1983-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Denver facility, established 1863), a Bureau of the Department of the Treasury.
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present); Obverse: Gilroy Roberts, Reverse: Frank Gasparro.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Denver facility, established 1863), a Bureau of the Department of the Treasury.
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layer bonded to a pure Copper core). Contains 0% actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 inches); Weight: 11.34 grams; Thickness: 2.15 mm.
Description
A standard 1983 circulating half dollar featuring the iconic Gilroy Roberts portrait of President Kennedy. While it possesses a silver-like luster, it is composed of base metals. This specific year were not released for circulation in 1987, but the 1983 was widely distributed.
Key Features
'D' mint mark; 1983 date; lack of a silver 'copper sandwich' edge stripe normally visible on 1964-1970 40% silver versions.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (75% Copper, 25% Nickel outer layer bonded to a pure Copper core). Contains 0% actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike (Business Strike). Features a left-facing profile of John F. Kennedy. Surface shows machine-striking with relief and incused lettering.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'D' mint mark above the date (indicating Denver Mint); 'GR' monogram on the neck truncation (Gilroy Roberts). Purity marks are absent as this is not silver.
Construction Details
Planchet struck by massive coining presses using hardened steel dies to impart the design onto a three-layered metal blank.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting and to prevent 'clipping' of metal; legal tender denomination of 50 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (numismatic object). Surface features tactile 'LIBERTY' and '1983' for identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck excellence of high-speed industrial manufacturing; consistent centering and strike depth typical of 1980s U.S. Mint quality.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter match standard US Mint specifications; font style and mint mark placement are consistent with authentic 1983 dies.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Denver Mint (D). Manufactured using industrial high-speed minting processes.
Era & Period
Modern Era United States Coinage (Post-Silver Era). Design introduced in late 1963 following the assassination of JFK.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1983 based on the obverse date stamp.
Cultural Significance
A commemorative design turned standard coinage, reflecting the national mourning and permanent legacy of the 35th U.S. President.
Condition Notes
Circulated/About Uncirculated. Visible surface 'bag marks', contact scratches, and green oxidation (verdigris) near the letter 'I' in 'IN', indicating copper corrosion.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.50) to approximately $1.00-$2.00 in high-grade circulated condition. No precious metal 'melt' value.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as it removes numismatic value. Store in an PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation/verdigris.
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy (90% Silver), 1965-70 Kennedy (40% Silver), 1976 Bicentennial (Dual dated 1776-1976), and 1983-S Proof (high mirror finish).
Interesting Facts
Unlike the 1964 (90% silver) and 1965-1970 (40% silver) issues, all Kennedy half dollars dated after 1970 (except special silver proofs) contain no precious metal.