1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically the Denver Mint facility (denoted by the 'D' mint mark). The US Mint is an agency of the Department of the Treasury.
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar, obverse designed by Gilroy Roberts; reverse by Frank Gasparro. Introduced in 1964 to memorialize President John F. Kennedy.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the Denver Mint facility (denoted by the 'D' mint mark). The US Mint is an agency of the Department of the Treasury.
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad Copper. Composition: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. Despite common misconceptions, this 1974 circulation strike contains no silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 inches); Thickness: 2.15 mm; Standard Weight: 11.34 grams.
Description
A classic example of late-20th-century American coinage, this Kennedy Half Dollar features the iconic left-facing profile of the 35th President. While earlier versions of this series contained 90% or 40% silver, this 1974 specimen represents the base-metal clad era intended for mass circulation. It remains a staple of American numismatics due to its large size and mid-century aesthetic.
Key Features
The 'D' mint mark, the 1974 date, and the lack of a silver 'ring' when dropped (it produces a lower thud rather than a high-pitched silver chime). The copper core is visible as a brown line along the reeded edge.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad Copper. Composition: outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core. Despite common misconceptions, this 1974 circulation strike contains no silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a satin/matte business finish. Features the profile portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse. Includes the inscriptions 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and '1974'. Reeded edge design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes a 'D' mint mark above the date, indicating the Denver Mint. The designer's initials 'GR' (Gilroy Roberts) are located on the truncation of the neck profile.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coin. Produced via high-speed minting presses utilizing planchets (blanks) punched from bonded clad metal strips.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency with a face value of 50 cents ($0.50). The reeded edge was historically a security feature to prevent metal clipping, now a tactile identifier.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced machine strike. Die alignment is symmetrical; striking pressure was sufficient to render full hair details despite subsequent circulation wear.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for '1974' and 'D' mark; visible copper core on the edge; weight consistent with clad standards; appropriate wear patterns for 50 years of potential use.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Denver, Colorado Mint. Manufactured using automated industrial minting processes.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Cold War Era. Part of the 'Clad Era' of US coinage following the Coinage Act of 1965 which removed silver from dimes and quarters and reduced it in half dollars until 1971.
Age Estimate
Dated 1974; exactly 50 years old from the current year.
Cultural Significance
The Kennedy Half Dollar was authorized just over a month after the President's assassination. It has long been a popular souvenir for tourists and collectors, often saved rather than spent, which has led to its decline in daily circulation.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Displays moderate surface bag marks, contact scratches, and typical 'pocket wear' on high points like the cheek and hair. Luster is somewhat dull. Grade: Likely Fine to Very Fine (F-VF).
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.50) to minor collector premium ($0.75 - $1.50) due to age. Only high-grade uncirculated or rare error specimens carry significant value for this date.
Care & Maintenance
For circulation coins, cleaning is generally discouraged by numismatists as it can damage the surface and reduce value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip if conservation is desired.
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% Silver); 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver); 1974-S Proof (high mirror finish for collectors).
Interesting Facts
1974 was the last year before the '1776-1976' Bicentennial reverse design was introduced. No 1975-dated half dollars exist because the Mint spent that year producing the Bicentennial design.