United States Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
Pattern: Bicentennial Commemorative Series, Independence Hall Reverse
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
Material
Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper/25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core) or 40% Silver Clad (for San Francisco Mint proof/uncirculated sets)
Dimensions
30.61 mm diameter, 2.15 mm thickness; Weight: 11.34g (Clad) or 11.50g (40% Silver)
Description
A commemorative circulating half dollar issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The reverse departs from the standard Presidential Seal to showcase a detailed architectural rendering of Independence Hall. It is one of three coins (including the quarter and dollar) to receive a special reverse design for the Bicentennial.
Key Features
Dual-dated '1776–1976' on obverse; Seth G. Huntington reverse design; Independence Hall motif
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Clad (Outer layers of 75% copper/25% nickel, bonded to a pure copper core) or 40% Silver Clad (for San Francisco Mint proof/uncirculated sets)
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated business strike; Reverse features Independence Hall in Philadelphia designed by Seth G. Huntington; Obverse (not shown) features President John F. Kennedy; Reeded edge
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse inscriptions: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'HALF DOLLAR', '200 YEARS OF FREEDOM', 'INDEPENDENCE HALL', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'; Mint mark would be on the obverse above the date
Construction Details
Die-struck via high-pressure hydraulic coinage presses; Multi-layered planchet construction (clad technology)
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States; value of 50 cents
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (Circulating coinage)
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck quality; the design utilizes low-relief engraving to ensure strike consistency across millions of units
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth for Independence Hall windows; standard reeded edge; proper font spacing for 'HALF DOLLAR'
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S)
Era & Period
Modern Era / Cold War; Bicentennial Celebration (1975-1976)
Age Estimate
Minted specifically between 1975 and 1976 (all bear the dual date 1776–1976)
Cultural Significance
Represents the patriotic fervor of the 1976 Bicentennial, a period of national healing and celebration in post-Vietnam/Watergate America
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated to Choice Uncirculated; visible surface bag marks and light circulation wear; no significant toning or corrosion
Value Estimate
Circulated: $0.50 (face value); Uncirculated Clad: $1.00 - $3.00; 40% Silver variant: $5.00 - $10.00 (based on silver spot prices)
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value; store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent environmental toning
Similar Pieces
Standard Kennedy Half Dollar (Eagle reverse); Bicentennial Quarter (Drummer Boy); Bicentennial Dollar (Liberty Bell/Moon)
Interesting Facts
No half dollars dated 1975 were produced; all 1975 and 1976 production runs for the half dollar featured the 1776–1976 dual date. Over 500 million were struck.