1988 Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guide

The 1988 Kennedy Half Dollar is a significant piece of American numismatic history, continuing the legacy of the Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro design first introduced in 1964. As a copper-nickel clad issue, it represents the modern era of the series following the transition away from silver in 1971.

What affects the value of 1988 Kennedy Half Dollar?

• Mint state condition and lack of surface abrasions significantly impact the $1-$2 price range.
• The presence of a 'S' mint mark indicates a Proof strike, which often carries a slight premium.
• Sharpness of the strike on the eagle's feathers and the stars on the reverse.
• Overall luster and the absence of heavy circulation wear or 'bag marks'.

How to Identify 1988 Kennedy Half Dollar?

• Check the obverse for the profile of John F. Kennedy and the 1988 date at the bottom.
• Verify the reverse features the Presidential Seal design by Frank Gasparro.
• Look for the 'P' (Philadelphia), 'D' (Denver), or 'S' (San Francisco) mint mark above the date.
• Confirm the edge shows a copper stripe, indicating the copper-nickel clad composition rather than silver.

History of 1988 Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964, shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was an immediate success with the public, with many people collecting them as a memento of the fallen president. The coin's design, featuring Kennedy's profile on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse, was created by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. Initially, the coin was made of 90% silver, but due to rising silver prices, it was changed to a 40% silver clad composition from 1965 to 1970, and then to a copper-nickel clad composition from 1971 onward.