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Designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), the Kennedy half dollar was rushed into production just weeks after President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963, replacing the Franklin half dollar. Composition changed twice: 90% silver in 1964 only, 40% silver from 1965–1970, then copper-nickel clad from 1971 onward. The 1976 Bicentennial issue used a special dual-dated (1776–1976) reverse by Seth G. Huntington instead of the standard design.
Every date below is a recognised key date or variety. Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
How many of each were struck — the shortest bar is the scarcest date in the series.
Bars are scaled to keep the smallest mintages visible; the exact figure is printed on every row. Mintage is coins struck, not coins surviving — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further.
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About Kennedy Half Dollar values
The 1998-S tops this series: a top-grade example is estimated around $174. Condition drives that figure — the same date in worn condition is worth a fraction of it, which is why each guide shows a range rather than a single number.
By mintage, the 1998-S is the scarcest key date tracked here, with 62,000 struck. Mintage is coins struck rather than coins surviving, though — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further, so survival estimates run lower still.
This guide covers 7 key dates and varieties from the Kennedy Half Dollar series (1964–present). Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
Grading takes practice, and the gap between adjacent grades is real money on a key date. Compare your coin against the photographs on each date's page, and for anything potentially valuable consider having it certified by PCGS or NGC — a graded coin settles both authenticity and condition in one step.
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Every US series with key dates priced here.
