Obverse

Reverse

50 Cents (Half Dollar)

Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver)

United States of America · 1969

A prominent silver-colored coin featuring the profile of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1969
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Metal: 40% Silver, 60% Copper (Silver-clad copper)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 11, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A prominent silver-colored coin featuring the profile of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Kennedy half dollar was created as a memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. The 1969 issue belongs to the 1965-1970 period when the silver content was reduced from 90% to 40% due to rising silver prices.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of John F. Kennedy with 'LIBERTY' above, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' across the neck, and the date 1969 at the bottom. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.

Reverse (back)

The Presidential Seal, featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'HALF DOLLAR' surround the design. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$4.00 - $8.00 (mostly based on silver melt value in circulated condition; higher for MS grades)

What drives this coin's value

Current market price of silver, mint mark (D), and surface preservation/luster.

Grade assessment

Very Fine to Extremely Fine (VF-XF); shows moderate circulatory wear and some toning/discoloration.

Mintage & rarity

129,881,800; Common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be approximately 11.5g. Check for a faint silver tint on the reeded edge compared to the distinct copper/orange stripe of later base-metal issues.

Notable varieties & errors

1969-D No FG variety (missing designer initials on reverse), though rare.

Similar coins

1964 90% silver Kennedy halves (distinguished by date and brighter white edge) and post-1971 copper-nickel clad halves (distinguished by the visible copper streak on the edge).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprint oils. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or capsule.

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