Kennedy Half Dollar

United States · 1993

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
Year: 1993
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Metal: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper core)

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 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 was first minted in 1964 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. While originally containing 90% silver, the composition was changed to clad in 1971 to reduce costs and prevent hoarding.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile portrait of John F. Kennedy. Legends: 'LIBERTY' around the top, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' across the lower middle, and the date '1993' at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

A modified version of the Presidential Seal, featuring a heraldic eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch and arrows. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'HALF DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$0.50 (face value) in circulated condition; $1.00-$5.00 in uncirculated (Mint State) condition.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of original 'cameo' contrast, and potential for high-grade registry set placement.

Grade assessment

Appears to be a Proof strike (noted by the 'S' mint mark and reflective surfaces). Based on visual clarity, it likely grades in the PF-65 to PF-69 range.

Mintage & rarity

Common. Approximately 3,392,556 Proof examples were struck in San Francisco for collectors in 1993.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the copper core stripe on the edge. Verify weight (11.34g). Counterfeits for this year are extremely rare due to the coin's commonality.

Notable varieties & errors

No major varieties are recognized for the 1993-S Proof, though collectors look for 'Deep Cameo' (DCAM) designations.

Similar coins

1964 90% silver halves and 1965-1970 40% silver halves. Distinguishable by the copper color visible on the edge of clad coins.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only. Store in a PVC-free plastic holder or flip to prevent scratches and environmental damage. Do not clean or polish, as this reduces numismatic value.