1776-1976 Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar (40% Silver Uncirculated Edition)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (San Francisco Branch). Significant as the government institution responsible for U.S. legal tender; the 'S' mint mark denotes specialized collector production.
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar, Bicentennial Commemorative Issue. Introduced in 1975 for the 200th anniversary of American Independence.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (San Francisco Branch). Significant as the government institution responsible for U.S. legal tender; the 'S' mint mark denotes specialized collector production.
Material
40% Silver Clad. Composition consists of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. Total silver weight is 0.1479 troy oz.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 in). Thickness: 2.15 mm. Weight: 11.50 grams (standard for 40% silver clad halves).
Description
A specimen of the American Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar. This particular coin is the silver-clad version, distinguishable from common cupro-nickel circulation strikes by its crisp strike and consistent silver edge (which lacks the visible copper streak of base-metal coins). It represents a critical moment in American commemorative numismatics.
Key Features
Dual date '1776-1976', 'S' mint mark indicating San Francisco origin, and the white/silver edge indicative of the 40% silver composition rather than the orange-tinted edge of standard nickel versions.
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad. Composition consists of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. Total silver weight is 0.1479 troy oz.
Finish & Decoration
Uncirculated (Mint State) finish. Features the profile of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and a 1776-1976 dual date. The reverse (not visible) features Philadelphia's Independence Hall. Sculpted by Gilroy Roberts and Seth G. Huntington.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse features 'S' mint mark (San Francisco) below the truncated neck of Kennedy. Includes 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' inscriptions. No silver hallmark needed as it is official government coinage.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a multi-layered clad planchet using heavy-duty industrial coinage presses at the San Francisco Mint.
Functional Features
Legal tender with a face value of 50 cents. Features a reeded edge (grooves) to prevent clipping or shaving of the metal.
Handle & Grip Details
None. This is a circular coin designed for hand-held circulation or storage in numismatic holders.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck with high-pressure machines. The strike is strong and symmetrical, typical of US Mint standards for the 1970s.
Authentication Indicators
S-mint mark position is correct. The color of the tarnish is consistent with 40% silver oxidation rather than the dark grey/black of 90% silver or the green tint often seen on copper-nickel.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Produced at the San Francisco Mint, which was primarily used for proof sets and special collector silver editions during this era.
Era & Period
Modern Numismatic Period. Historical context: Released to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1975 and 1976. This specific dual-dated design was struck across both years to meet demand.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American patriotism and the lasting legacy of JFK. These coins were widely hoarded by the public in 1976 as keepsakes of the Bicentennial celebrations.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine. Shows significant surface circulation wear, light scratching (bag marks), and moderate tarnish. The luster has dulled, likely from being handled without gloves or circulating in general commerce.
Value Estimate
$4.00 - $8.00 USD. Value is primarily derived from silver melt content (0.1479 oz) plus a small premium for the 'S' mint mark and commemorative status.
Care & Maintenance
Never clean or polish coins as it destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation. Handle only by the edges.
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy Half (90% Silver), 1965-1970 Kennedy Half (40% silver but singular dates), 1976 Cupro-Nickel Bicentennial Half (No 'S' mint mark, copper-colored edge).
Interesting Facts
Over 500 million Bicentennial halves were struck, but only a small fraction were produced in 40% silver for collectors. This was the last time silver was used in a regularly issued (though commemorative) half-dollar coin for general sale.