Kennedy Half Dollar

United States of America · 2001

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: 2001
Denomination: Half Dollar / 50 Cents
Metal: Outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a core of pure 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 13, 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 was first minted in 1964 as a memorial to the assassinated 35th President, John F. Kennedy. It replaced the Franklin Half Dollar and has been produced annually ever since, though circulation production ended in 2002 (until resuming briefly in recent years).

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of President John F. Kennedy designed by Gilroy Roberts. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 2001.

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, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $1.00 in circulated condition; $2.00 - $10.00 in high-grade Mint State condition.

What drives this coin's value

Most 2001 Kennedy half dollars are worth only face value unless they are in exceptionally high Mint State grades (MS-65 or higher) or show a major mint error.

Grade assessment

Circulated / About Uncirculated (shows minor surface marks and wear, image is slightly blurry preventing high-detail grading).

Mintage & rarity

Common. In 2001, Philadelphia minted approximately 21.2 million and Denver minted 19.5 million.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for a copper-colored 'sandwich' stripe on the reeded edge to confirm clad composition. Counterfeits are rare for this common date.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for high-quality Satin Finish strikes found in 2001 Mint Sets, or major die errors such as double dies or off-center strikes.

Similar coins

1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollars (90% silver) and 1965-1970 Silver Clad Half Dollars (40% silver). Distinguishable by checking the edge color (copper stripe for 2001 clad).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprints. Store in a cool, dry place within a PVC-free coin holder or flip. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys numismatic value.