1974 Kennedy Half Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar series, designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse); first introduced in 1964.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Despite being commonly referred to as 'silver' by non-collectors due to its color, business strikes from 1971-present contain no silver.
Dimensions
30.61 mm diameter, 2.15 mm thickness, 11.340 grams weight.
Description
This 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar is a classic example of American circulating coinage. It features the iconic left-facing portrait of the 35th President. While it maintains the silvery appearance of its predecessors, it is part of the post-1970 transition to base-metal clad composition. It remains a staple of American numismatics and a piece of historical Americana.
Key Features
Copper-nickel clad composition edge (visible as a brown/orange stripe), absence of mint mark above the date, and the '1974' date stamp.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper, 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core). Despite being commonly referred to as 'silver' by non-collectors due to its color, business strikes from 1971-present contain no silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with raised relief (bas-relief). Obverse features a profile of John F. Kennedy; reverse features the Presidential Seal. Decoration including 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1974'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No mint mark (indicating Philadelphia Mint production), 'GR' (Gilroy Roberts) monogram on the truncation of the neck, and 'FG' (Frank Gasparro) on the reverse.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure die striking on a planchet. Reeded edges produced by a collar during the striking process.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency of the United States with a face value of 50 cents. Key features include the reeded edge to prevent clipping.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced machine-struck coinage. Crispness is average for the era; some die fatigue visible near the lettering typical of high-volume 1970s production.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter match US Mint specifications; copper-colored core visible on the edge; correct lettering font for 1970s US Mint dies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1970s). Struck during the tenure of Mary Brooks as Director of the Mint.
Age Estimate
1974 based on the obverse date stamp.
Cultural Significance
The series serves as a memorial to JFK and is one of the few coins that was hoarded by the public immediately upon release, leading to its eventual disappearance from common daily circulation.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (Very Good to Fine). Visible surface scratches, minor dings on the rim, and significant evidence of handling. Tarnish/oxidation present on the legends and rim. Overall Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.50) to approximately $0.75 for common circulated examples. Higher values (up to $5-$10) only for high-grade Uncirculated (MS) specimens.
Care & Maintenance
Ideally, do not clean or polish coins as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival acid-free holder to prevent further environmental tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% silver), 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% silver), Ben Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963).
Interesting Facts
The Kennedy Half Dollar was authorized by Congress just over a month after the President's assassination. The 1974 issue saw a high mintage of over 200 million pieces from the Philadelphia mint alone.