Kennedy Half Dollars: A Tribute to an American Legend

The Kennedy half dollar is a 50-cent American coin created to honor former President John F. Kennedy after he was assassinated. The coin has been issued since 1964 in multiple variations over the years.

The coins — also called JFK half dollars, Kennedy halves, or JFK halves — replaced the previous Franklin half dollar series, rounding out all the US coins to feature former presidents.

The John F. Kennedy coin was officially approved within weeks after a president’s death and the series continues today, highlighting the lasting legacy of Kennedy on the American people.

We’ve gathered our expertise from years of coin industry experience to bring you a comprehensive look into the Kennedy half dollar’s history, varieties, and value.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 2015-S Kennedy half dollar | Image credit: US Mint, Public domain

Historical Background

On November 22, 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was tragically assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

His death was felt across the nation — largely due to wider awareness via television, conspiracies surrounding the event, and his status as the most popular modern president.

Just hours after Kennedy’s death, US Mint Director Eva Adams called the Philadelphia Mint to discuss putting Kennedy on a silver circulating coin — either the quarter, half dollar, or dollar coin.

After JFK’s funeral on November 25, the mint worked with the Treasury Department and Kennedy family on the “living memorial” of Kennedy on a coin.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy preferred the half dollar because she didn’t want to replace a president’s visage.

On November 27, Adams told two mint employees to start designing the new coin: Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts and Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1962 John F. Kennedy bronze Presidential Medal | Image credit: US Mint, Public domain

Designing & Approving the Coin

The primary goal: getting the coin minted ASAP — ideally by January 1964. Luckily, Roberts and Gasparro already had a design to work with.

The two men had completed designs for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Series medal in 1961. They’d shown Kennedy early designs and got both his and Jacqueline Kennedy’s approval.

Roberts and Gasparro reworked their respective obverse (heads side) and reverse (tails side) designs of the medal for the new half dollar.

Since the Franklin half dollar hadn’t been in circulation for 25 years, the new design needed Congressional approval.

Congress representatives, along with impassioned letters from the public, moved President Lyndon B. Johnson to officially authorize the John F. Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Legislation on December 30, 1963.

Introduction & Initial Reactions

The first Kennedy half dollar dies were finished on January 2, 1964.

The Philadelphia Mint did the first strikes (proofs). The Denver Mint struck the first business-strike (circulation) half dollars on January 30, 1964, followed by business-strikes at the Philadelphia Mint on February 11.

Public sale started on March 24, leading to an enormous line to the Treasury Department’s window. The Treasury Department, plus Boston and Philadelphia banks, sold all their initial half-dollar stocks that day.

Silver Shortage & Composition Changes

Demand remained high for silver Kennedy halves, so the Treasury Department increased mintages.

However, the mass of new coins rarely circulated — increasing silver value led to hoarding. With 1964-dated half dollars continuing into 1965, an immense total of nearly 430 million 1964 half dollars were struck.

But the Treasury was running out of silver, and the metal was getting more expensive.

In response, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965, changing the composition of half dollars from 90 percent silver to 40 percent silver clad.

Production of the new half dollars continued, but circulation didn’t improve.

Eventually, President Richard Nixon approved The 1970 Coinage Law. Since 1971, the half dollar silver content (in circulated issues) has been none. Instead, circulated Kennedy half dollars are copper-nickel clad.

Some special-edition Kennedy half dollars contain silver, though.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse 2014-W 50th Anniversary Kennedy half dollar gold proof, graded PR70DCAM by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free Use

Commemorative Issues & Changes for Circulation Strikes

From 1975 to 1976, the US Mint issued commemorative Bicentennial half dollars, with an impressive mintage over 521 million.

Yearly mintages after 1976 decreased, though, as hoarding continued. Many new issues were sold during panic buying amidst the 1979-1980 silver boom, as many earlier half dollars were melted for their silver.

US Mint branches continued striking Kennedy half dollars. But with decreasing demand, the mint stopped striking half dollars for circulation in 2002. They only made collectible versions (e.g. uncirculated, proof) to collectors.

That is, until the US Mint started issuing Kennedy half dollars for circulation again in 2021.

In the meantime, the mint issued seven varieties of special-edition commemorative Kennedy halves in 2014 for the program’s 50th anniversary.

Most notable was a 3/4-oz 24K gold proof variety, the first US gold half dollar, which was in such high demand the Mint and American Numismatic Association (ANA) had to suspend sales after three days.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1964-D Type 1 "Silver" composition Kennedy half dollar, graded MS68 by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Specifications & Types

First, the general specs of Kennedy half dollars:

• Weight: 1964 – 12.50 g; 1965-1970 – 11.50 g; 1971-present – 11.34 g

• Purity (Circulated): 1964 – “Silver” of 90% silver, 10% copper; 1965-1970 – “Silver clad” of 40% silver, 60% copper (outer layer 80% silver, 20% copper clad & core 79% copper, 21% silver); 1971-present – “Cupro-nickel clad” (outer layer of 75% copper, 25% nickel clad & core of 100% copper); 1976 Bicentennial – Cupro-nickel clad or 40% silver clad (same as 1965-1970)

• Purity (Collectible): 1976 Bicentennial Proofs – Cupro-nickel clad or 40% silver clad; 1992-2018 silver proofs – “Silver” (90% silver, 10% copper); 2014 commemoratives – 3/4-oz 24K gold, 90% silver, or cupro-nickel clad (same as circulated 1971-present); 2019-present proofs – 99.9% silver, 10% copper

• Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 in)

• Thickness: 2.15 mm (0.085 in)

• Edge: Reeded (150 reeds)

The composition of Kennedy half dollars over time can be confusing. So, how much silver is in a Kennedy half dollar depends on the year and variety.

For circulated issues, 1964 Kennedy half dollars have the most silver at 0.3575 troy ounces of pure silver. The standard half dollars from 1971 on have the least silver — none.

For collectible issues, 1992 to 2018 proofs have the most pure silver by weight (0.402 troy oz), despite the coin being lower in purity than the 2019 to present proofs, which contain 0.37 troy oz of pure silver.

Pictured above: Obverse of Type 5 Copper-Nickel Clad 2014-P 50th Anniversary Kennedy half dollar | Image credit: Professional Coin Grading Service, Public domain

Types of Kennedy Half Dollars

The first three types of Kennedy half dollars are the main ones to know:

1. Type 1 Silver: (1964 Circulated; 1992-2019 Proof); 90% silver composition; Generally most valuable type for having high precious metal content & being first-year issue

2. Type 2 Silver Clad: (1965-1970 Circulated; 1965-1970 Uncirculated; 1968-1970 Proof) Called “clad” or “silver clad” half dollars for 40% silver clad composition

3. Type 3 Copper-Nickel Clad: (1971-present Circulated; 1971-1974, 1977-2003, 2011-date Uncirculated; 1971-1974 & 1977-date Proof): Cupro-nickel clad

Almost all proofs were struck with the same composition as circulated issues. However, from 1965 to 1967, proofs were substituted with Special Mint Set or Special Strike (SMS) issues.

SMS issues were 40% silver clad with special satin finishes (from overpolishing the dies) with brilliance between a circulated and proof issue.

The other Kennedy half dollar types were commemorative one- or two-year issues:

1. Type 4 Copper-Nickel Clad Bicentennial (1975-1976): Circulated, Uncirculated & Proof; Produced in 1975-1976 to celebrate 200th anniversary of Declaration of Independence ratification

2. Type 4 Silver Bicentennial (1975-1976): Circulated, Uncirculated & Proof; Same as above but 40% silver clad composition

3. Type 5 Copper-Nickel Clad 50th Anniversary (2014): Circulated & Enhanced Uncirculated; Commemorating 50th anniversary of Kennedy half dollar series; Same design as circulated coins but higher relief

4. Type 5 Silver 50th Anniversary (2014): Same design as above but sold as set of four 90% silver coins (Reverse Proof, Proof, Enhanced Uncirculated & Uncirculated)

5. Type 5 Gold 50th Anniversary (2014): Composed of 3/4-oz 24K (99.99 percent pure) gold

Lastly, we have finishes.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of Type 5 Silver 50th Anniversary 2014-W Kennedy half dollar with reverse proof finish, graded PR70 by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free Use

Collectible Finishes

Collectible Kennedy half dollars have been struck in seven finishes, the most of any US coin:

1. Uncirculated (1964-2004, 2011-2013)

2. Satin Finish Uncirculated (2005-2010)

3. Special Mint Set (SMS) (1964-1967)

4. Proof Finish (1964, 1968-present)

5. Matte Proof (1998)

6. Reverse Proof Finish (2014)

7. Enhanced Finish Uncirculated (2014)

The beauty of Kennedy half dollars goes beyond the surface, though.

Design and Symbolism

Many of the design elements on the Kennedy half dollar are steeped in significant American symbolism:

• In God We Trust: Official national motto

• Bald Eagle: National bird, chosen to symbolize American liberty & strength

• Union Shield: Congress & original 13 colony unity

• Presidential Seal & Great Seal of the United States: National symbol

• Olive Branch: Peace

• Arrows: Military strength, war

• E Pluribus Unum: Traditional national motto, used on Great Seal; Latin for “Out of many, one”

• Stars: Colonies or states; New sovereignty of the nation when paired with clouds

• Independence Hall: Historic building where Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were adopted & nation’s first capitol

Now we’ll explore how the engravers incorporated these elements.

Pictured above: Comparison of normal vs. accented hair on 1964 Kennedy half dollar proofs | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Obverse Design

The obverse features a profile bust of Kennedy facing left. “LIBERTY” is inscribed across the upper rim. The national motto “IN GOD” & “WE TRUST” is to either side of Kennedy.

Along the bottom is the mintage year, with the mint mark (if present) above it on most issues. Roberts’s initials “GR” are on the shaded portion of Kennedy’s neck.

The only obverse changes were temporary:

• Accented Hair (1964): More heavily accented hair on Kennedy, only on first 100,000 proof coins in 1964; Changed after feedback from Jacqueline Kennedy

• Bicentennial Mintage Year (1975-1976): Normal mintage year inscription replaced by “1776-1976” on all Type 4 coins from 1975-1976

• Gold Proof 50th Anniversary (2014): Normal mintage year inscription replaced by “1964-2014”

Pictured above: Reverse of Type 4 Clad Bicentennial Kennedy half dollar from 1976 | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Reverse Design

The overall design is a modified version of the Presidential Coat-of-Arms (also the presidential flag & seal), itself based on the Great Seal of the United States. It features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings pointing upward, its breast behind a union shield.

In its beak, the eagle holds the end of a scroll bearing an “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscription. Behind and above the scroll are radiating lines containing 13 clouds and 13 mullet stars.

The eagle holds an olive branch in its talon on the left and a bundle of 13 arrows in its talon on the right. Gasparro’s initials “FG” are under the right leg.

Fifty stars surround the entire design. Outside the stars are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” & “HALF DOLLAR” on the top and bottom rim, respectively, with dots separating the phrases.

Again, the only changes were temporary:

• Bicentennial (1975-1976): Reverse design changed to front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with same top & bottom inscriptions but 13-star arc above “HALF DOLLAR” plus added inscriptions “200 YEARS OF FREEDOM” “E PLURIBUS UNUM” & “INDEPENDENCE HALL”

• Gold Proof 50th Anniversary: Inscription “3/4 oz .9999 FINE GOLD” added on reverse below eagle

The only other change was the location of some coins’ mint marks.

Minting and Production

From 1964 to 2023, the total Kennedy half dollar mintage (including proofs & uncirculated issues) is over 4.4 billion.

The following branches have minted Kennedy halves, denoted by their mint marks:

• None (pre-1980) or “P” — Philadelphia Mint; All varieties but mostly circulated

• “D” — Denver Mint; Circulated & uncirculated

• None (SMS issues) or “S” — San Francisco Mint; SMS, uncirculated & proof

• “W” — West Point Mint; Only 2014 reverse proof & gold proof

On most Kennedy half dollars, the mint mark is above the mintage year on the obverse. On 1964 circulated and gold 2014-W commemorative issues, the mint mark is left of the olive branch on the reverse. There are no mint marks on 1965 to 1967 issues.

The highest circulated issue mintage is 1971-D at over 302 million. The highest proof issue mintage is 1976-S at over 7 million.

The average yearly mintage overall is almost 37.5 million, but mintage has significantly decreased since 2002. Since 2002, the yearly average is around 2 million.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1970-D Kennedy half dollar graded MS65PL (Mint State 65, Prooflike) | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Valuing and Grading

Virtually all Kennedy half dollars are worth more than their 50-cent face value. But their exact value depends on:

• Variety: Business strikes (for circulation) are easiest to find, while rarity and value subsequently increases for proofs, cameo proofs, and deep cameo proofs.

• Low Mintage: Issues where fewer coins were minted are rarer and generally higher-value.

• Mint Errors: Unintentional errors are almost always valuable, particularly rare types.

• Demand: Market value changes with fluctuating popularity of Kennedy half dollars, or particular JFK coin issues.

• Condition: A more well-preserved Kennedy half dollar is often much more valuable than one in poor condition.

Condition is typically given as a grade by a professional third-party service like Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).

Grading Kennedy Half Dollars

Different coin grading systems exist, but the general grades are:

1. Uncirculated: Never circulated & properly stored; Looks like it did the day it was minted

2. Mint State (MS): Like Uncirculated but with sub-grades from 60 to 70 for many visible marks to flawless, respectively

3. Specimen (SP): Definition varies among grading agencies, but generally between a Mint State and Proof grade; Often used for SMS varieties

4. Proof (PR or PF): Struck as a proof coin; Sub-grades from 60 to 70 just like Mint State; Three subtypes:

   1. Standard Proof: Background (field) isn’t highly reflective

   2. Cameo (CAM): Rarer; Background highly reflective plus a) light to moderate frosting on obverse & reverse, b) not frosted, or c) frosted on only one side; Sometimes on SMS varieties

   3. Deep/Ultra Cameo (DCAM or UCAM): Rarest; Background highly reflective plus highly & evenly frosted obverse & reverse; Sometimes on SMS varieties

5. Prooflike (PL): Coins struck & handled for circulation but with a similar brilliant shine to proof coins; Sometimes on SMS varieties

   1. Deep Mirror Prooflike (DPML): MS60 or better with deeply mirrored surfaces (over 4 inches of reflectivity); Very rare

6. About Uncirculated (AU): Very minor wear on high points of design from brief circulation, well-preserved surfaces, near-complete mint luster; Sub-grades from 50 to 58

7. Extremely Fine (EF or XF): Complete details, light wear on high points; Sub-grades 40 & 45

8. Very Fine (VF): Moderate to complete details, wear on high points; Sub-grades 20 to 35

9. Fine (F): 50 percent or less of detail flat, visible to sharp letters & digits; Sub-grades 12 & 15

10. Very Good (VG): Wear throughout, letters & digits soft but readable; Sub-grades 8 & 10

11. Good (G): Outer letters & digits full to slightly worn, slightly worn to sharp rims; Sub-grades 4 & 6

12. About Good (AG-3): Mostly readable letters & digits, worn rims

13. Fair (FR-2): Some visible details, traces of outer letters, flat

14. Poor (PO-1): Only date, mint mark, and year identifiable

With that in mind, it’s time to get into Kennedy half dollar collecting.

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 2014 Type 5 Gold 50th Anniversary Kennedy half dollar graded PR70DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo) by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Key Dates and Varieties

Collectors often look for rare varieties and “key dates” — Kennedy halves that are difficult to find, often because they’re from a low-mintage or low-surviving issue.

Numismatists may also pay more for certain varieties or error coins.

Collectible Issue Key Dates

Collectible issues include all proof, SMS, and uncirculated issues.

Starting with proofs, the most valuable are:

• 1968-S DCAM: Worth $6 to $20,000

• 1969-S DCAM: Worth $6 to $17,500

• 1964-P Accented Hair: Only on ~100,000 1964 proofs; Worth $30-$950 (PR), $30 to $3,750 (CAM), or $50 to $45,000 (DCAM)

• 2014-W Gold DCAM: Worth $1,800 to $2,450

• 2018-S Reverse Proof Silver Set: Worth $40 to $215

• 2014-W Reverse Proof Silver Set: Worth $45 to $240

Onto Special Mint Set (SMS) issues. All are rare, but the most sought-after are:

• 1964-P: Around 12 known, rarest of any issue but wasn’t supposed to be struck; Worth $16,500 to $200,000

• 1967-P DCAM: Worth $15 to $4,500

• 1966-P DCAM: Worth $45 to $7,000

Pictured above: Obverse & reverse of 1966-P SMS (Special Mint Set) issue graded SP68DCAM by PCGS | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Lastly, uncirculated issues:

• 1966-D or 1968-D: Worth $5 to $15,000

• 1970-D: Significantly lower mintage than other 40% silver clad issues; Worth $5 to $20,000

• 1973-D: Worth up to $11,000

• 1976-P Silver Bicentennial: Worth $7 to $20,000

• 2014-S Enhanced Silver 50th Anniversary Set DMPL: Worth $85 to $3,150

Also, look out for NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) Kennedy half dollars, which are collectible coins that accidentally get circulated.

Circulated Key Dates

Most dates are easy to find for circulated issues. The key dates are:

• 1964-D: Higher silver content & first-year issue; Worth up to $26,500

• 1987-P: Worth up to $4,150

• 1987-D: Worth up to $2,650

Pictured above: Closeup comparison of Type I vs. Type II mint marks on 1979-S Kennedy half dollar proofs, both DCAM | Image credit: PCGS CoinFacts, Free use

Errors

Many errors are known on Kennedy halves, but some are more valuable, like:

• 1964 Doubled-Die Obverse (DDO): Circulation & Proof; Doubling on motto lettering; Worth up to $2,000 (circulation) or $600 (proof)

• 1968-S Inverted Mint Mark: Proof; Upper hook of “S” is smaller than lower hook; Worth up to $2,000

• 1971-D & 1977-D Wrong Planchets; Struck on 40% silver clad planchets

• 1974-D DDO: Only major doubled-die variety in series; Doubled lettering prominent on motto lettering; Worth up to $1,350

• 1979-S & 1981-S Proof DCAM (Type I & Type II): Type I has blob-like, filled “S” & Type II has clear “S” mint mark; Type II more valuable (up to $475) than Type I (up to $50)

• 1964-D Quadruple Die Obverse (QDO): More unique & sought-after; Quadrupling most prominent on “U” in “TRUST” & “4” in year; Worth $25 to $800

Another significant error variety is “No FG” — where the initials are missing from the reverse from overpolishing. The error is most valuable on:

• 1982-P: Rare, well-known; One graded MS67 sold for $2,820 in 2016

• 1966-P SMS: Rarer; One graded SP68 sold for $2,365 in 2014

• 1972-D: Rarest; One graded MS63 sold for $2,485 in 2016

Luckily, most Kennedy half dollar issues are easy to find, making it a great set for beginner collectors.

Pictured above: Obverse of 1966-P Kennedy half dollar in pendant | Image credit: Banffy, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Honor An American Legend with a Kennedy Half Dollar Coin!

Over 60 years after his death, John F. Kennedy remains one of the most beloved American presidents. His legacy includes being the youngest (and first Catholic) US president, fighting for civil rights, and leading the country toward peace with both charisma and purpose.

The Kennedy half dollar is a great way to start or expand your coin collection, while honoring a legendary American visionary.

To quote JFK himself: “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.”

Explore our array of Kennedy half dollar and other US half dollar coins today!