Obverse

Reverse

Half Dollar (50 Cents)

Kennedy Half Dollar

United States of America · 1973

A standard 1973 United States Kennedy Half Dollar featuring the portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1973
Denomination: Half Dollar (50 Cents)

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 25, 2026More united states of america coins →

Explore Kennedy Half Dollar in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A standard 1973 United States Kennedy Half Dollar featuring the portrait 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 President John F. Kennedy. By 1973, the silver content had been completely removed (phased out after 1970).

Obverse (front)

Front-facing profile of John F. Kennedy. Inscriptions: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1973'. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.

Reverse (back)

Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by 50 stars. Inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'HALF DOLLAR'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.50 (Face Value) in circulated condition; $2 - $15 in high Mint State grades (MS-63 to MS-65).

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of mint marks (D or S), and specific die varieties. 1973 is a common date.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated / Mint State. The coin shows sharp detail with original luster, though some surface bag marks are visible.

Mintage & rarity

64,964,000 (Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits of common 1973 clad halves are rare; check for a clear copper stripe on the edge and verify weight (11.34g).

Notable varieties & errors

Double Die Obverse (DDO) or Reverse (DDR) variants occasionally occur but are not widely known for this specific year.

Similar coins

1964 (90% Silver) and 1965-1970 (40% Silver) versions. These can be distinguished by the copper stripe visible on the edge of the 1973 clad version.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges only. Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-safe coin flip or holder.

Other united states of america coins

See all

Reader's Digest Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary Coin (Token)

United States, Reader's Digest Association · 1987

No cash value (Promotional Token)

Washington Quarter (50 State Quarters Program / DC & Territories)

United States of America · Post-1999 (The specific reverse design is not visible, but this obverse design was used from 1999–2009 and 2021)

Quarter Dollar ($0.25)

Indian Head Cent

United States of America · 1899

One Cent ($0.01)

San Antonio Missions Quarter (America the Beautiful Quarters Series)

United States of America · 2019

0.25 USD (Quarter Dollar)