Kennedy Half Dollar (Proof)
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Issue: 1988
Denomination: $0.50 (Fifty Cents)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel; core of pure copper)
Brief Description
A Proof Kennedy Half Dollar featuring a mirrored finish and frosted relief, issued in a special collector set.
Historical Significance
The Kennedy Half Dollar was created as a memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy. Produced since 1964, the 1988-S is a proof-only strike intended for collectors.
Estimated Value
$3-$5 in typical Proof-65 condition, $10-$20 in PR-69 Deep Cameo
Care Instructions
Do not remove from the original plastic case. Avoid touching the surfaces as fingerprints can permanently damage the mirror finish. Store in a cool, dry place.
Mint Mark
S (San Francisco Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
3,262,948 (Common in the context of proof sets)
Weight & Diameter
11.34 grams / 30.6 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Proof (Appears to be a high-grade Cameo or Deep Cameo Proof based on the contrast between fields and devices)
Obverse (Front)
Profile of John F. Kennedy facing left with 'LIBERTY' above, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' across, and the year 1988 below. Designer: Gilroy Roberts.
Reverse (Back)
Modified Presidential Seal featuring an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by stars and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOLLAR'. Designer: Frank Gasparro.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (lack of spots or haze), sharpness of the cameo contrast, and whether the original packaging is intact.
Similar Coins
1988-P and 1988-D circulation strikes (which lack the mirror-like finish), or silver proof versions from other years.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for the frost-to-mirror contrast and the 'S' mint mark. Authenticity is generally guaranteed if still in the original US Mint plastic lens.
Notable Varieties & Errors
None widely recognized for this specific year; focus is usually on high-grade 'Deep Cameo' designations.
Created At: 2026-05-18T17:01:31.960300