U.S. COIN REFERENCE · Kennedy half dollar
Kennedy halves: several alloys behind one portrait
The date and finish decide which silver standard, if any, applies.
By SalarsNet · Reviewed October 5, 2026
The main composition boundaries
The 1964 regular Kennedy half is 90% silver; 1965–1970 regular issues are silver-clad, and the regular series changes to copper-nickel clad in 1971. Silver collector issues require their own record. The 1776–1976 Independence Hall reverse and the 2014 gold anniversary coin are distinct products.
Type references: PCGS Kennedy Half Dollar ↗
Inspect the actual finish
Record date, mintmark, edge, portrait, eagle or building, and fields. A proof, special-set strike, and regular issue can share much of the design. Packaging helps identify a product but must agree with the coin. Hairlines on mirrored fields and contact marks on a regular strike need clear descriptions.
Type references: PCGS Kennedy Half Dollar ↗
A long series with different collecting units
Compare the same composition and strike before grade or variety. A gold anniversary coin cannot supply a silver half’s metal estimate, and a boxed set cannot silently become a loose-coin comparison. The 2026 Enduring Liberty design has its own reference; a modern date range is not proof that every year retains Kennedy.
Type references: PCGS Kennedy Half Dollar ↗
Selected reviewed issue records
These catalog standards describe the named issue, not a measured specimen. The selected records below do not cover every date, mint, strike, or die variety. Reported production is labeled separately from established mintage. Unknown standards and mintage remain visible; survival estimates and certified populations are separate research questions.
No issue-level specification or mintage records are published for this category yet. Verify the exact date, mint, strike, metal, and subtype in its reference before using a numerical standard.
References and review
Reference reviewed October 5, 2026. Historical facts and catalog standards need to match the exact issue; price comparisons should be researched at the time of valuation.
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