Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollars - $100 Face Value

The Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollar is a significant piece of American numismatic history, representing a transitional period in U.S. coinage. Minted from 1965 to 1970, these coins contain 40% silver and were introduced following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): Features the profile portrait of President John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts.
• Reverse (back): Displays the Presidential Seal, an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, designed by Frank Gasparro.
• Weight: 11.5 grams
• Silver Content: 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver
• Fineness: 40% silver (0.400 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollar was produced by several U.S. Mints, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is located on the obverse, just below Kennedy's neck:

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): Produced a significant portion of these coins, with large mintages.
• Denver ('D'): Known for consistent production, offering many examples for collectors and investors.
• San Francisco ('S'): Primarily produced coins for mint sets and collectors, with lower overall mintages compared to Philadelphia and Denver.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Most Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollars are relatively common, with large mintages from both Philadelphia and Denver. These coins are often traded based on their silver content, making them a popular choice for silver investors rather than numismatic collectors.

Rare Dates and Varieties

While generally not considered rare, the 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar is a notable exception, as it was only produced for mint sets, resulting in a lower mintage compared to other years. This makes it more desirable among collectors.

Various Grades and Values

The value of Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollars depends largely on their silver content, with slight premiums for key dates or higher grades. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins:

• Good (G): $5-7
• Fine (F): $6-8
• Extremely Fine (XF): $7-10
• About Uncirculated (AU): $8-12
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $10-15

Coins from key dates like the 1970-D can command higher premiums, particularly in uncirculated condition.

The Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollar is an emblem of its time, offering a tangible connection to American history. While most examples are valued for their silver content, certain mint marks and dates, such as the 1970-D, are more sought after by collectors. These coins remain a popular choice for those interested in silver investment, with added numismatic interest for select issues.

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