1978 Kennedy Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1978 Kennedy Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Kennedy Half Dollars Clad and Silver Proof 1971 to Date series — an early issue, 6th of 53 years in the series. In 1978, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 31.2 million. This ranks 25th of 53 years by total mintage, below the series median of 32.8 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 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 11.3 grams, 30.61 mm in diameter, with a 150 reeds edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $4 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $3.8K in MS67+ grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro.