Kennedy Half Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1974
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (Outer layers of 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper core)
Brief Description
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).
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+).
Care Instructions
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.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; 198,593,522 coins were minted in Denver in 1974.
Weight & Diameter
11.34 grams / 30.61 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Created At: 2026-04-21T23:17:24.122686