Are you on the hunt for a unique coin to enhance your collection? If so, the 1997 Kennedy half dollar is a fantastic addition. But what makes this coin stand out? Keep reading to discover more!
What Is the Composition of the 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1997 Kennedy half dollar consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, there is also a special proof version of this coin, which is crafted from 90% silver and 10% copper.
This coin is part of the Kennedy half dollar series, which was first introduced by the U.S. Mint in 1964. Initially, the coin was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. From 1965 to 1970, the silver content was reduced to 40%, while the copper content increased to 60%.
The silver content was eliminated from 1970 onwards, leaving the current half dollar with a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
You might be curious about why the U.S. Mint chose to reduce and eventually eliminate the silver from the 50-cent coin.
The reason dates back to the coin’s early popularity. When the Kennedy half dollar was first released, it became so widely admired that people didn’t want to spend it. This led to significant hoarding.
To address this issue, the U.S. Mint decided to lower the silver content. For about six years, the Kennedy half dollar contained 40% silver. However, this didn’t solve the problem, as hoarding persisted.
Ultimately, due to the rising cost of silver and the ongoing hoarding issue, the U.S. Mint made the decision to remove all silver from the 50-cent coin.
The 1997 Kennedy half dollar features the same design that has been used since its initial production. The obverse of the coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts, while the reverse was created by Frank Gasparro. Roberts and Gasparro had limited time to develop new designs, so they opted to use existing designs for the new 50-cent coin.
The obverse of the 1997 Kennedy half dollar displays an image of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, who was tragically assassinated in 1963. The inscriptions on the obverse include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1997, and the mint mark.
On the reverse side, the design is similar to the presidential seal, featuring several symbols with distinct meanings. These include an eagle, an olive branch, a bundle of arrows, a banner, and stars. The reverse also carries the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HALF DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Despite its popularity, the Kennedy half dollar struggled in circulation. As a result, the regular Kennedy half dollar was discontinued in 2001. However, from 2002 to 2020, special edition half-dollar coins were still minted for collectors.
1997 Kennedy Half Dollar Varieties
There are four distinct varieties of the 1997 Kennedy half dollar, differing in their content, mint mark, and whether they were produced as proof or regular coins.
Here’s a breakdown of the mintage figures for each variety:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 P Kennedy Half Dollar | Philadelphia | 20,882,000 |
| 1997 D Kennedy Half Dollar | Denver | 19,876,000 |
| 1997 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar | San Francisco | 2,055,000 |
| 1997 S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar | San Francisco | 741,678 |
In total, more than 43 million Kennedy half dollars were produced in 1997. The Philadelphia and Denver Mints handled the production of regular coins, while the San Francisco Mint produced the proof versions.
Here’s a closer look at the 1997 P Kennedy half dollar:
1997 P Kennedy Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Year of Minting: 1997
- Mint Mark: P
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia
- Quantity Produced: 20,882,000
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $0.50 to $1 (in uncirculated condition)
- Mass: 11.30 grams
- Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
The Philadelphia Mint produced the highest number of 1997 Kennedy half dollars, with over 20 million coins minted. As a result, the 1997-P 50-cent coin is relatively easy to find and more accessible compared to other years in the series.
1997 D Kennedy Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Year of Minting: 1997
- Mint Mark: D
- Place of Minting: Denver
- Quantity Produced: 19,876,000
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $0.50 to $1 (in uncirculated condition)
- Mass: 11.30 grams
- Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
The Denver Mint produced just under 20 million Kennedy half dollars in 1997. This marked a decrease in production compared to previous years, such as from 1994 to 1996, when more than 20 million coins were minted each year. This drop reflects a declining demand for Kennedy half-dollar coins in the late 1990s.
1997 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Year of Minting: 1997
- Mint Mark: S
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Quantity Produced: 2,055,000
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $9 or more (in mint state)
- Mass: 11.30 grams
- Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
The San Francisco Mint produced over 2 million proof Kennedy half dollars in 1997. These proof coins typically start at around $9 and can be worth more, depending on their condition. Proof coins are priced higher than regular coins due to their enhanced quality, featuring superior luster, detail, and brilliance.
1997 S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar
- Type: Kennedy Half Dollar
- Year of Minting: 1997
- Mint Mark: S
- Place of Minting: San Francisco
- Quantity Produced: 741,678
- Face Value: $0.50 (fifty cents)
- Price: $13 or more (in mint state)
- Mass: 11.30 grams
- Diameter: 30.61 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
In 1997, the San Francisco Mint produced over 700,000 silver-proof Kennedy half dollars. Given the rising price of silver, these silver-proof coins are more valuable as bullion than for their face value. Additionally, the San Francisco Mint’s production of high-quality silver-proof coins has led to a strong presence of the 1997 Kennedy silver-proof half dollar in top grades, including PR70. These coins are typically priced at $13 or more, depending on their condition.
List of 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar Errors
While approximately 53 million 1997 Kennedy half-dollar coins were minted, some were produced with errors. Here are a few common types of errors found on these coins:
1. Strike-through Error
A strike-through error occurs when a foreign object, such as debris or dust, gets stuck on the die or planchet during the minting process. This results in distortions on the coin’s surface, such as blurry engraved elements or error lines.
2. Clipped Planchet
A clipped planchet error happens when there is a misfeed during the cutting process of the metal sheets. The blade may strike a portion of a previously cut coin, causing a section of the planchet to be clipped off.
3. Die Crack
A die crack forms when a die, which is used to strike the coin, develops small cracks due to repeated use. These cracks appear as thin, short lines on the coin’s surface when the die strikes the planchet. A die crack may be visible as a thin line.
These errors make certain 1997 Kennedy half dollars more valuable to collectors.
How Much Is the 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Today?
The 1997 Kennedy half dollar has a face value of 50 cents, and its melt value is around $0.1161. However, the silver 1997 Kennedy half-dollar proof coin, which is made of 90% silver, has a higher melt value of about $7.7114. Circulated 1997 Kennedy half dollars can be found for around $0.50 to $3, depending on the condition.
The true value of the 1997 Kennedy half-dollar lies in its numismatic appeal. Coins in better grades, such as uncirculated or proof conditions, can command significantly higher prices. Some rare examples have been sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here’s a look at recent auction results for the 1997 Kennedy half dollar:
| Coin | Condition | Grade | Sold Date | Sold By | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 P Kennedy Half Dollar | Superb Gem Uncirculated | MS 68 | September 7, 2016 | Heritage Auctions | $999 |
| 1997 D Kennedy Half Dollar | Superb Gem Uncirculated | MS 68 | November 29, 2012 | Heritage Auctions | $1,410 |
| 1997 S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar | Perfect Uncirculated | PR 70 – Deep Cameo | May 27, 2003 | Goldberg Auctioneers | $633 |
| 1997 S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar | Perfect Uncirculated | PR 70 – Deep Cameo | May 27, 2003 | Goldberg Auctioneers | $748 |
How Does The Grading System Work?
Coins are graded using the Sheldon Scale, a 70-point system created by numismatists in the 1970s. The scale evaluates a coin based on its condition and appearance, with higher numbers indicating better quality. Below are some of the most common coin grades:
- P-1 (Poor): Almost unidentifiable, heavily worn.
- FR-2 (Fair): Some detail visible, coin still identifiable.
- VG-8 (Very Good): All major design elements visible, though worn.
- F-12 (Fine): Moderate wear, clear details.
- VF-20 (Very Fine): Light wear, fine details still visible.
- EF-40 (Extremely Fine): Minimal wear, most details bold.
- AU-50 (About Uncirculated): Slight wear on high points.
- MS-60 (Mint State Basal): No wear, but contact marks and imperfections are visible.
- MS-70 (Mint State Perfect): Flawless, no visible imperfections under magnification.
Where To Buy Or Sell 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar?
If you’re looking to buy or sell a 1997 Kennedy half dollar, here are a few places to consider:
- Online Buy-and-Sell Platforms: eBay, Amazon, and Etsy are popular platforms for buying and selling coins. eBay, in particular, has a wide selection of Kennedy half dollars for sale.
- Specialized Websites: Websites like JM Bullion, USA Coin Book, and Coin Appraiser offer buying and selling services for coins.
- Coin Dealers: Local coin dealers or those found through online directories are good options. Make sure to choose reputable dealers to avoid scams.
FAQs
Does a 1997 half dollar have silver?
The regular 1997 half dollar coins are made from 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, there are special proof coins from 1997 that are made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
How much is a 1997 Kennedy half dollar worth?
While the face value is 50 cents, a circulated 1997 Kennedy half dollar typically sells for $3 or less. However, coins in higher grades, like the 1997 D Kennedy Half Dollar sold for $1,410 in 2012, can be worth significantly more depending on their condition and rarity.
Are 1997 Kennedy Half Dollars still in circulation?
Yes, the 1997 Kennedy Half Dollars are still in circulation, though they are rarely seen in daily transactions. Most Kennedy half dollars produced since the 1970s have been collected by coin enthusiasts or stored in bank vaults rather than used for regular spending.
What makes a 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar valuable?
A 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar becomes more valuable depending on its condition, rarity, and any errors it might have. Coins in mint state or with proof conditions, especially those graded PR70 or MS68, can be worth significantly more than face value.