The 1989 Kennedy half dollar is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It features a core of pure copper, with a nickel-clad exterior.
This coin has a face value of 50 cents, a weight of 11.34 grams, a diameter of 30.6 mm, and a thickness of 2.15 mm. It also has a reeded edge and is one of the most widely circulated coins in the United States.
Design of the 1989 Kennedy Half Dollar
The obverse of the 1989 Kennedy half dollar showcases a left-facing portrait of John F. Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts.
The inscriptions on the obverse include:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 1989
- Mint mark (if applicable)
On the reverse side, the coin features a modified version of the presidential seal, designed by Frank Gasparro. The design incorporates symbolic elements, each carrying its own meaning.
Symbolism on the Reverse Side of the 1989 Kennedy Half Dollar
The reverse side of the 1989 Kennedy half dollar features an eagle, a symbol of many of the core values cherished in America, such as courage, truth, and freedom. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon, signifying peace, while arrows in its left talon represent the country’s readiness to defend itself if necessary.
In front of the eagle is a shield symbolizing the original 13 colonies. The eagle also carries a ribbon inscribed with “E Pluribus Unum,” which translates to “Out of many, one.”
The inscriptions on the reverse side include:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- HALF DOLLAR
History of the Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced by the United States Mint in 1964 to honor the memory and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Initially, the coin was struck in silver. However, due to hoarding, the Mint transitioned to using base metals for the Kennedy half dollar and other coins starting in 1971.
1989 Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties
The 1989 Kennedy half dollar comes in several varieties, each with distinctive characteristics and production details. Below is an overview of one of these varieties:
1989-P Kennedy Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy half dollar
- Year of Minting: 1989
- Mint Mark: P or no mint mark
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Quantity Produced: 24,542,000
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $0.50 to $5.00 (or more)
- Mass: 11.34 grams
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse) / Frank Gasparro (reverse)
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Thickness: 2.15 mm
The 1989-P Kennedy half dollar was minted in Philadelphia, with a production of approximately 24,542,000 coins. This variety is commonly priced between $0.50 and $5.00, depending on its condition and market demand.
1989-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1989-D Kennedy half dollar is another variety of this coin, with distinct characteristics and production details:
1989-D Kennedy Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy half dollar
- Year of Minting: 1989
- Mint Mark: D
- Place of Minting: Denver
- Quantity Produced: 12,000,096
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $0.50 to $5.00 (or more)
- Mass: 11.34 grams
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse) / Frank Gasparro (reverse)
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Thickness: 2.15 mm
Much like the 1989-P version, the 1989-D Kennedy half dollar typically sells for around $0.50 to $5.00. However, in rare or exceptional condition, some coins can fetch several hundred dollars. A total of approximately 12 million 1989 Kennedy D half-dollar coins were produced at the Denver Mint.
1989-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
The 1989-S Kennedy half dollar proof is a special variety, known for its beauty and detailed craftsmanship:
1989-S Kennedy Half Dollar Proof
- Type: Kennedy half dollar
- Year of Minting: 1989
- Mint Mark: S
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Quantity Produced: 3,220,194
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $0.50 to $5.00 (or more)
- Mass: 11.34 grams
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse) / Frank Gasparro (reverse)
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Edge: Reeded
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Thickness: 2.15 mm
The 1989-S Kennedy half dollar proof stands out for its superior quality. As a proof coin, each piece was hand-polished to enhance its luster, giving it a more detailed and refined appearance. These coins also feature a deep cameo effect, where elements like Kennedy’s hair, wrinkles, and ears are more pronounced, offering a stunning visual contrast.
As proof coins, the 1989-S Kennedy half dollar features a deep cameo effect, where the details, such as Kennedy’s hair, wrinkles, and ears, are more sharply defined and stand out with striking contrast.
The production of the S Kennedy half dollar is more time-consuming due to its intricate manufacturing process. As a result, the San Francisco Mint only produced about three million of these coins, a much lower quantity compared to other varieties.
Due to its enhanced beauty and finer craftsmanship, the 1989-S Kennedy half dollar proof is typically more expensive than the other versions of the coin.
List of 1989 Kennedy Half Dollar Errors
In addition to the standard 1989 Kennedy half dollar varieties, there are also some coins that were produced with errors due to issues with the strike, planchet, or position. Below are some of the most common errors associated with this coin:
1989-D Kennedy Half Dollar Misaligned Die Off Center
One of the most notable errors found on the 1989-D Kennedy half dollar is the misaligned die off-center error. This occurs when the die used to strike the coin is not properly aligned, causing the design to be mispositioned.
On platforms like eBay, this misaligned die error is listed for around $6.95.
1989-D Kennedy Half Dollar Missing Star
On the reverse side of the 1989-D Kennedy half dollar, the eagle is surrounded by 50 stars, symbolizing the 50 states of the United States. However, some coins from this series feature an error where one of the stars is missing. This error is typically caused by grease, debris, or dirt that obstructed the die during the striking process, preventing it from fully imprinting the star on the coin.
This missing star error makes the coin a rare find, potentially increasing its value among collectors.
How Much Is 1989 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Today?
The standard 1989 Kennedy half dollar typically holds a value equal to its face value of $0.50. The melt value is even lower, at $0.01005, based on its copper and nickel composition. However, there are certain 1989 Kennedy half dollars that can be worth significantly more depending on their condition and specific characteristics.
Here’s a general guide to the value of the 1989 Kennedy half-dollar:
| Coin | Condition | Grade | Mintage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1989 Kennedy half-dollar coin | Circulated | Not graded | 36,542,096 | $0.50-$1.00 |
| 1989 Kennedy half-dollar coin (P) | Uncirculated | MS 63 | 24,542,000 | $4.52 |
| 1989 Kennedy half-dollar coin (D) | Uncirculated | MS 63 | 23,000,216 | $3.30 |
| 1989 Kennedy half-dollar coin proof (S) | Uncirculated | MS 65 | 3,220,194 | $6.65 |
| 1989 Kennedy half-dollar coin proof (S) | Uncirculated | PR 69 | 3,220,194 | $11-$17 |
| 1989 Kennedy half-dollar coin proof (S) | Uncirculated | PR 70 | 3,220,194 | $29-$69 |
Are There Any Rare 1989 Kennedy Half Dollars?
Though over 40 million Kennedy half dollars were produced in 1989, most are not considered rare. However, business-strike coins with grades above MS 66 and proof coins with PR 69 or higher are regarded as rare, based on their condition and overall appeal.
- The most expensive 1989 Kennedy half-dollar ever sold was one with an MS 68 grade, which fetched $3,349.97 in an auction.
- The rarest 1989 Kennedy proof coin is the PR 70 version, which sold for $552.00.
How Does The Grading System Work?
The Sheldon Scale is used to assign a numerical grade to coins, ranging from P-1 (Poor) to MS-70 (Perfect Mint State). The scale is used by numismatists to assess a coin’s condition, with higher grades indicating better preservation and quality.
Here’s a breakdown of common grades:
- MS-60 to MS-63: Coins with contact marks and reduced luster but still considered uncirculated.
- MS-65: A highly attractive uncirculated coin with minimal blemishes.
- MS-68: A premium quality coin with superb luster and almost no visible contact marks.
- MS-70: A flawless, perfect coin with no visible imperfections even under magnification.
Where To Buy Or Sell 1989 Kennedy Half Dollar?
If you’re looking to buy or sell a 1989 Kennedy half dollar, there are several options available:
- Online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy.
- Specialized coin-selling websites that offer both purchasing and selling services.
- Coin shops and antique shops may also have these coins in stock.
FAQs
What makes a 1989 Kennedy Half Dollar rare?
A 1989 Kennedy half dollar is considered rare when it is in excellent condition, graded MS 66 or higher, or when it features unique minting errors.
Should I keep 1989 Kennedy half dollars?
Yes, especially if they are in excellent condition or have unique features. Over time, their value may increase, particularly for well-preserved or error coins.
Is a 1989 P half dollar worth anything?
A 1989 P half dollar is typically worth $0.50 at face value. However, its value can increase if it’s in MS 67 or higher condition.
What year half dollars are silver?
Half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 are made from 60% copper and 40% silver, while coins minted in 1964 were made of 90% silver and 10% copper.