Kennedy Half Dollar

United States of America · 1974

A 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: 1974
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)

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Overview

A 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 series was authorized by Congress shortly after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. It replaced the Franklin Half Dollar and has been minted since 1964. By 1974, the composition had long transitioned from silver to base metal cladding (which occurred in 1971).

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of John F. Kennedy. Legends: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1974. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.

Reverse (back)

Modified Presidential Seal featuring a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a ring of 50 stars. Legends: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designer: Frank Gasparro.

Estimated value

$0.50-$1.00 in circulated condition, $2.00-$10.00 in high-grade Mint State, though significantly higher for top-tier specimens (MS-67+).

What drives this coin's value

Most 1974 half dollars are worth only face value unless they are in exceptional 'Mint State' condition (MS-65 or higher) or feature a recognized error.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated. The coin shows visible contact marks and light wear on the hair and eagle's breast, but retains significant detail.

Mintage & rarity

Common; 198,593,522 coins were minted in Denver in 1974.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic coins will have sharp details and a distinct copper ring visible on the reeded edge. Counterfeits of this specific non-precious date are extremely rare as it is a common circulation strike.

Notable varieties & errors

1974-D Double Die Obverse (DDO) is a recognized variety that collectors look for, characterized by doubling in the date and lettering.

Similar coins

1964 Kennedy (90% Silver), 1965-1970 Kennedy (40% Silver), 1776-1976 Bicentennial (different reverse design). One can distinguish 1974 from silver versions by the copper color visible on the edge.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it removes original surface luster and lowers collector value. Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprints.