The John F Kennedy Half Dollar is a fifty-cent coin that was introduced by the United States Mint in 1964, shortly after the assassination of President John F Kennedy. The coin was minted from 1964 to 1970, and again in 1971, 1972, and 1974. In 1975 and 1976, the coin was minted to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States, with the date "1776-1976" appearing on the obverse and reverse of the coin.
Design and Composition
The obverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar features the portrait of President John F Kennedy, while the reverse depicts an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, with a shield on its chest. The coin is made from a mixture of copper and nickel, with a diameter of 30.61 mm and a weight of 11.34 grams.
Value of John F Kennedy Half Dollar
The value of a John F Kennedy Half Dollar depends on several factors, including its rarity, condition, and year of minting. Generally, coins that are in uncirculated condition or have a low mintage are worth more than those that have been heavily circulated.
1976 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar was minted to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States. The coin features the dual dates "1776-1976" on the obverse and reverse, along with the image of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. While millions of these coins were minted, they are still considered to be valuable due to their historical significance.
1970 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the series. Only a few thousand of these coins were minted, and many of them were never released into circulation. A 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar in uncirculated condition can be worth thousands of dollars.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the first coin in the series and was minted in honor of President John F Kennedy, who had been assassinated earlier that year. The coin was widely popular and millions were circulated. While many of these coins are still in existence, they are still valuable due to their historical significance.
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 are known as the "clad" coins, as they are made from a combination of copper and nickel. While these coins are not as valuable as the earlier silver coins, they are still sought after by collectors.
Mint Marks
Mint marks can also affect the value of a Kennedy Half Dollar. Mint marks indicate where the coin was minted, with the most common being "D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco, and "P" for Philadelphia. Coins with a "S" mint mark are often more valuable due to their lower mintage.
Proof Coins
Proof coins are specially minted coins that have a mirror-like surface and are struck multiple times to give them sharper details. Proof coins are often more valuable than regular coins due to their rarity and the quality of their design.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the value of a John F Kennedy Half Dollar depends on several factors, including its rarity, condition, mint mark, and year of minting. While some coins are worth thousands of dollars, others may only be worth their face value. If you are interested in collecting Kennedy Half Dollars, it is important to do your research and work with a reputable dealer to ensure that you are getting an accurate appraisal of your coins.
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