1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar Value Guide

The 1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar is a significant piece of American numismatic history, struck at the Denver Mint as part of the long-running memorial series for the 35th President. While later issues were primarily for collectors, this copper-nickel clad edition remains a staple for those completing date-and-mint sets of the Kennedy series.

What affects the value of 1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar?

• Numerical grade from services like PCGS or NGC, with MS65 or higher specimens commanding premiums over the $1.50-$2.00 base.
• Presence of 'Full Hair' details on Kennedy's portrait and sharp feathers on the eagle's breast.
• Luster and surface preservation, specifically the absence of contact marks or 'bag marks' from the minting process.
• Errors or varieties, such as doubled dies or planchet defects, which can significantly increase collector interest.

How to Identify 1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar?

• Locate the 'D' mint mark on the obverse side, positioned just above the date to signify the Denver Mint.
• Verify the composition is copper-nickel clad, which will show a distinct copper stripe along the edge of the coin.
• Check for the designer's initials 'GR' (Gilroy Roberts) on the truncation of Kennedy's neck and 'FG' (Frank Gasparro) on the reverse.
• Confirm the date '1996' is clearly struck on the bottom center of the obverse profile.

History of 1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar

First minted in 1964, just months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Half Dollar was designed as a memorial to the 35th President. The 1996-D edition was struck at the Denver Mint. While early versions contained silver, by 1996 the coins were composed of a copper-nickel clad material for general circulation.