The Kennedy half-dollar was first introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. From 1965 to 1970, the coin was made with a composition of 40% silver and 60% copper. By 1978, however, the coins were no longer made with silver. Instead, they were primarily made of copper and nickel.
The 1978 Kennedy half dollar features the bust of President Kennedy on the front, a design created by artist Gilroy Roberts. This iconic design has made the coin a favorite among collectors.
Is a 1978 Kennedy Half Dollar Made of Silver?
No, the 1978 Kennedy half dollar is not made of silver. After 1970, the U.S. Mint stopped using silver in these coins, and they were instead made with a copper-nickel alloy. If you have a 1978 Kennedy half dollar, its value isn’t based on silver content but rather on the condition of the coin and its rarity.
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1978 Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties
There are three main types of 1978 Kennedy half dollars, depending on the mint that produced them:
- 1978 P (Philadelphia Mint): Approximately 14.35 million coins were minted here. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark. These coins typically sell for between $0.50 and $2.50, depending on their condition.
- 1978 D (Denver Mint): Around 13.76 million coins were minted in Denver, and they feature a “D” mint mark. These coins can be worth up to $4.50 in good condition.
- 1978 S (San Francisco Mint): This is the rarest variety, with only about 3.12 million coins produced. Coins from the San Francisco Mint have an “S” mint mark and are known as proof coins, which means they were struck with extra care to create a higher-quality finish. These coins can fetch between $0.50 and $7.00, depending on their condition.
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How Much Is a 1978 Kennedy Half-Dollar Worth Today?
The value of a 1978 Kennedy half dollar depends largely on where it was minted and its condition:
- Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark): $0.50 to $2.50
- Denver Mint (D Mint Mark): Up to $4.50
- San Francisco Mint (S Mint Mark/Proof): $0.50 to $7.00
Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint are especially sought after by collectors due to their polished appearance and limited production.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.