Kennedy Half Dollar

United States of America · 1971

A United States half dollar coin 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)

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Identified May 25, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A United States half dollar coin featuring the profile of 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. Introduced in 1964, it replaced the Franklin Half Dollar. 1971 marked the first year that circulating half dollars were made from base metal (copper-nickel clad) rather than 40% silver cloth used from 1965-1970.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile portrait of John F. Kennedy designed by Gilroy Roberts. Legends: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1971'.

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'.

Estimated value

$0.50 (face value) in circulated condition; $2 - $15 in high-grade Mint State; up to $50+ for MS-67 specimens.

What drives this coin's value

Most coins from 1971 are only worth face value unless they are in exceptional Mint State condition. Higher values are achieved through professional grading (MS-65 and above).

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin shows moderate luster but has visible surface chatter/bag marks and slight wear on the high points of Kennedy's hair and the eagle's breast.

Mintage & rarity

Common; approximately 155,164,000 struck at the Philadelphia mint in 1971.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the edge for a brown/copper stripe, which confirms it is a clad coin. Weight should be near 11.3g. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but 'silver-plated' versions intended to deceive novices do exist.

Notable varieties & errors

1971-D Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is a known variety, though this specific Philadelphia strike does not show significant signs of doubling.

Similar coins

1964 Kennedy (90% silver), 1965-1970 Kennedy (40% silver), and the 1776-1976 Bicentennial version (double dated).

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin holder or flip to prevent scratches and 'PVC damage' green film. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes surface metal and significantly decreases numismatic value.