Obverse

Reverse

$0.50 (Fifty Cents)

Kennedy Half Dollar (Proof)

United States · 1988

A Proof Kennedy Half Dollar featuring a mirrored finish and frosted relief, issued in a special collector set.

Country: United States
Year: 1988
Denomination: $0.50 (Fifty Cents)
Metal: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel; core of pure 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 18, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A Proof Kennedy Half Dollar featuring a mirrored finish and frosted relief, issued in a special collector set.

Historical significance

The Kennedy Half Dollar was created as a memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Produced since 1964, the 1988-S is a proof-only strike intended for collectors.

Obverse (front)

Profile of John F. Kennedy facing left with 'LIBERTY' above, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' across, and the year 1988 below. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.

Reverse (back)

Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by stars and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOLLAR'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$3-$5 in typical Proof-65 condition, $10-$20 in PR-69 Deep Cameo

What drives this coin's value

Condition (lack of spots or haze), sharpness of the cameo contrast, and whether the original packaging is intact.

Grade assessment

Proof (Appears to be a high-grade Cameo or Deep Cameo Proof based on the contrast between fields and devices)

Mintage & rarity

3,262,948 (Common in the context of proof sets)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the frost-to-mirror contrast and the 'S' mint mark. Authenticity is generally guaranteed if still in the original US Mint plastic lens.

Notable varieties & errors

None widely recognized for this specific year; focus is usually on high-grade 'Deep Cameo' designations.

Similar coins

1988-P and 1988-D circulation strikes (which lack the mirror-like finish), or silver proof versions from other years.

Care & preservation

Do not remove from the original plastic case. Avoid touching the surfaces as fingerprints can permanently damage the mirror finish. Store in a cool, dry place.

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