Kennedy Half Dollar

United States of America · 1971

A United States half dollar featuring the profile of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1971
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Metal: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers: 75% copper, 25% nickel; Center: 100% 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 June 2, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

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 series was created to memorialize President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. The 1971 issue is significant as it marked the first year the coin was produced in copper-nickel clad for circulation, ending the use of 40% silver content.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1971.

Reverse (back)

Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, HALF DOLLAR.

Estimated value

$0.50-$1.00 in circulated condition, $3-$25 in high-grade Mint State, up to $100+ for MS-67 or specific varieties.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of a mint mark, and specific die varieties such as the 'Double Die Obverse'.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (apparent heavy circulation wear and surface scratches, but details remain strong).

Mintage & rarity

Common; approximately 302,097,424 minted in Denver and 155,164,000 in Philadelphia.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Verify the weight (11.34g) and diameter. Check the edge for the distinct copper-colored band typical of clad coinage.

Notable varieties & errors

1971-D Double Die Obverse (DDO) is a sought-after variety featuring doubling in the lettering.

Similar coins

1964 Kennedy (90% Silver) and 1965-1970 Kennedy (40% Silver). Check the edge: clad coins show a brown copper line, while silver coins appear solid white/grey.