The 1976 Kennedy half dollar is worth only face value if it is in circulated condition. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition, then it is worth $2.28. The 1976 S Kennedy proof half dollar is worth around $4 in PR 65 condition. The 1976 S silver half dollar is worth around $8 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS 63. The 1976 S silver proof half dollar is worth around $12 in uncirculated condition with a grade of PR 70.
In many ways, 1976 was a year of progress and change. It was a year that saw advances in technology, medicine, and environmental protection. It was also the year that America celebrated its bicentennial and the Mint celebrated with a new coin.
Do you have a 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar in your pocket change? If so, you may have a rare and valuable coin on your hands! This coin was minted in honor of the United States bicentennial and is now considered a collector’s item. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of the Kennedy Half Dollar and why it is worth collecting.
A Brief History of 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar
The year was 1976, and America was celebrating its bicentennial. The American Bicentennial was a time to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. It was a time of national pride, as Americans reflected on their country’s achievements over the past two centuries. It was also a time of introspection, as Americans considered the challenges that lay ahead in the next 200 years.
To mark the occasion, the U.S. Mint released a special Kennedy half dollar. The coin featured a new design on the reverse, featuring an image of Independence Hall in Philadelphia along with the motto “200 YEARS OF FREEDOM”. It’s fitting that Kennedy is on the bicentennial half dollar. After all, he was a champion of progress and change. He championed the Civil Rights Movement and worked to improve race relations. He also helped to get the world’s first Moon landing off the ground. In many ways, Kennedy embodies the spirit of America.
The bicentennial Kennedy half dollar was minted for only one year, making it a rare and collectible coin today. Though its original purpose was to commemorate America’s 200th birthday, this striking coin is now cherished by collectors and historians alike.
1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar Identification Guide
The Bicentennial Half Dollar was a commemorative coin minted in honor of the United States Bicentennial. The coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, and its obverse features a classic well-known portrait of John F. Kennedy. The words “In GOD We Trust” and “Liberty” are also inscribed on the obverse. The reverse side of the coin features an image of Independence Hall in Philadelphia along with the motto “200 YEARS OF FREEDOM”. This is a special bicentennial design that was only minted for one year.
The edge of the coin is reeded, and it is composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The diameter of the coin is 30.6 mm, and it weighs 11.34 grams. There is also a limited amount of silver half dollars struck in San Francisco which is .400 fine silver.
If you’re a coin collector, then you know the importance of mint marks. Mint marks are used to indicate where a coin was made, and they can have a big impact on a coin’s value. The mint mark, when present, on this coin can be found on the obverse side just above the date 1776-1976. If the coin has a mint mark, it will either be an S (for San Francisco) or a D (for Denver). If there is no mint mark, that means the coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint.
How Rare is a 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1976 Kennedy half dollar is a special coin since it was minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Kennedy’s birth. However, despite being a commemorative coin, large quantities of the 1976 Kennedy half dollar were struck. In total, over 500 million Kennedy half dollars were minted in 1976, with over 234 million being struck at the Philadelphia Mint and over 287 million being struck at the Denver Mint.
The rarest series were minted in San Francisco. According to the U.S. Mint, San Francisco struck 7,059,099 proof coins in 1976. Proof coins are specially minted for collectors and are usually sold at a premium. In addition, San Francisco also struck 11,000,000 silver coins and 4,000,000 silver proof coins. While these numbers may seem high, it is worth noting that millions of these coins have been melted down over the years or lost in circulation.
Series |
Quantity minted |
1976 |
234,308,000 |
1976 D |
287,565,248 |
1976 S proof |
7,059,099 |
1976 S silver |
11,000,000 |
1976 S silver proof |
4,000,000 |
As a result, the 1976 Kennedy halves are not particularly rare unless struck in San Francisco, although it is still a sought-after coin by collectors.
How Much Is a 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth
The 1976 Kennedy half dollar is worth only face value if it is in circulated condition. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition, then it is worth $2.28. The same price is for 1976 D half dollars. The 1976 S Kennedy proof half dollar is worth around $4 in PR 65 condition. In circulated condition, it is only worth slightly more than its face value.
If you have a 1976 silver half dollar or a silver proof half dollar, then you have a coin that is worth more money. The 1976 S silver and silver proof half dollars are worth at least their value in silver which is around $3 for this coin. The 1976 S silver half dollar is worth around $8 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS 63. The 1976 S silver proof half dollar is worth around $12 in PR 65 condition. So if you come across one of these coins, be sure to hold on to it!
Factors Influencing the 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
There are several factors influencing the 1976 Kennedy half dollar value, including mint mark, condition, and rarity. However, the best way to find current market prices is to look for recently sold similar coins. For example:
- A circulated 1976 S proof Kennedy half dollar sold for $1,50.
- Uncirculated 1976 D Kennedy half dollar sold for $1,99.
- Uncirculated 1976 S silver Kennedy half dollar sold for $7,50.
- Another uncirculated 1976 S silver Kennedy half dollar graded PR 69 sold for $23,99.
Condition
Probably the important factor determining the value is the condition of the coin. A coin that has been circulated (that is, one that has been used in everyday transactions) will usually be worth less than an uncirculated coin, which has never been used. A coin that is in poor condition, with scratches and other damage, will be worth less than a coin in excellent condition.
The Sheldon grading scale is the most commonly used system for determining the condition of a coin, and it ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect. A coin that is graded 60 or higher is considered to be uncirculated, and these coins typically have the highest values. Coins that have been circulated are usually worth less, but even heavily worn coins can be valuable if they are rare.
Mint Mark
One important factor that can affect the value of a Kennedy Half Dollar is the mint mark. A mint mark is a letter or symbol stamped on a coin to identify the mint where it was made. Coins minted at the San Francisco Mint will typically have a higher value than those minted at other United States Mint facilities due to lower mintage levels.
Additionally, San Francisco produced a limited amount of proof coins, silver coins and silver proof coins which are the most valuable of the bunch. As a result, collectors and investors alike should be aware of this potential source of increased value when assessing Half Dollars for purchase.
5 Most Valuable 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Ever Sold
| 5 Most Valuable 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar | ||||
| No. | Type | Condition | Sold Date | Price |
| 1 | 1776-1976-S Kennedy Half Dollar | MS69 | Aug 26, 2022 | $9,600.00 |
| 2 | 1976-S 50C Clad | PR70 | Jan 10, 2008 | $5,175.00 |
| 3 | 1976-D 50C Clad Bicentennial Half Dollar | Deep Die Cap and Brockage — MS65 | Jan 6, 2017 | $5,170.00 |
| 4 | 1976-D 50C Clad Bicentennial Half Dollar | First Strike Full Brockage — MS64 | Jan 6, 2017 | $4,465.00 |
| 5 | 1976-S 50C Bicentennial Half Dollar | Struck on a Five Cent Planchet — PR63 | Jan 6, 2017 | $4,465.00 |
1. 1776-1976-S Kennedy Half Dollar, MS69 Sold on Aug 26, 2022 for: $9,600.00
2. 1976-S 50C Clad PR70 Sold on Jan 10, 2008 for: $5,175.00
3. 1976-D 50C Clad Bicentennial Half Dollar — Deep Die Cap and Brockage — MS65 Sold on Jan 6, 2017 for: $5,170.00
4. 1976-D 50C Clad Bicentennial Half Dollar — First Strike Full Brockage — MS64 Sold on Jan 6, 2017 for: $4,465.00
5. 1976-S 50C Bicentennial Half Dollar — Struck on a Five Cent Planchet — PR63 Sold on Jan 6, 2017 for: $4,465.00
Final Thoughts
The Bicentennial Kennedy half dollar was minted in 1976 to commemorate the United States 200th birthday. The coins were made with a special copper-nickel alloy and featured a dual date of 1776-1976. More than 500,000,000 Bicentennial Kennedy half dollars were struck for circulation, making them one of the more common modern coins. Despite their abundance, Bicentennial Kennedy half dollars remain popular with collectors and are sure to continue to increase in value in the years to come.
The value of a 1976 Kennedy half dollar depends on its condition and type. Circulated coins are only worth face value, but uncirculated coins can be worth up to $2.28. The 1976 S silver proof half dollar is the most valuable type, with a value of up to $12 in pristine condition. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 1976 Kennedy half dollar is a great addition to any collection. Thanks for reading!
