A few months after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1964, the United States Mint produced the Kennedy half dollars for the first time. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. Following the popular president’s assassination, the country was in mourning. Congress acted swiftly to create a coin honoring President John F. Kennedy and repeal the Franklin half dollar design (Public Law 88-256). Kennedy. Based on the Great Seal of the United States, Frank Gasparro sculpted the heraldic eagle on the reverse, while Gilroy Roberts created the portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse.
Half of the Kennedy half dollars in 2019 were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Half of the dollars that are made between 201965% and 201970 are made up of two outer layers that contain 80% silver and 2020% copper, with an inner core of 2020. 9% silver and 79. 1% copper (net composition: 40% silver and 60% copper). The coins that were minted in 201971 and later have outer layers made of 2075 percent copper and 2525 percent nickel bonded to an inner core of pure copper. The coin has a diameter of 30. 6 mm and a reeded edge. Continue reading to find out more about the history and worth of a Kennedy half dollar.
The value of a 50-cent coin, also known as a half dollar, can vary significantly depending on its age, condition, and rarity. While some half dollars are worth only their face value, others can be highly valuable to collectors
Factors Affecting Value
- Age: Older half dollars, especially those minted before 1965, are generally more valuable than newer ones. This is because older coins are rarer and have more historical significance.
- Condition: The condition of a half dollar is crucial in determining its value. Coins in mint condition (uncirculated) are worth significantly more than those that are worn or damaged.
- Rarity: Some half dollars are rarer than others due to low mintage numbers or unique design elements. These rare coins can be highly sought after by collectors and command high prices.
Silver Content
Half dollars minted between 1892 and 1964 contain 0.361 ounces of pure silver The current price of silver can impact the value of these coins, as they can be melted down for their silver content. However, melting a valuable coin is generally not recommended, as it will significantly reduce its collector value.
Specific Examples
Here are some examples of the value of different half dollars:
- Kennedy Half Dollar 50c 90% Silver, 1964 MS Type Coin: This coin can range in value from $16.35 to $9,380 depending on its condition and rarity.
- Kennedy Half Dollar 50c 40% Silver, 1965-1970 MS Type Coin: This coin has a value range of $5.52 to $494.
- Kennedy Half Dollar 50c Clad, 1971-Present MS Type Coin: This coin is typically worth between $1.05 and $101.00.
Additional Resources
- CoinAppraiser.com: This website provides a comprehensive guide to the value of old silver half dollars, including information on specific coins and their rarity.
- Wikipedia: The Wikipedia page on the half dollar (United States coin) offers a detailed history of the coin and its different designs.
The value of a 50-cent coin can vary widely depending on its age, condition, and rarity. Older half dollars, especially those with high silver content, are generally more valuable than newer ones. If you have a half dollar and are unsure of its value, it is recommended to consult a professional coin dealer or appraiser.
Condition or Grade
Your coin is regarded as circulated if it is worn and resembles the one in the picture below.
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Your coin is regarded as uncirculated if it resembles the one in the picture below and shows no signs of wear from being in circulation.
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There are a few Kennedy half-minor variations, but nothing extremely uncommon or pricey. Special collector coins were produced by the mint in 1965–1967 and again starting in 1992. These coins are quite affordable for any coin collecting budget. The dates 1776–1976 were printed on the coins in 1975 and 1976. These coins are commemorative ones that are in circulation to honor the United States’ bicentennial. These coins were produced in billions, despite their seeming uniqueness, and they have no intrinsic value.
Nonetheless, Kennedy half dollars were produced in 1970 by the US Mint at its facilities in Denver and San Francisco. In 1970, there were no half dollars produced by the Philadelphia mint. To be included in the 1970 Proof set, the mint in San Francisco produced coins with a Proof finish. United States Uncirculated Mint Sets featured coins with business strike quality that were produced in Denver. Thus, purchasing the United States Uncirculated 1970 Mint Set is the only way to obtain a 1970-D Kennedy half-dollar example that is in circulation quality.
Coins with special collector editions were produced by the mint in 2014 to commemorate the Kennedy half dollar’s 50th anniversary. The first was the 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half-Dollar Uncirculated Coin Set, a special collector edition set. Two 2014 Kennedy half-dollars with uncirculated finishes, one from each of the US Mint locations in Philadelphia and Denver, are included in the set. They are both clad in copper-nickel. The high-relief portrait on the original 1964 coin is replicated in the designs on these coins.
The 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half-Dollar Silver Coin Collection was the second set released in 2014. This set of four silver half-dollar coins had four distinct coin finishes. Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts of the United States Mint created the hand-sculpted, high relief obverse design for each coin in 1963, and it remained unchanged until 1964. At last, the Kennedy Half-Dollar Gold Proof Coin commemorating 50 years was released. This special Proof bullion coin was made out of 99. 99% pure gold.
These 50 Cent Coins are Worth A LOT more than a Half Dollar!
FAQ
How much is a 1971 50 cent coin worth?
How much is a round 50 cent coin worth?
How much is a 1964 50 cent piece worth?
What are the rarest 50 Cent Coins?
With original mintages under 20,000 pieces, the 1873 CC Seated Liberty and 1796 Flowing Hair half dollars are the rarest 50 cent pieces. But there are other challenging dates to look out for like the 1916 Walking Liberty (264,000 minted) and 1892 Micro S Barber. Proof Kennedy halves made for collectors can also be valuable if graded PR69 or higher.
How much silver is in a 50 cent coin?
However, it is helpful to know the silver content for 50 cent coins minted after 1891. Every half dollar minted for the years 1892 to 1964 has .361 ounces of pure silver in it. So you can take the price of silver per ounce and multiple it by .361 to get the “melt” value of the half dollar.
What are the rarest half dollar coins?
Clearly condition is critical when assessing the value and rarity of half dollar coins. With original mintages under 20,000 pieces, the 1873 CC Seated Liberty and 1796 Flowing Hair half dollars are the rarest 50 cent pieces. But there are other challenging dates to look out for like the 1916 Walking Liberty (264,000 minted) and 1892 Micro S Barber.
How much is a half dollar worth?
While most people think of the half dollar as a common coin still found in circulation, some key dates and mint errors are surprisingly valuable to collectors. With knowledge and a sharp eye, an ordinary 50 cent piece could be worth a considerable sum.