1977-S Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1977 Kennedy Half Dollar saw the resumption of the original reverse design, following the Bicentennial design of the prior year. Mintage levels for circulation strikes would experience a significant decline and set a new tone for the series going forward. The Philadelphia Mint struck 43,598,000 and the Denver Mint struck 31,449,106.
The San Francisco Mint continued to strike the coins in proof format for inclusion within annual collector sets offered by the United States mint. The total mintage was 3,251,152. These coins are frequently encountered in PCGS PR69DCAM or NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo. Coins in the highest grades of Proof 70 are much more scarce and command premiums from collectors.
1977 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Circulation Mintage: 43,598,000 (Philadelphia), 31,449,106 (Denver)
Proof Mintage: 3,251,152
Mint Marks: none (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Weight: 11.34 grams
Diameter: 30.61 mm
1970-1979 Kennedy Half Dollars
The Kennedy Half Dollar series underwent two significant changes during the second decade of issue. The first change was compositional and the second change was the design.The last 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollars were issued in 1970 and 1976. Notably, neither of these coins were released for circulation. The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar was issued only in Mint Sets. The resulting low mintage, granted the coin key date status for many years. The 1976-S was specially minted in 40% silver uncirculated and proof for special 3 coin Mint Sets and Proof Sets. All other coins issued for the series during this time period had a new copper nickel clad composition, which had been in use for the dime and quarter since 1965.
The half dollars from 1976, actually minted in both 1975 and 1976, also featured a different reverse design to mark the Bicentennial of the United States of America. Independence Hall in Philadelphia was picutred on the reverse of the coin. The obverse of the coin carried the dual date “1776-1976″. The regular eagle reverse resumed in the following year.
1970 Kennedy Half Dollar 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar
1978 Kennedy Half Dollar 1979 Kennedy Half Dollar