By CoinWeek…
The Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar is a quintessential American modern coin, and the offering of one of the finest known examples is a significant event for Registry Set collectors. The auction is currently listed with a starting bid of $3,900 and will close on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
The Bicentennial Half Dollar
The 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar is a circulating commemorative coin struck to celebrate the United States Bicentennial, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This coin, minted at the Philadelphia Mint is one of the most widely recognized modern circulating commemoratives.
The coin was produced in 1975 and 1976, but features a dual date, “1776-1976,” on the obverse, along with the standard portrait of John F. Kennedy.
The coin is most distinct for its one-year-only reverse design, which was chosen through a public competition. The design, by Seth G. Huntington, prominently features a front view of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. In addition to “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR,” the reverse includes the inscription “200 YEARS OF FREEDOM” and “INDEPENDENCE HALL.”
Due to its massive mintage and the fact that many were saved by the public upon release, the 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar is extremely common and is generally only worth its 50¢ face value in circulated condition. up to a few dollars in typical uncirculated condition.
However, the coin is uncommon in the certified grade MS67, and to date, PCGS has certified but three examples in MS67+. This is example is one of them. The current example exhibits a thin layer of pastel toning on the reverse along with hints of color along the obverse periphery.
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I would love one of those.
How can I get one of those and how much
I have always loved the Kennedy half design. To me it represents some of the highest levels of design and artistry using the Presidential Seal. It really love the design and have a number of high grade specimens across the whole set.
love the kennedy half
Very interesting! I have a ton of these that haven’t been touched.
I wish I could have a bigger collection of Bicentennial coins like this..
I didn’t realize how rare this was uncirculated.
The Kennedy Half is a pretty special coin to me and the bicentennial is doubly so.
A beauty.
Wow that is a nice coin, almost no sign of contact with other coins.
Need to take a closer look at my best bicentennial halves I guess!
I did not know a 1976-D clad half was such a condition rarity. Time to check the coins I have.
My first post did not seem to take. I cannot believe how rare the 1976 halves could be. Time to take a close loo at the 1976 I own and perhaps send the really nice in for certifcation.
Great coin.
Charles Morgan, you may want to also edit the caption under the picture at the top of the article? “1976-D Kennedy Half Dollar. Image: GreatCollections / CoinWeek.” The coin pictured and up for auction is not a Denver mint mark coin. Lastly, perhaps consider dropping the 1st “is”, in the second to last sentence? “This is example is one of them.” PS Thanks for all the great coin information yourself and Hubert Walker regularly share here on Coin Week!