are rare for this common date.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Look for high-quality Satin Finish strikes found in 2001 Mint Sets, or major die errors such as double dies or off-center strikes.
Created At: 2026-06-13T16:32:17.494557