Kennedy Half Dollar

United States of America · 1983

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

Country: United States of America
Year: 1983
Denomination: Half Dollar ($0.50)

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.

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Overview

A silver-colored United States half dollar 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 first minted in 1964 as a memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. By 1983, the coin was primarily used for commerce, though mintage numbers were beginning to decline compared to earlier decades.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. 'LIBERTY' surrounds the top, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is printed across the lower center, and the date '1983' is at the bottom. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.

Reverse (back)

The Presidential Seal, featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, a shield, and a ring of 50 stars. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'HALF DOLLAR' surround the design. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.50-$2.00 in circulated condition, $5-$30 in high Mint State (MS-65+) grades.

What drives this coin's value

The primary value factors for a 1983-D are the grade (condition) and eye appeal. Since it is a common date, only coins in extremely high uncirculated grades (MS-67 or higher) command significant premiums.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin shows moderate surface marks and slight wear on the high points of Kennedy's hair and the eagle's breast.

Mintage & rarity

34,139,000 (Denver). Common in circulated grades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight and diameter should be within tolerance. Verify the 'D' mint mark for sharp details. Counterfeits of this specific non-key date are very rare.

Notable varieties & errors

There are few major varieties for this specific year/mint, though collectors look for strike errors like off-center hits or broadstrikes.

Similar coins

Often confused with the 1964 90% silver version or the 1965-1970 40% silver versions; check the edge for a copper stripe to confirm it is clad.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning or scrubbing the coin as it destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges only and store in a PVC-free holder or flip to prevent scratches.