1969 Kennedy Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1969 Kennedy Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Kennedy Half Dollars Silver Clad 1965-1970 series — a late issue, 5th of 6 years in the series. In 1969, coins were struck at the Denver and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 132.8 million. This ranks 4th of 6 years by total mintage, above the series median of 124.3 million. The obverse features John F. Kennedy facing left, based on the presidential medal by Gilroy Roberts and the reverse displays the Presidential Seal — a heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. Struck in 40% silver, 60% copper, weighing 11.5 grams, 30.61 mm in diameter, with a 150 reeds edge. Collectors have cataloged 55 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, master die doubling obverse and 1 other types. Struck one year before the 1970 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $16 to $47 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $16K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro.