U.S. Mint coin reference

1971–2000: Kennedy Half Dollar (Copper-Nickel Clad Composition Type)

Kennedy 40% Silver 1965-1970 reduced-silver Kennedy half dollars.

View mintage profile

1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver image

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1971-2000

Country: United States

Denomination: Half dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: Cupro-nickel clad: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel

Silver fineness: None (not a silver coin)

Silver weight: None

Weight: 11.34 g

Diameter: 30.6 mm

Thickness: 2.15 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: Gilroy Roberts / Frank Gasparro

Design identification

Obverse: John F. Kennedy portrait.

Reverse: Presidential seal eagle design on the regular half dollar reverse.

1971–2000: Kennedy Half Dollar (Copper-Nickel Clad Composition Type) history

The regular Kennedy half dollar moved to copper-nickel clad construction in 1971. The Presidential Seal reverse continued except for the Independence Hall Bicentennial design used on dual-dated 1776-1976 pieces.

Circulation use declined even as production continued. Date, mintmark, proof status, strike, and the copper core visible at the edge separate this subtype from the earlier silver issues.