A Closer Look at the 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar: A Coin with a Story to Tell

If you are interested in collecting and numismatics, you have probably heard of the 1970 Kennedy half dollar many times. Why is it on the ear of many people? Well, the reason is that the Kennedy half dollar 1970 is not just an ordinary coin, it is a symbol of a tragic event and the memory of one of the most significant moments in the history of the United States. 

The coin was issued to memorialize John F. Kennedy, a president who strived for progress, positivity and innovation. But among all the half dollar mintages featuring the 35th president, it is the 1970 half dollar that has special characteristics and a unique history. Let's explore why, and whether it is from the foreign coins worth money list.

A Few Words About the History

As we all know, President John F. Kennedy was tragically murdered in 1963. And soon after this sad event it was decided to commemorate the president and issue half dollar coins in his honor. The design of the coin was developed by engraver Gilroy Roberts. Interestingly, the portrait of the president for the half dollar was already designed and used by the master earlier for the Orange Bowl Presidential Medal, after which it was adapted for the half dollar, showing the youth, commitment and glory of the president. The coin design went into minting in record time in 1964, displacing the Benjamin Franklin half dollar.

“But why all the excitement around the 1970 Kennedy half dollar?” - you ask. The reason is that until 1970 the coins were made almost entirely of silver, but inflation and the increase in the cost of metal, unfortunately, had not the least role, and the real value of the coin became higher than the nominal, which was not favorable to the state. And the issue of Kennedy half dollars in 1970 was the last time they contained silver - 40% in the alloy. As a result, these 1970 coins were used only for special collector mint sets and proof sets and were not released into circulation, making the value of 1970 Kennedy half dollars very high among collectors and numismatists today.

Design and Characteristics of the Сoin

Obverse and Reverse

The obverse of the coin shows the profile of President John F. Kennedy. Gilroy Roberts portrayed the President as stern and decisive, embodying the ideals of the people, the desire for justice and progress. The words “LIBERTY” are engraved around the portrait and the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” underneath. The minting year “1970” is located below Kennedy's neck. This design has remained unchanged since the first issue in 1964, making the coin easily recognizable.

The reverse includes the image of a white eagle with spread wings, symbolizing power and strength. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right paw and a bundle of 13 arrows in its left. The eagle also holds in its beak a scroll with the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (symbol of the unity of the state). Around the entire image is the text “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top and the denomination of the coin “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom.

Interesting fact: The olive branch in the eagle's talons symbolizes peace, which perfectly echoes the philosophy of Kennedy, who sought global peace during his presidency.

Main Characteristics of the Coin:

• Denomination: 50 cents (half dollar).

• Metal: 40% silver, 60% copper (this is the last year that Kennedy half dollars contain silver).

• Weight: 11.5 grams.

• Diameter: 30.6 mm.

• Thickness: 2.15 mm.

• Edge: fluted (150 notches).

If you have ever wondered “what is the difference between 1970 d Kennedy half dollar and 1970 s Kennedy half dollar” or “what does 1970 d half dollar” mean, please be informed that the answer lies in the name of the mint.

What Do the Letters S, D, and P Mean?

The 1970 Kennedy half dollar was minted at two mints, and each has its own distinctive mark (a small letter between the 2nd and 3rd numbers of the year)

“S” - San Francisco: These coins were minted as Proof, meaning top quality minted with a mirror finish. They were produced only for numismatic sets.

"D" — Denver: These coins were issued in regular quality but were also intended exclusively for collector sets and were not released into circulation.

There were no “P” (Philadelphia) coins in 1970, as half dollars were not minted at the Philadelphia Mint.

However, the Philadelphia Mint minted Kennedy half dollars from other years in circulation. Initially made of 90% silver, then the amount of silver was reduced and after 1971 the coins were minted in copper-nickel alloy.

Investment Potential

The 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar can be considered a collector's item with some investment potential although it is not one of the world’s oldest coins. Below you can find a few reasons why this coin may be attractive to investors.

Historical Significance

This coin is associated with the memorable event of Kennedy's death and his legacy.

Limited Issue

As we mentioned earlier, the 1970 half dollar coins were not released for circulation. The mintage for mint sets in Denver was 2,150,000 and for proof sets in San Francisco was 2,632,810. Despite these numbers, due to their exclusion from circulation, many coins remained in their sets or were lost, limiting the available quantity on the market.

Minting Quality and Silver Content

The proof coins from San Francisco are considered to be of exceptional quality and are highly valued among collectors, the silver content of the coin also makes it interesting for those who invest in precious metals.

Growing Collector Interest

Over time, the rarity and demand for these coins only increases, making them an excellent long-term asset.

How Much Does 1970 Half Dollar Worth?

1970 d Kennedy half dollar value varies greatly depending on condition and type (Proof or standard). The approximate value of the coin may vary as follows:

• Proof Coins (San Francisco): The value of these coins is usually between $20-50, depending on condition.

• Ordinary Coins (Denver): 1970 Kennedy half dollar worth about $15-30 if the coin is in good condition.

• Perfect condition: (MS-65 and up) 1970 d half dollar value can be considerably higher, especially if packaged in an original collector's set.

If you have unidentified coins in your collection or coins you would like to know more about, try the modern Coin ID Scanner application for free coin identification. With its help you can easily find out the main characteristics and approximate value of your coin, store, manage and organize information about your collection and keep up to date with the latest news in the world of numismatics. Try it to make your hobby technological and organized.

Where Can You Purchase a 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar?

If you are interested in purchasing this coin, you can consider the following options: auction houses and platforms (such as Heritage Auctions) where rare coins are often offered for purchase; online platforms like eBay, Amazon; and specialized numismatic stores that offer a wide range of coins for collectors.

A Coin Worth Your Attention

The 1970 half dollar is a unique symbol of a transitional period in the history of American coins. All the characteristics and features of the coin along with the silver content and historical background make the Kennedy half dollar very attractive to collectors and numismatists.