1776–1976: Kennedy Half Dollar (Dual-Dated Bicentennial Independence Hall Reverse)

1776-1976-D Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar toned obverse and Independence Hall reverse

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1975-1976 (dual date 1776-1976)

Country: United States

Denomination: Half dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: Copper-nickel clad for circulation and standard proofs; 40% silver-clad for special collector issues

Silver fineness: None for copper-nickel clad; 40% overall for silver-clad

Silver weight: None for clad; 0.1479 oz ASW for silver-clad

Weight: 11.34 g clad; 11.50 g silver-clad

Diameter: 30.6 mm

Thickness: 2.15 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse); Seth G. Huntington (Bicentennial reverse)

Design identification

Obverse: John F. Kennedy portrait.

Reverse: Independence Hall, with HALF DOLLAR below and 200 YEARS OF FREEDOM at left.

1776–1976: Kennedy Half Dollar (Dual-Dated Bicentennial Independence Hall Reverse) history

The Bicentennial half dollar uses Seth G. Huntington's view of Independence Hall instead of Frank Gasparro's regular Presidential Seal reverse. Coins were struck during 1975 and 1976 but all carry the dual date 1776-1976.

Circulating pieces use copper-nickel clad construction; special San Francisco collector issues also exist in 40% silver-clad. The building reverse, mintmark, edge, and weight identify the version.