1776-1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (US Government Agency established 1792)
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar (Bicentennial Series), Reverse is Independence Hall by Seth G. Huntington
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (US Government Agency established 1792)
Material
Likely Copper-Nickel Clad (91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel). Note: Silver versions (40% silver) were struck in San Francisco with an 'S' mint mark; the lack of a visible 'S' indicates a standard circulation clad strike.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 in); Weight: 11.34 grams for clad, 11.50 grams for 40% silver.
Description
A commemorative dual-dated half dollar featuring the iconic left-facing profile of President John F. Kennedy, originally designed by Gilman Roberts. The 1776-1976 dating marks the American Bicentennial, making this one of the most widely recognized and collected US coins of the 20th century.
Key Features
Dual-date '1776-1976' on the obverse; independence hall reverse; Kennedy's profile; reeded edge.
Material & Composition
Likely Copper-Nickel Clad (91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel). Note: Silver versions (40% silver) were struck in San Francisco with an 'S' mint mark; the lack of a visible 'S' indicates a standard circulation clad strike.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with relief portrait of John F. Kennedy; obverse text 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and dual dating '1776-1976'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark location is above the '1976' date; an 'S' would indicate San Francisco (40% Silver), no mark or 'P' indicates Philadelphia, 'D' indicates Denver.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure dies on a prepared planchet (blank). Multi-layered composition for clad issues.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping/counterfeiting; legal tender currency with a face value of 50 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item designed for hand exchange).
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-struck; features crisp lettering and clear profile lines despite circulation wear. Higher quality than standard tokens but lower than 'Proof' strikes.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth, typography consistent with US Mint standards of the 1970s, and appropriate wear patterns for a circulated coin.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia or Denver Mint operations.
Era & Period
Modern Era / US Bicentennial Celebration (1975-1976)
Age Estimate
Struck between 1975 and 1976 for the 200th anniversary of the United States.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American patriotism during the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and an enduring tribute to the 35th President.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine; shows visible surface scratches, minor tarnish/toning spots on the cheek and field, and slight edge wear. Circulated condition.
Value Estimate
Circulated clad: $0.50 - $2.00. 40% Silver (San Francisco Mint): $5.00 - $10.00 depending on silver spot price.
Care & Maintenance
Collectors recommend never cleaning or polishing coins with abrasives. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent environmental damage.
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% silver), 1965-1969 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% silver), and standard single-date clad issues (1971-present).
Interesting Facts
No Kennedy half dollars were dated 1975; all produced in 1975 and 1976 carried the dual 1776-1976 date. Over 500 million were struck across all mints.